impartial_a consideration_n he_o charge_v on_o we_o with_o great_a solemnity_n as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n now_o although_o that_o passage_n in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n be_v not_o new_a unto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o read_v it_o many_o a_o time_n in_o his_o book_n but_o frequent_o meet_v with_o it_o urge_v by_o papist_n against_o all_o protestant_n yet_o upon_o the_o drs._n intimation_n i_o have_v give_v it_o again_o the_o consideration_n require_v the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o author_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o shall_v also_o judge_v they_o who_o make_v schism_n be_v vain_a qui_fw-la sunt_fw-la immanes_a or_o inane_n not_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o consider_v their_o own_o profit_n than_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o for_o small_a or_o any_o cause_n rend_v and_o divide_v the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v destroy_v it_o speak_v peace_n but_o design_v war_n strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rebuke_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o equal_v the_o mischief_n of_o schism_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 62._o i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o such_o a_o severe_a charge_n for_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o these_o word_n that_o as_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n we_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v they_o we_o hope_v that_o out_o of_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o care_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o do_v so_o consider_v and_o have_v long_a since_o so_o consider_v whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o cause_n wherein_o we_o engage_v and_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o nor_o will_v we_o be_v offend_v with_o any_o that_o shall_v yet_o call_v on_o we_o to_o persist_v and_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n but_o why_o such_o a_o charge_n shall_v be_v lay_v on_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n i_o know_v not_o for_o although_o we_o great_o value_v the_o word_n and_o judgement_n of_o that_o holy_a person_n that_o great_a defender_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n alone_o whereby_o we_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n beside_o what_o be_v we_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v every_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n a_o schism_n our_o author_n show_v the_o contrary_a immediate_o be_v refrain_v communion_n in_o a_o church_n state_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o in_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n hold_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n a_o damnable_a schism_n or_o any_o schism_n at_o all_o have_v the_o reverend_a author_n in_o his_o whole_a book_n once_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o though_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v our_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o reason_n before_o plead_v especial_o that_o of_o humane_a imposition_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o schism_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n without_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o imposition_n do_v he_o judge_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o love_n unto_o god_n such_o as_o prefer_v our_o own_o profit_n before_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v never_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o profit_n and_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n poverty_n distress_n ruin_n to_o our_o family_n danger_n imprisonment_n revile_n with_o contemptuous_a reproach_n comprise_v the_o profit_n we_o have_v make_v unto_o ourselves_o be_v our_o refrain_v communion_n in_o some_o outward_a order_n modes_n and_o rite_n of_o man_n institution_n our_o want_n of_o conscientious_a submission_n unto_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n a_o rend_n and_o destroy_v of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o cement_v unite_v and_o compact_v or_o fit_o frame_v together_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o former_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o coat_n and_o must_v they_o now_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v his_o glorious_a body_n when_o they_o no_o way_n belong_v unto_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o we_o a_o effect_n of_o that_o love_n charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v the_o only_a preventive_a mean_n of_o schism_n and_o whereof_o if_o man_n be_v void_a it_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o the_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o no_o for_o they_o will_v be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n let_v whosoever_o will_v declare_v and_o vehement_o assert_v we_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v prove_v we_o can_v cheerful_o subscribe_v unto_o these_o word_n of_o irenaeus_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o desire_v of_o some_o other_o that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o have_v compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n they_o will_v serious_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n thing_n be_v come_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o much_o ignorance_n profaneness_n sensuality_n do_v spread_v themselves_o over_o the_o nation_n what_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o what_o scoff_v at_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n do_v abound_v among_o we_o what_o a_o utter_a decay_n and_o loss_n there_o be_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n what_o multitude_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o eternal_a ruin_n for_o want_v of_o due_a instruction_n and_o example_n from_o they_o who_o shall_v lead_v they_o how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o how_o secure_o negligent_a of_o it_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v what_o have_v be_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o impose_v thing_n unnecessary_a and_o unscriptural_a on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o church_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o so_o many_o faithful_a minister_n who_o may_v have_v at_o least_o assist_v in_o prevent_v that_o decay_n of_o religion_n which_o every_o day_n increase_v among_o we_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o restore_v