all_o true_a evangelical_n love_n faith_n and_o worship_n be_v lose_v yea_o this_o kind_n of_o communion_n and_o conjunction_n add_v unto_o a_o implicit_a dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n and_o multitude_n be_v content_v with_o they_o as_o those_o which_o do_v bestead_v they_o in_o their_o neglect_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o their_o exercise_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o other_o who_o suppose_v they_o have_v all_o the_o love_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v free_v from_o such_o scandalous_a variance_n with_o their_o neighbour_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o communion_n 4._o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o love_n how_o do_v man_n maintain_v it_o towards_o any_o not_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n see_v they_o never_o meet_v with_o they_o at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o if_o they_o can_v live_v in_o love_n with_o those_o of_o other_o parish_n why_o can_v they_o not_o do_v so_o with_o those_o who_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n with_o they_o do_v meet_v apart_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o such_o congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v wherefore_o 5._o the_o variance_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o set_n up_o of_o these_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o variance_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n matth._n 10.34_o 35_o 36._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n against_o his_o father_n and_o the_o daughter_n against_o her_o mother_n and_o the_o daughter-in-law_n against_o her_o mother-in-law_n and_o a_o man_n foe_n shall_v be_v they_o of_o his_o own_o household_n he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n he_o come_v to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n between_o man_n themselves_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o teach_v nothing_o enjoin_v nothing_o that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n shall_v have_v the_o least_o inconsistency_n with_o peace_n or_o give_v countenance_n unto_o variance_n but_o he_o declare_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o fall_v out_o through_o the_o sin_n the_o darkness_n unbelief_n and_o enmity_n unto_o the_o truth_n that_o will_v continue_v on_o some_o under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o other_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n shall_v embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o what_o occasion_n for_o this_o variance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o gather_n of_o these_o congregation_n which_o the_o way_n itself_o do_v neither_o cause_n nor_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o we_o be_v not_o accountable_a for_o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v with_o those_o among_o who_o these_o variance_n and_o loss_n of_o love_n thereby_o be_v pretend_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_v the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v the_o same_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o whereas_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o way_n and_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o assemble_v in_o distinct_a corporation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v lead_v unto_o love_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o know_a duty_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o ensue_v on_o this_o way_n must_v be_v charge_v on_o the_o enmity_n hatred_n pride_n and_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o cure_v 2._o another_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o state_n be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principal_a outward_a mean_n to_o support_v preserve_v publish_v declare_v and_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o that_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v unto_o this_o assertion_n in_o the_o next_o word_n that_o church_n state_n which_o do_v not_o answer_v this_o end_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o this_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n be_v eminent_o suit_v unto_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v in_o this_o duty_n or_o require_v unto_o this_o end_n that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1._o that_o it_o preserve_v the_o truth_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o its_o member_n against_o all_o seducer_n false_a teacher_n and_o error_n this_o the_o apostle_n give_v in_o special_a charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n add_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o this_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.20_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o 14._o this_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o church_n be_v meet_v and_o suit_v unto_o the_o continual_a inspection_n which_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n add_v unto_o that_o circumspection_n about_o and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n fit_v they_o for_o this_o work_n this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a mean_n on_o the_o matter_n the_o only_a outward_a mean_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n how_o this_o can_v be_v do_v where_o church_n be_v of_o that_o make_v and_o constitution_n that_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a inspection_n into_o or_o cognizance_n of_o either_o the_o knowledge_n opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n know_v on_o any_o evident_a ground_n what_o it_o be_v that_o their_o principal_a officer_n believe_v and_o teach_v i_o know_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v the_o truth_n preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o two_o first_o century_n wherein_o they_o have_v no_o officer_n but_o what_o be_v place_v in_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o that_o no_o considerable_a error_n make_v any_o entrance_n among_o they_o 2._o that_o each_o church_n take_v care_n that_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o church_n their_o communion_n among_o themselves_o whereof_o afterward_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o common_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n this_o therefore_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v always_o their_o practice_n to_o look_v after_o that_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a for_o a_o change_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o of_o they_o they_o know_v will_v be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o communion_n wherefore_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n fall_v out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o of_o the_o disciple_n be_v subvert_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o notice_n and_o knowledge_n of_o it_o help_v they_o with_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heresy_n and_o frenzy_n of_o montanus_n the_o faithful_a or_o church_n in_o asia_n meet_v frequent_o in_o sundry_a place_n to_o examine_v his_o pretence_n and_o condemn_v his_o error_n whereby_o the_o church_n in_o phrygia_n be_v preserve_v hist._n eccl._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 14._o so_o the_o same_o be_v do_v afterward_o in_o the_o case_n of_o samosatenus_fw-la at_o antioch_n whereby_o that_o church_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o his_o pernicious_a heresy_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 26_o 28_o 29._o and_o this_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o every_o particular_a church_n if_o it_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n epiphanius_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n of_o noetus_n a_o patropassian_a affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n call_v he_o and_o inquire_v of_o his_o opinion_n several_a time_n whereon_o be_v convict_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o enormous_a error_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o he_o begin_v to_o disperse_v his_o error_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la cont_n noet_n haer._n 38._o sec._n 57_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v entire_a during_o the_o two_o first_o century_n and_o somewhat_o after_o
gospel_n be_v believe_v own_a and_o profess_v without_o controversy_n and_o those_o not_o bear_v withal_o by_o who_o they_o be_v deny_v or_o oppose_v without_o this_o a_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a that_o those_o thing_n be_v general_o profess_v or_o not_o deny_v a_o church_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o wrangling_n and_o contion_n about_o fundamental_a or_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o of_o choice_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o these_o thing_n subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o great_o impede_fw-la their_o edification_n and_o although_o both_o among_o distinct_a church_n and_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n mutual_a forbearance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o a_o variety_n in_o apprehension_n in_o some_o doctrine_n of_o lesser_a moment_n yet_o the_o incursion_n that_o have_v be_v make_v into_o sundry_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o last_o and_o present_a age_n of_o novel_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n with_o difference_n division_n and_o endless_a dispute_n which_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o have_v render_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v how_o to_o engage_v in_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o constant_a total_a communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o absolute_o unto_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o wherein_o there_o be_v incurable_a dissension_n about_o important_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v public_o avow_v countenance_n or_o approve_v of_o doctrine_n contrary_a unto_o those_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o first_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o their_o own_o edification_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o the_o divine_a worship_n institute_v or_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v diligent_o observe_v without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereunto_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o worship_n as_o unto_o all_o external_a occasional_a incidency_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o act_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v it_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n do_v unmake_v they_o from_o be_v rational_a creature_n or_o refuse_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o service_n but_o this_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o truth_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o give_v they_o a_o improvement_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o they_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o that_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o but_o if_o man_n if_o church_n will_v make_v addition_n in_o or_o unto_o the_o rite_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o require_v their_o observance_n in_o their_o communion_n on_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o be_v so_o by_o they_o appoint_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n to_o join_v in_o total_a absolute_a communion_n with_o any_o such_o church_n he_o may_v be_v induce_v on_o various_a consideration_n to_o judge_v that_o something_o of_o that_o nature_n at_o some_o season_n may_v not_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a unto_o he_o which_o therefore_o he_o will_v bear_v with_o or_o comply_v withal_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n or_o command_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o or_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o hereby_o too_o much_o liberty_n be_v grant_v unto_o believer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o shall_v thereon_o make_v severe_a declamation_n about_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o evil_n which_o will_v ensue_v i_o desire_v they_o will_v remember_v the_o principle_n i_o proceed_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o such_o sacred_a machine_n as_o some_o suppose_v erect_v and_o act_v for_o the_o outward_a interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o only_o mean_v of_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o only_o a_o divine_a warranty_n justify_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o a_o express_a command_n make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o that_o religious_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v faithful_a both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n have_v institute_v and_o command_v but_o have_v no_o such_o warranty_n or_o command_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o if_o by_o the_o same_o breath_n in_o the_o same_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n they_o be_v command_v and_o oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v both_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o on_o the_o same_o penalty_n for_o their_o omission_n no_o man_n can_v be_v divine_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n on_o such_o term_n 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n so_o to_o be_v join_v with_o be_v not_o defective_a in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fundamental_a thereunto_o what_o these_o be_v have_v be_v declare_v and_o because_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v so_o eminent_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o in_o the_o join_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o any_o such_o communion_n and_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o what_o sort_n or_o size_n it_o will_v be_v incurable_o ignorant_a or_o negligent_a or_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o gift_n grace_n or_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o their_o duty_n be_v insufficient_a unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v no_o man_n can_v account_v himself_o oblige_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o shadow_n and_o the_o name_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o substance_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v grant_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v that_o edification_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o that_o communion_n and_o that_o alone_a wherein_o due_a edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v wherefore_o a_o ministry_n enable_v by_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o engage_v by_o sense_n of_o duty_n to_o labour_v constant_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n or_o increase_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n be_v require_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o a_o believer_n may_v conscientious_o join_v himself_o unto_o and_o where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o let_v man_n cry_v out_o schism_n and_o faction_n whilst_o they_o please_v jesus_n christ_n will_v acquit_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o accept_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o allow_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o to_o act_v according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v they_o will_v be_v continual_o part_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o until_o all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n namely_o that_o man_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v and_o best_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n or_o not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n
as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o deprave_v inclination_n of_o mind_n that_o wrought_v in_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n and_o which_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n open_o proclaim_v itself_o unto_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disposition_n in_o they_o unto_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n no_o way_n suit_v unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o ambition_n then_o unto_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o also_o follow_v 2._o as_o the_o inclination_n of_o many_o lay_n towards_o such_o a_o deviation_n so_o their_o interest_n lead_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o their_o temptation_n cast_v they_o upon_o it_o for_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unto_o our_o author_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n according_a unto_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o the_o direction_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o matter_n so_o weighty_a in_o itself_o so_o dangerous_a as_o unto_o its_o issue_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n trial_n and_o temptation_n lay_v under_o such_o severe_a interdiction_n of_o lordly_a power_n or_o seek_v either_o of_o wealth_n or_o dignity_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o call_v from_o christ_n unto_o it_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v no_o pleasant_a thing_n unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o conduct_n and_o oversight_n of_o christ_n volunteer_n to_o bear_v with_o their_o manner_n to_o exercise_v all_o patience_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n to_o watch_v continual_o over_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o thereon_o personal_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o all_o to_o search_v diligent_o and_o scrupulous_o into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o warranty_n in_o every_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o duty_n under_o all_o their_o weakness_n and_o miscarriage_n continue_v a_o high_a valuation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o under_o a_o abide_a sense_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a trust_n and_o charge_v commit_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o most_o part_n peculiar_o expose_v unto_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n without_o the_o least_o encouragement_n from_o wealth_n power_n or_o honour_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v willing_a gradual_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o uneasy_a condition_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o introduce_v insensible_o another_o rule_n and_o order_n into_o the_o church_n that_o may_v tend_v more_o unto_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o free_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o important_a charge_n and_o continual_a care_n with_o labour_n which_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o rule_v give_v for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v according_o until_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n and_o so_o onward_o the_o bishop_n under_o various_a title_n begin_v by_o their_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o