evangelical_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o protestant_n without_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o ministry_n without_o the_o diminution_n of_o their_o dignity_n without_o deprivation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o revenue_n without_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o light_n and_o conscience_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o divine_a obligation_n and_o thereon_o set_v themselves_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n of_o these_o and_o other_o evil_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v short_o give_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o case_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n allow_v of_o separation_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n this_o none_o can_v question_v they_o do_v not_o see_v from_o who_o yet_o we_o all_o separate_v as_o from_o idolater_n the_o second_o be_v in_o case_n of_o false_a dostrine_n be_v impose_v instead_o of_o true_a which_o he_o confirm_v with_o sundry_a instance_n but_o there_o be_v a_o little_a difficulty_n in_o this_o case_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impose_v be_v it_o when_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o of_o they_o without_o control_v if_o so_o then_o be_v such_o preach_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o separation_n and_o will_v justify_v they_o who_o do_v at_o present_a separate_v from_o any_o church_n who_o minister_n preach_v false_a doctrine_n how_o false_a doctrine_n can_v be_v otherwise_o impose_v i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o exact_v a_o express_a confession_n of_o it_o as_o truth_n 2._o what_o false_a doctrine_n it_o be_v which_o be_v of_o this_o importance_n as_o to_o justify_v separation_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a 3._o if_o the_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v teach_v this_o false_a doctrine_n who_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o and_o determine_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o ultimate_o so_o as_o
believe_v that_o in_o this_o context_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n design_v to_o set_v up_o and_o erect_v a_o earthly_a domination_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o rota_n at_o rome_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_o mad_a and_o ridiculous_a who_o can_v give_v the_o least_o entertainment_n unto_o such_o a_o imagination_n nor_o can_v the_o discipline_n of_o any_o diocesan_n church_n administer_v in_o and_o by_o court_n and_o officer_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v bring_v within_o the_o view_n of_o this_o rule_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o world_n make_v any_o application_n of_o it_o thereunto_o for_o what_o some_o plead_v concern_v magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n they_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n will_v never_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o only_o to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o love_v not_o all_o this_o be_v fall_v out_o by_o man_n depart_v from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o all_o who_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o observe_v his_o command_n 3_o dly_z our_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o order_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a and_o of_o no_o other_o sort_n this_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n will_v make_v evident_a 1._o there_o be_v many_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o very_o small_a province_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o concern_v which_o it_o be_v no_o where_o intimate_v that_o they_o have_v any_o one_o head_n or_o mother_n church_n metropolitical_n or_o diocesan_n nor_o of_o those_o of_o macedonia_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o philippi_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o upon_o the_o first_o come_v of_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n unto_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v three_o year_n gal._n 1.18_o in_o the_o four_o year_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v church_n plant_v in_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n act._n 9.31_o neither_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a province_n be_v equal_a unto_o one_o ordinary_a diocese_n yet_o be_v there_o church_n in_o both_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o other_o but_o single_a congregation_n what_o be_v except_v or_o oppose_v hereunto_o by_o the_o reverend_n dr._n st._n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o disprove_v afterward_o by_o itself_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o discourse_n be_v not_o here_o interrupt_v 2._o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v in_o they_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o deacon_n that_o may_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o poor_a act._n 14.23_o chap._n 20.28_o now_o the_o care_n inspection_n and_o labour_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v extend_v itself_o no_o further_o than_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n no_o man_n can_v administer_v all_o ordinance_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n church_n and_o this_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v they_o in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o be_v in_o every_o town_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o number_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 14.23_o and_o it_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n ordinary_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v such_o believer_n be_v congregat_v and_o unite_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n do_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v have_v bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n ordain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o as_o unto_o their_o state_n such_o church_n as_o he_o own_v 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o most_o of_o these_o church_n express_o that_o they_o respective_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o have_v their_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o congregational_a church_n only_o so_o do_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n on_o all_o occasion_n act._n 15.12_o 22._o ch_z â—1_n 22_o see_v ch_z 5.11_o ch_n 6.1_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o be_v of_o that_o church_n so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o