part_n and_o divide_v they_o among_o themselves_o without_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n as_o if_o they_o have_v conquer_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n this_o bishop_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o share_n and_o number_n of_o they_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o other_o so_o many_o so_o far_o shall_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o one_o extend_v and_o so_o far_o that_o of_o another_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o of_o their_o decree_n and_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v they_o long_o keep_v within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n which_o their_o more_o modest_a ambition_n have_v at_o first_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v occasion_n from_o these_o beginning_n to_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o power_n in_o which_o contest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o length_n remain_v master_n of_o the_o field_n thereby_o obtain_v a_o second_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o gradual_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n their_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o the_o change_n become_v at_o length_n as_o great_a as_o the_o distance_n be_v between_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n set_v over_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o this_o change_n be_v not_o wrought_v at_o once_o not_o in_o one_o age_n but_o by_o a_o insensible_a progress_n even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o those_o dark_a and_o evil_a time_n wherein_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v exalt_v into_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n over_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o satiety_n of_o their_o ambition_n for_o 4._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n though_o in_o a_o manner_n latent_fw-la and_o imperceptible_a unto_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o men._n for_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o iniquity_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n excite_v entice_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a persecute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o all_o church_n rule_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v utter_o destroy_v or_o corrupt_v we_o shall_v believe_v until_o we_o see_v a_o answer_n give_v unto_o the_o learned_a write_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o doctor_n oppose_v and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o his_o exception_n but_o because_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o the_o supposition_n hereof_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n i_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v a_o little_a far_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o the_o apostasy_n assert_v be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o herein_o insist_v on_o particular_a instance_n nor_o make_v a_o transcription_n of_o story_n out_o of_o ancient_a writer_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o do_v by_o other_o especial_o those_o of_o magdeburg_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o their_o century_n unto_o who_o observation_n many_o other_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v considerable_a addition_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o treat_v in_o general_a of_o the_o cause_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o declension_n of_o church_n from_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o successive_a age_n after_o the_o apostle_n especial_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n until_o when_o divine_a institution_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v entire_a decay_n in_o any_o kind_n even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o political_a be_v hardly_o discernible_a but_o in_o and_o by_o their_o effect_n when_o a_o hectic_a distemper_n befall_v the_o body_n of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v until_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cure_v the_o roman_a historian_n give_v this_o advice_n unto_o his_o reader_n after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v to_o its_o greatness_n labente_fw-la deinde_fw-la disciplina_fw-la velut_fw-la dissidentes_fw-la primo_fw-la mores_fw-la sequatur_fw-la animo_fw-la deinde_fw-la ut_fw-la magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la lapsi_fw-la sint_fw-la tum_fw-la ire_n caeperint_fw-la praecipites_fw-la donec_fw-la ad_fw-la haec_fw-la tempora_fw-la anibus_fw-la nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la periculuâ—_fw-la est_fw-la liv._o praefat._v his_o word_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o more_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o decay_n as_o unto_o virtue_n and_o vice_n
to_o be_v schism_n when_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v midnight_n whilst_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o glory_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o parochial_a church_n who_o have_v this_o power_n only_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o they_o whatever_o be_v require_v of_o we_o not_o by_o they_o but_o those_o that_o be_v put_v over_o they_o they_o can_v inform_v against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v mulct_v and_o punish_v three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o these_o church_n as_o such_o be_v indeed_o original_o entrust_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o church-rights_a power_n and_o authority_n but_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n be_v abridge_v in_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o who_o can_v think_v it_o meet_v that_o every_o single_a parish_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-rule_n and_o power_n among_o themselves_o answ._n 1_o who_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o these_o church_n be_v not_o meet_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o such_o church_n if_o it_o be_v from_o themselves_o their_o negligence_n or_o ignorance_n or_o wickedness_n it_o be_v high_a time_n they_o be_v reform_v and_o bring_v into_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n 2._o they_o be_v indeed_o sorry_a church_n that_o be_v not_o as_o meet_v to_o exercise_v all_o church-power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chancellor_n court._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o power_n plead_v for_o in_o congregational_a church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v take_v this_o from_o they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o its_o exercise_n or_o right_o thereunto_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o do_v nor_o ever_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o he_o do_v not_o pull_v down_o what_o himself_o have_v build_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o institution_n of_o he_o in_o the_o least_o interfere_v with_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o law_n deprive_v all_o church_n of_o their_o power_n yea_o of_o their_o state_n who_o walk_v act_n and_o exercise_v a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o set_v up_o against_o he_o and_o use_v unto_o such_o end_n as_o be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o churchâ—order_n â—order_z by_o he_o appoint_v but_o to_o imagine_v that_o whilst_o a_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o use_v it_o only_o for_o he_o and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o he_o have_v by_o any_o act_n order_n or_o constitution_n take_v away_o that_o power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o vain_a supposition_n 2._o such_o church_n can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o right_a and_o power_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o trust_n which_o they_o falsify_v if_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o part_v with_o it_o 2._o without_o it_o they_o can_v discharge_v many_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o part_v with_o this_o power_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v lose_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o take_v from_o they_o by_o any_o law_n rule_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v be_v renounce_v or_o forgo_v by_o themselves_o what_o other_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v just_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o or_o hinder_v they_o in_o its_o execution_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n which_o have_v render_v the_o generality_n of_o parochial_a church_n unmeet_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o church-power_n be_v that_o their_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o right_a unto_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o unjust_o detain_v from_o they_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o belong_v thereunto_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o by_o those_o who_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o may_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pious_a and_o prudent_a officer_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o their_o assembly_n their_o understanding_n in_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v increase_v that_o right_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o we_o thus_o assign_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n gather_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o and_o that_o only_a which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o their_o state_n and_o purity_n and_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v of_o the_o church_n now_o although_o they_o may_v not_o just_o by_o any_o be_v deprive_v hereof_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v not_o a_o addition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v make_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v of_o original_a institution_n for_o the_o good_a 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among_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o have_v the_o best_a interest_n in_o they_o the_o next_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v as_o unto_o this_o case_n much_o take_v up_o with_o dispute_n about_o this_o power_n between_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n sometime_o one_o side_n gain_v the_o advantage_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n sometime_o the_o other_o but_o from_o that_o period_n of_o time_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o contest_v come_v to_o blow_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o some_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o controversy_n namely_o about_o the_o power_n of_o emperor_n and_o king_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n on_o the_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o pope_n abode_n master_n of_o the_o field_n and_o continue_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n though_o sometime_o mix_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o one_o stubborn_a prince_n or_o other_o as_o here_o frequent_o in_o england_n who_o control_v they_o in_o some_o of_o their_o new_a acquisition_n upon_o the_o public_a reformation_n of_o religion_n many_o prince_n throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o papal_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a and_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n do_v exercise_n about_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n from_o that_o time_n there_o have_v be_v great_a and_o vehement_a dispute_n about_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o state_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o undertake_v to_o treat_v concern_v it_o although_o it_o iâ—_n a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o extreme_n that_o many_o have_v run_v into_o some_o by_o grant_v too_o much_o and_o some_o too_o little_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v grant_v for_o my_o part_n that_o too_o much_o can_v well_o be_v assign_v unto_o they_o whilst_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v preserve_v 1._o that_o no_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o deprive_v or_o abridge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o any_o right_n authority_n or_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o nor_o have_v any_o to_o coerce_v punish_v or_o kill_v any_o person_n be_v civil_o peaceable_a and_o moral_o honest_a because_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v in_o thing_n concern_v gospel-faith_n and_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v institute_v and_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n or_o state_n of_o church_n supposed_o suit_v unto_o the_o civil_a interest_n which_o be_v never_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ._n it_o have_v not_o i_o say_v be_v dispute_v under_o these_o term_n express_o though_o real_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o controversy_n
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
renunciation_n whereof_o be_v require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v admit_v unto_o baptism_n when_o they_o be_v adult_n see_v clem._n pedag._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o if_o the_o reader_n will_v have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o their_o member_n he_o may_v find_v it_o in_o clem._n epist._n ad_fw-la cor._n pag._n 2_o 3_o 4._o justin_n mart._n apol._n 2._o tertullian_n in_o his_o apol._n and_o lib._n 2._o ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr cultu_fw-la faeminarum_fw-la cyprian_a epist._n 2._o &_o 12._o euseb._n hist._n lib._n 9_o cap._n 8._o athanas_n epist._n ad_fw-la solit._n &_o epiphan_n lib._n 3._o t._n 2_o sect._n 24._o and_o the_o multiply_a complaint_n of_o chrysostome_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o degeneracy_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o other_o if_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v be_v esteem_v of_o any_o value_n or_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n much_o of_o our_o present_a difference_n have_v be_v prevent_v 2_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o evangelical_n church_n find_v in_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o look_v on_o by_o any_o as_o complete_a church_n but_o only_o as_o conveniency_n for_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o some_o have_v in_o their_o wisdom_n find_v out_o for_o conveniency_n other_o be_v engage_v unto_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o by_o necessity_n for_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n make_v they_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n to_o refrain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n who_o bond_n of_o relation_n consist_v only_o in_o cohabitation_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o a_o political_a constitution_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n which_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o removal_n out_o of_o those_o precinct_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v direct_v unto_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v not_o man_n invention_n for_o convenience_n but_o have_v somewhat_o divine_a in_o they_o i_o say_v let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o warranty_n which_o they_o have_v from_o these_o cause_n and_o principle_n let_v nothing_o be_v mix_v in_o their_o constitution_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o nor_o let_v they_o be_v abridge_v of_o what_o they_o direct_v unto_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o contend_v about_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o constitution_n for_o instance_n whatever_o there_o be_v of_o warranty_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o direction_n in_o evangelical_n institution_n for_o such_o assembly_n they_o absolute_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o a_o conjunction_n in_o they_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o they_o that_o so_o join_v together_o in_o they_o other_o kind_n of_o assembly_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o attain_n all_o the_o end_n of_o such_o assembly_n in_o holy_a worship_n and_o rule_n other_o kind_n of_o church_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o 3._o that_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o preserve_v their_o own_o purity_n and_o continue_v their_o own_o be_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v deny_v unto_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o law_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v claim_v no_o warranty_n from_o either_o of_o those_o principle_n wherefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o any_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o church_n in_o constant_a communion_n as_o be_v judge_v none_o by_o they_o that_o appoint_v they_o or_o partial_o and_o improper_o only_o so_o or_o be_v of_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o have_v in_o its_o essential_o constituent_a part_n no_o warranty_n either_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o scripture_n direction_n so_o as_o that_o his_o dissent_n from_o they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v schism_n how_o far_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o some_o duty_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v indeed_o all_o that_o they_o can_v pretend_v unto_o may_v be_v admit_v we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v 3._o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o its_o present_a profession_n a_o fix_a standard_n of_o truth_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v profess_v which_o every_o believer_n may_v own_v and_o have_v his_o part_n or_o interest_n therein_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v not_o from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o from_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o any_o law_n therein_o but_o from_o person_n who_o at_o present_a have_v the_o declaration_n of_o its_o profession_n commit_v unto_o they_o but_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n unto_o those_o ends._n wherefore_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v in_o the_o far_a explanation_n of_o this_o consideration_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n or_o to_o keep_v the_o truth_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a from_o all_o mixture_n of_o false_a doctrine_n error_n heresy_n or_o the_o speak_n of_o perverse_a thing_n in_o it_o unto_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o act_n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n when_o any_o church_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v the_o obligation_n unto_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v dissolve_v 2._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a ephes._n 4.11_o 13_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o and_o where_o those_o who_o possess_v and_o exercise_v it_o do_v eminent_o fail_v herein_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o 3._o every_o private_a man_n confession_n be_v include_v in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n whereunto_o he_o belong_v and_o 4_o oneness_n or_o agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v take_v away_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o the_o trumpet_n in_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o these_o thing_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o battle_n or_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v on_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yea_o not_o without_o open_a wrong_n and_o injustice_n for_o she_o have_v a_o fix_a invariable_a standard_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o 39_o article_n which_o contain_v its_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o communion_n wherefore_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o legal_a establishment_n that_o be_v reflect_v on_o but_o only_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o as_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o take_v the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n on_o themselves_o but_o here_o also_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o these_o article_n at_o present_a be_v exceed_o defective_a in_o their_o be_v a_o fix_a standard_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n with_o respect_n unto_o those_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o have_v invade_v and_o pester_v the_o church_n since_o their_o frame_n and_o establishment_n we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o constant_a invariable_a custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n upon_o the_o emergency_n of_o any_o new_a error_n or_o heresy_n to_o add_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o symbol_n of_o their_o confession_n a_o testimony_n against_o they_o so_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o all_o communion_n in_o they_o or_o participation_n of_o they_o and_o a_o usage_n it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o laudable_a as_o countenance_v by_o scripture_n example_n however_o afterward_o it_o be_v abuse_v for_o no_o write_v such_o as_o all_o church_n confession_n be_v can_v obviate_v unforeseen_a heresy_n or_o error_n not_o broach_v at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n wherein_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v store_v up_o provision_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o error_n that_o the_o subtlety_n
or_o folly_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v when_o these_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v compose_v neither_o socinianism_n nor_o arminianism_n which_o have_v now_o make_v such_o a_o inroad_n on_o some_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o name_n or_o thing_n wherefore_o in_o their_o confession_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v express_o give_v against_o they_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o article_n of_o it_o and_o the_o approve_a exposition_n they_o receive_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o church_n that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a condemnation_n of_o all_o those_o error_n include_v therein_o but_o in_o that_o state_n whereunto_o thing_n be_v come_v among_o we_o some_o more_o express_a testimony_n against_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v any_o church_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 2._o beside_o a_o distinction_n be_v find_v out_o and_o pass_v currant_n among_o we_o that_o the_o article_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o outward_a agreement_n for_o peace_n sake_n among_o ourselves_o which_o be_v a_o invention_n to_o help_v on_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n for_o article_n of_o peace_n in_o religion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o that_o subscribe_v do_v it_o not_o because_o they_o be_v true_a or_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o engine_n to_o accommodate_v hypocrisy_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o according_a unto_o this_o supposition_n they_o be_v use_v at_o man_n pleasure_n and_o turn_v which_o way_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o wherefore_o 3._o notwithstanding_o this_o standard_n of_o truth_n difference_n in_o important_a doctrine_n wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v high_o concern_v do_v abound_v among_o they_o who_o manage_n the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o urge_v this_o any_o far_o by_o instance_n in_o general_a it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v neither_o be_v this_o speak_v to_o abridge_v minister_n of_o church_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n in_o their_o mannagement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o such_o a_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o 1._o arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a gift_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v for_o unto_o every_o one_o be_v grace_n give_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 4.7_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o minister_v the_o same_o one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o gad_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 2._o as_o follow_v on_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n which_o minister_n receive_v in_o great_a variety_n for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o great_a variety_n in_o public_a church-administrations_a will_v ensue_v but_o all_o unto_o edification_n 3._o such_o as_o consist_v in_o a_o different_a exposition_n of_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v rom._n 12.6_o 4._o such_o as_o admit_v of_o different_a state_v apprehension_n in_o and_o about_o such_o doctrine_n as_o wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o comfort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o immediate_o nor_o great_o concern_v such_o a_o liberty_n i_o say_v as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o exercise_n as_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n not_o to_o be_v fathom_v at_o once_o by_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n whatever_o and_o our_o know_v the_o best_a of_o we_o but_o in_o part_n with_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n capacity_n and_o understanding_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o edification_n must_v be_v allow_v in_o church_n and_o their_o ministry_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o variety_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n such_o it_o be_v as_o will_v set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o make_v their_o own_o choice_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o if_o such_o novel_a opinion_n about_o the_o person_n grace_n satisfaction_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o regeneration_n or_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o abound_v in_o some_o church_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o who_o by_o law_n be_v entrust_v with_o its_o conduct_n be_v declare_v as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o absolve_v any_o man_n from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o its_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o establishment_n 5._o evangelical_n discipline_n be_v neither_o observe_v nor_o attainable_a in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o relief_n provide_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o defect_n this_o have_v in_o general_n be_v speak_v unto_o before_o but_o because_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o argument_n now_o in_o hand_n i_o shall_v yet_o far_o speak_v unto_o it_o for_o to_o declare_v my_o mind_n free_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o any_o man_n can_v incur_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n who_o refrain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o be_v pervert_v into_o rule_n and_o domination_n which_o have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o alone_a for_o which_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o or_o exercise_v in_o it_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o i_o know_v not_o why_o some_o call_v the_o key_n of_o order_n but_o the_o only_a end_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v authority_n or_o rule_n or_o power_n for_o it_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o any_o in_o it_o it_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o no_o other_o whatever_o power_n rule_n dignity_n or_o pre-eminence_n be_v assume_v in_o the_o church_n not_o mere_o for_o this_o end_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n 2._o the_o outward_a mean_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o order_n peace_n and_o purity_n consist_v in_o this_o discipline_n he_o do_v by_o his_o word_n give_v direction_n and_o command_n for_o this_o end_n and_o it_o be_v by_o discipline_n alone_o that_o they_o be_v execute_v wherefore_o without_o it_o the_o church_n can_v live_v in_o its_o health_n purity_n and_o vigour_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v its_o spiritual_a food_n whereon_o its_o life_n do_v depend_v but_o without_o that_o exercise_n and_o medicinal_a application_n unto_o its_o distemper_n which_o be_v make_v by_o discipline_n it_o can_v live_v a_o healthy_a vigorous_a fruitful_a life_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 3._o this_o discipline_n be_v either_o private_a or_o public_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v private_a consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a watch_n that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v over_o one_o another_o with_o admonition_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n as_o their_o edification_n do_v require_v the_o loss_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n in_o most_o church_n have_v lose_v we_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n with_o and_o by_o its_o own_o consent_n the_o nature_n and_o act_n of_o it_o will_v be_v afterward_o consider_v 4_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o discipline_n 1._o the_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o it_o be_v exercise_v 2._o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n 3._o the_o especial_a object_n of_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n and_o corrective_a whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v its_o general_n end_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v only_o a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o act_v and_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o as_o unto_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v it_o be_v in_o they_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o object_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v exert_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v exercise_v on_o any_o other_o warranty_n or_o authority_n as_o none_o can_v exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n who_o act_n be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o belong_v not_o unto_o
a_fw-la enquiry_n into_o the_o original_a nature_n institution_n power_n order_n and_o communion_n of_o evangèlical_a church_n the_o first_o part._n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n write_v by_o dr._n edward_n stillingfleet_n dean_n of_o paul_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a path_n where_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n jer_n 6.16_o london_n print_v by_o j._n richardson_n for_o nath._n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n and_o sam._n lee_n at_o the_o feather_n in_o lumbardstreet_n 1681._o to_o the_o reader_n 〈…〉_z omit_v the_o consideration_n 〈…〉_z of_o dr._n stillingâ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z the_o 〈…〉_z the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈…〉_z by_o non_fw-fr 〈…〉_z pass_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈…〉_z i_o suppose_a 〈…〉_z assign_v it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o provocation_n which_o he_o 〈…〉_z receive_v from_o those_o who_o answer_v his_o sermon_n or_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o have_v â—â—ssed_v it_o by_o among_o such_o other_o excursion_n as_o diâ—â—â—es_n be_v incident_a unto_o in_o their_o controversal_a write_n for_o that_o no_o countenance_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o either_o from_o truth_n or_o any_o useful_a end_n as_o unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o 〈…〉_z the_o 〈…〉_z the_o time_n or_o rather_o 〈…〉_z rest_n of_o some_o than_o any_o just_a rational_a projection_n for_o what_o other_o success_n this_o book_n have_v have_v i_o know_v not_o nor_o be_o solicitous_a certain_a it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n with_o himself_o have_v be_v encourage_v and_o embolden_v by_o it_o confident_o to_o report_v tâ—â—â—â—â—e_v nonconformist_n be_v great_a promoter_n 〈…〉_z papal_z interest_n yeâ—_n 〈…〉_z to_o facilitate_v its_o introduâ—tâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z evident_a in_o the_o 〈…〉_z topiâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z importâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z need_v 〈…〉_z be_v 〈…〉_z from_o among_o 〈…〉_z it_o come_v in_o as_o 〈…〉_z notâ—â—â—â—_n will_v 〈…〉_z influence_v â—y_a 〈…〉_z advantage_n to_o deâ—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z â—â—cessary_a that_o such_o a_o 〈…〉_z true_a reasonâ—â—nd_v mean_n of_o the_o advance_v of_o popery_n in_o this_o naâ—â—on_n as_o shall_v give_v they_o occasion_n to_o consider_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n for_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o effect_n in_o thing_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v suit_v and_o fit_v to_o be_v productive_a of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v but_o follow_v on_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n and_o not_o in_o cold_a story_n surmize_n and_o far_o fetch_v or_o feign_a inference_n and_o if_o we_o do_v reckon_v that_o the_o real_a advancement_n of_o religion_n depend_v only_o on_o the_o secular_a advancement_n of_o some_o that_o do_v profess_v it_o we_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o our_o measure_n as_o other_o have_v be_v before_o we_o but_o at_o present_a the_o insinuation_n of_o that_o preface_n do_v seem_v to_o prevail_v much_o with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o party_n with_o its_o author_n who_o want_v nothing_o at_o any_o time_n but_o the_o countenance_n of_o such_o a_o pen_n and_o story_n to_o vent_v their_o ill_a will_n against_o nonconformist_n report_n say_v they_o and_o we_o will_v report_v it_o but_o also_o as_o he_o say_v mendacium_fw-la mendacio_fw-la tegendum_fw-la ne_fw-la perpluat_fw-la first_o evil_a invention_n always_o tend_v unto_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o new_a addition_n to_o render_v they_o useful_a unto_o their_o end_n without_o which_o they_o quick_o evaporate_v wherefore_o least_o the_o insinuation_n of_o this_o worthy_a person_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o unite_n of_o all_o protestant_n in_o one_o common_a interest_n against_o popery_n which_o be_v the_o original_a design_n of_o the_o drs._n sermon_n some_o have_v add_v unto_o it_o that_o which_o be_v homogeneal_a as_o unto_o truth_n and_o so_o easy_o mix_v with_o the_o other_o discourse_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o do_v receive_v or_o have_v receive_v money_n from_o the_o papist_n to_o act_v their_o affair_n and_o promote_v their_o interest_n and_o although_o this_o be_v such_o a_o putid_v calumny_n such_o a_o malicious_a falsehood_n such_o a_o frontless_a lie_n as_o impudence_n itself_o will_v blush_v at_o be_v make_v a_o instrument_n to_o vent_v it_o and_o withal_o extreme_o ridiculous_a yet_o because_o it_o seem_v useful_a unto_o the_o good_a end_n of_o unite_n protestant_n and_o oppose_v popery_n it_o have_v not_o only_o be_v report_v by_o sundry_a of_o the_o clergy_n but_o embrace_v and_o divulge_v also_o by_o some_o of_o their_o weak_a and_o credulous_a follower_n who_o seem_v to_o believe_v that_o other_o man_n advantage_n be_v their_o religion_n but_o when_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o modesty_n be_v pass_v nothing_o but_o a_o outrage_n in_o lie_v and_o calumny_n out_o of_o hope_n that_o something_o will_v stick_v at_o last_o can_v give_v countenance_n to_o man_n in_o such_o false_a accusation_n and_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o whisper_v probable_o understand_v better_o than_o the_o nonformists_a what_o influence_n money_n or_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v how_o to_o turn_v into_o it_o have_v into_o their_o profession_n and_o act_n in_o religion_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o some_o such_o man_n be_v afraid_a lest_o the_o present_a opposition_n unto_o popery_n shall_v issue_v in_o such_o a_o establishment_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o that_o hereafter_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o any_o nor_o in_o their_o power_n to_o make_v a_o bargain_n of_o it_o either_o for_o their_o advantage_n or_o in_o their_o necessity_n for_o unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o common_a prudence_n as_o be_v not_o chargeable_a on_o man_n of_o understanding_n in_o other_o affair_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o judge_v that_o these_o thing_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o a_o design_n to_o increase_v distrust_n and_o jealousy_n among_o protestant_n to_o heighten_v their_o difference_n to_o exasperate_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o animosity_n to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o each_o party_n by_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o same_o common_a cause_n whence_o whether_o it_o be_v design_v or_o no_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v all_o make_v a_o prey_n unto_o our_o restless_a adversary_n for_o what_o else_o but_o a_o strong_a inclination_n thereto_o can_v give_v the_o least_o credit_n or_o reputation_n to_o such_o vile_a insinuation_n false_a surmize_n and_o fable_n i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o the_o preface_n but_o in_o the_o report_n that_o have_v be_v occasion_v thereby_o wherein_o folly_n and_o malice_n rival_n one_o another_o against_o that_o plain_a open_a uncontrollable_a evidence_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n always_o give_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o give_v of_o their_o faithful_a cordial_a adherence_n unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o what_o now_o if_o in_o way_n of_o retaliation_n a_o charge_n shall_v be_v lay_v and_o manage_v against_o those_o of_o the_o episcopal_a way_n that_o they_o shall_v contribute_v their_o assistance_n whether_o know_o or_o be_v delude_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o introduction_n of_o popery_n will_v not_o all_o thing_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o admirable_a posture_n among_o we_o for_o a_o opposition_n thereunto_o but_o let_v none_o mistake_v nor_o deceive_v themselves_o neither_o the_o past_a suffering_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n nor_o their_o present_a hope_n of_o liberty_n nor_o the_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o they_o shall_v shake_v they_o in_o their_o resolution_n for_o a_o conjunction_n with_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o opposition_n unto_o all_o popish_a design_n whatever_o and_o to_o speak_v with_o modesty_n enough_o as_o they_o have_v hitherto_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o zeal_n and_o duty_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v as_o ready_a and_o forward_o as_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n so_o whatever_o may_v befall_v they_o however_o they_o may_v be_v traduce_v or_o false_o accuse_v they_o do_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o give_v the_o high_a security_n that_o conscience_n profession_n principle_n interest_n and_o action_n can_v give_v of_o their_o stability_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n only_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o they_o make_v not_o use_v of_o this_o notable_a engine_n for_o oppose_v of_o popery_n namely_o the_o stir_v up_o at_o this_o present_a time_n of_o jealousy_n fear_n and_o animosity_n among_o protestant_n which_o other_o judge_v serviceable_a unto_o that_o end_n but_o that_o which_o animate_v all_o these_o insinuation_n charge_n and_o report_n be_v our_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o
the_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n by_o a_o publâ—que_a declaration_n some_o year_n ago_o whereby_o it_o shall_v seem_v the_o papist_n think_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n though_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o expectation_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o true_a case_n in_o reference_n thereto_o in_o point_n of_o law_n that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o scarce_o answer_v that_o loyalty_n and_o regard_n unto_o his_o majesty_n honour_n which_o some_o man_n profess_v when_o all_o his_o action_n be_v suit_v to_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v such_o outcry_n about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o sole_a act_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o do_v indeed_o thankful_o accept_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o royal_a favour_n and_o after_o that_o for_o so_o many_o year_n we_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n whereby_o multitude_n be_v ruin_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o some_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o that_o without_o hope_n of_o any_o remission_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o parliament_n that_o then_o sit_v by_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o alone_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v it_o we_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v a_o little_a breathe_a space_n from_o our_o trouble_n under_o his_o majesty_n royal_a protection_n design_v only_o as_o a_o expedient_a as_o be_v usual_a in_o former_a time_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n until_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v settle_v in_o parliament_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o crime_n habetis_fw-la confitentem_fw-la reum_fw-la as_o to_o my_o part_n but_o because_o i_o know_v myself_o herein_o peculiar_o reflect_v on_o i_o do_v avow_v that_o never_o any_o one_o person_n in_o authority_n dignity_n or_o power_n in_o the_o nation_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o public_a affair_n nor_o any_o from_o they_o papist_n or_o protestant_n do_v once_o speak_v one_o word_n to_o i_o or_o advise_v with_o i_o about_o any_o indulgence_n or_o toleration_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o papist_n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a to_o intermit_v their_o service_n for_o a_o season_n unto_o the_o great_a false_a accuser_n and_o prove_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o can_v the_o person_n be_v sufficient_o know_v of_o who_o they_o may_v make_v their_o enquiry_n but_o i_o can_v cast_v this_o also_o into_o the_o same_o heap_n or_o bundle_n of_o other_o false_a surmize_n and_o report_n concern_v i_o almost_o without_o number_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o some_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o divulge_v as_o they_o have_v do_v if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o their_o charity_n and_o prudence_n be_v proportionable_a unto_o their_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v whilst_o interest_n with_o hope_n and_o fear_n vain_a love_n and_o hatred_n thence_o arise_v do_v steer_v the_o mind_n of_o men._n but_o what_o if_o we_o have_v not_o design_v the_o prevalence_n or_o introduction_n of_o popery_n yet_o be_v a_o company_n of_o silly_a fellow_n we_o have_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wheadle_v by_o the_o jesuit_n to_o be_v active_a for_o the_o cut_n of_o our_o own_o throat_n for_o we_o be_v full_a well_o satisfy_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a first_o who_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o their_o fury_n can_v they_o ruin_v the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o into_o such_o a_o unhappy_a posture_n of_o affair_n be_v we_o fall_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o popery_n but_o only_o pray_v against_o it_o preach_v against_o it_o write_v against_o it_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o principle_n of_o truth_n whereon_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o cordial_o join_v with_o all_o true_a protestant_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o excess_n that_o be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o yet_o these_o crafty_a blade_n know_v how_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o unto_o their_o advantage_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v therefore_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o nonconformist_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o bind_v themselves_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o all_o they_o do_v against_o they_o do_v but_o promote_v their_o interest_n but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v they_o will_v be_v great_o unwilling_a unto_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o their_o episcopal_a friend_n will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v for_o their_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o will_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o teach_v a_o expedient_a by_o a_o eminent_a personage_n for_o the_o free_n myself_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o popery_n and_o that_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o for_o be_v in_o ireland_n when_o there_o be_v in_o former_a day_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o reconciliation_n a_o person_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o court_n of_o england_n write_v unto_o he_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o report_n that_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o popery_n or_o a_o compliance_n on_o good_a term_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o withal_o desire_v he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n but_o that_o great_a and_o wise_a personage_n understand_v full_a well_o whereunto_o these_o thing_n tend_v return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o only_a that_o he_o know_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o such_o report_n for_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n which_o put_v a_o absolute_a period_n unto_o the_o intercourse_n and_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o the_o same_o defensative_a against_o forty_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v use_v to_o prove_v we_o compliant_a with_o the_o papal_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v can_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n subscribe_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o that_o most_o eminent_a champion_n of_o the_o ptotestant_a religion_n in_o england_n namely_o whitaker_n give_v unto_o his_o learned_a disputation_n about_o antichrist_n igitur_fw-la say_v he_o sequamur_fw-la praeeuntem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la &_o libere_fw-la dicamus_fw-la defendamus_fw-la clamemus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la vivit_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la juremus_fw-la pontificem_fw-la romanum_fw-la esse_fw-la antichristum_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v we_o know_v better_o how_o to_o spend_v our_o remain_a hour_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n then_o in_o contend_v about_o impertinent_a story_n and_o surmize_n exhale_v by_o wit_n and_o invention_n out_o of_o the_o bog_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o shall_v therefore_o only_o assure_v those_o by_o who_o we_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o coffeehouse_n or_o from_o the_o press_n to_o countenance_v the_o promotion_n of_o the_o papal_a interest_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o as_o they_o deal_v unjust_o with_o we_o herein_o and_o weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n what_o lie_v in_o they_o so_o let_v they_o and_o other_o do_v and_o say_v what_o they_o please_v nothing_o shall_v ever_o shake_v we_o in_o our_o resolution_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o firm_a conjunction_n with_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o papist_n yea_o that_o we_o will_v do_v so_o with_o our_o life_n at_o the_o stake_n if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n but_o ourselves_o but_o if_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a against_o popery_n but_o by_o debauch_v our_o conscience_n with_o that_o conformity_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n we_o be_v 〈…〉_z mind_n the_o preface_n a_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n and_o contest_v among_o profess_a christian_n about_o the_o nature_n power_n order_n rule_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o each_o dissent_v party_n therein_o have_v not_o only_o be_v great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n but_o have_v also_o so_o despise_v all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o allay_v or_o abatement_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o inflame_a every_o day_n and_o to_o threaten_v more_o pernicious_a consequent_n than_o any_o they_o have_v already_o produce_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n that_o the_o world_n for_o some_o age_n have_v groan_v
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
by_o all_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o jewish_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n out_o of_o respect_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o regard_n unto_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v extreme_o hazard_v but_o 1._o the_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n insist_v on_o be_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o such_o determination_n make_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v only_o a_o connivance_n at_o their_o inclination_n to_o bear_v their_o old_a yoke_n for_o a_o season_n the_o determination_n be_v only_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o no_o imposition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v on_o the_o gentile_n 3._o the_o determination_n itself_o be_v no_o act_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n but_o a_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o it_o be_v well_o that_o church_n governor_n once_o judge_v that_o imposition_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a be_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n other_o i_o hope_v may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n 2._o he_o say_v the_o false_a apostle_n impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v two_o circumstance_n in_o it_o which_o extreme_o alter_v their_o case_n from_o that_o of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v none_o of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n but_o go_v about_o as_o seducer_n draw_v away_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n or_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v may_v impose_v what_o they_o please_v without_o control_v as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o the_o council_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o their_o imposition_n be_v mere_o doctrinal_a wherein_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o govern_v power_n which_o make_v it_o less_o grievous_a then_o that_o which_o the_o dissenter_n have_v suffer_v under_o be_v thing_n no_o otherwise_o impose_v on_o we_o we_o shall_v bear_v they_o more_o easy_o 2._o say_v he_o they_o impose_v the_o jewish_a rite_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o not_o mere_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o long_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o so_o to_o be_v they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o their_o doctrinal_a imposition_n of_o they_o than_o other_o be_v who_o by_o a_o act_n of_o government_n fortify_v with_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o penalty_n do_v impose_v thing_n which_o themselves_o esteem_v indifferent_a and_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v do_v judge_n to_o be_v unlawful_a whereas_o he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v consider_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a in_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o text_n i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o mind_n nor_o i_o believe_v will_v any_o indifferent_a person_n be_v so_o who_o shall_v compare_v what_o i_o write_v therein_o with_o his_o exception_n against_o it_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o discover_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o pretend_a argument_n do_v lie_v that_o we_o must_v walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o wherein_o we_o differ_v we_o must_v wait_v on_o god_n for_o teach_v and_o instruction_n that_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n determine_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o that_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_a church_n and_o beleiver_n and_o that_o thereon_o those_o church_n continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o who_o do_v and_o do_v not_o observe_v those_o ceremony_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n which_o in_o truth_n the_o doctor_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o to_o infer_v from_o these_o principle_n and_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o what_o be_v not_o so_o have_v no_o church_n power_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o power_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o institution_n or_o erection_n that_o this_o church_n have_v power_n in_o its_o governor_n and_o ruler_n to_o invent_v new_a order_n ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o worship_n new_a canon_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o have_v no_o spring_n nor_o cause_n but_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o prescription_n and_o be_v authorize_v to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o particular_a church_n and_o believer_n who_o never_o give_v their_o consent_n unto_o their_o invention_n or_o prescription_n and_o hereon_o to_o declare_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wicked_a schismatic_n who_o yield_v not_o full_a obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o manager_n of_o the_o argument_n sect_n ii_o partly_o 2._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 176._o our_o author_n proceed_v to_o renew_v his_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o say_v he_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a but_o apprehend_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n here_o insinuate_v will_v not_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v they_o out_o who_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v lawful_a he_o add_v that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o dr._n o._n call_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o why_o the_o act_n hereof_o be_v call_v improper_a act_n of_o communion_n i_o know_v not_o add_v unto_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n with_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n and_o it_o be_v all_o the_o communion_n that_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o this_o church_n communion_n be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o where_o it_o be_v not_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n communion_n at_o all_o whatever_o act_v of_o worship_n or_o church_n order_n man_n may_v agree_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o if_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o agreement_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o joint_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n they_o be_v neither_o accept_v with_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o thing_n namely_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o enliven_v all_o joint_a duty_n of_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v only_o improper_o that_o which_o they_o alone_o make_v other_o thing_n to_o be_v proper_o i_o can_v understand_v 3._o where_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o charge_n of_o schism_n on_o dissent_v in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o a_o overween_n of_o our_o difference_n make_v we_o not_o overlook_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o attend_v this_o controversy_n man_n be_v force_v by_o their_o interest_n to_o lay_v more_o weight_n on_o a_o few_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n may_v well_o have_v spare_v have_v they_o not_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n none_o know_v how_o than_o upon_o the_o most_o important_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v scarce_o esteem_v worth_n take_v up_o in_o the_o street_n in_o comparison_n of_o uniformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n let_v man_n be_v as_o void_a of_o and_o remote_a from_o true_a gospel_n faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v imaginable_a yet_o if_o they_o comply_v quiet_o with_o and_o have_v a_o little_a zeal_n for_o those_o outward_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o very_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whatever_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n any_o can_v or_o do_v give_v of_o their_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n comply_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n mention_v they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v schismatic_n and_o breaker_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n whereas_o no_o
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o