assemble_v together_o for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v together_o it_o be_v scarce_o fair_a for_o we_o to_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o only_o occasional_o and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o that_o church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o a_o small_a village_n beyond_o jordan_n can_v receive_v all_o that_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o it_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n act._n 14.27_o to_o hear_v paul_n and_o silas_n this_o church_n thus_o call_v together_o be_v call_v the_o multitude_n chap._n 15.30_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a brotherhood_n at_o least_o of_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n do_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n both_o for_o solemn_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 1_o cor._n 8.8_o chap._n 14.25_o 26._o chap._n 11.17_o 20._o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o plead_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o illustration_n or_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o these_o testimony_n they_o all_o of_o they_o speak_v positive_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o debate_n unless_o we_o will_v put_v in_o exception_n unto_o the_o veracity_n of_o their_o author_n and_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v our_o assertion_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o officer_n or_o rule_n into_o what_o order_n soever_o it_o be_v dispose_v ordinary_o or_o occasional_o for_o its_o edification_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o assemble_v in_o and_o with_o all_o its_o member_n in_o one_o place_n either_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n the_o performance_n of_o its_o duty_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o privilege_n it_o be_v a_o single_a congregation_n and_o no_o more_o 4._o the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o all_o church_n member_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o accomplish_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v distinct_o unto_o and_o therefore_o only_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o place_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_o positive_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v be_v questionable_a unto_o any_o impartial-mind_n but_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o consequent_o that_o unto_o they_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o so_o whatever_o they_o be_v church_n they_o be_v not_o if_o therefore_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v suppose_v we_o may_v well_o require_v that_o its_o name_n nature_n use_v power_n and_o bound_n be_v some_o or_o all_o of_o they_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n reason_v draw_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n above_o the_o evangelist_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n or_o from_o church_n rule_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a from_o the_o meetness_n of_o union_n among_o all_o church_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o this_o case_n for_o they_o be_v all_o consistent_a with_o the_o sole_a institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v in_o the_o least_o intimate_a that_o there_o be_v or_o needs_o to_o be_v any_o other_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a appointment_n chap._n v._o the_o sit_v of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o forego_n argument_n we_o urge_v the_o precedent_n and_o
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
least_o that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v undertake_v or_o will_v undertake_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o drs._n sermon_n i_o think_v that_o my_o endeavour_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o obstacle_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n unto_o a_o sincere_a coalition_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n may_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o other_o way_n whereby_o this_o may_v be_v do_v but_o only_o by_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o that_o state_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_o charge_v on_o they_o must_v render_v our_o division_n irreconcilable_a and_o continue_v still_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n i_o have_v once_o more_o renew_v the_o same_o defensative_a with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o maintain_v hope_n that_o peace_n and_o love_n may_v yet_o be_v preserve_v among_o we_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o difference_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o almighty_a power_n to_o reduce_v christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o first_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n which_o will_v not_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o various_a providential_a dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o renew_v effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_z which_o be_v to_o be_v wait_v for_o and_o see_v that_o all_o endeavour_n for_o national_a reformation_n be_v attend_v with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n few_o church_n be_v either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o dust_n of_o tradition_n and_o time_n with_o the_o rust_n of_o secular_a interest_n i_o will_v hope_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v always_o the_o object_n of_o public_a severity_n who_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o do_v design_n nothing_o but_o a_o reformation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o way_n by_o a_o universal_a compliance_n with_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n alone_o who_o god_n have_v command_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o reduction_n i_o say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n unto_o its_o primitive_a purity_n simplicity_n separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o implication_n with_o secular_a interest_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v comprise_v nothing_o but_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o be_v a_o work_n more_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o to_o come_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n then_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o age._n nor_o do_v any_o yet_o appear_v fit_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n for_o the_o undertake_n or_o attempt_v such_o a_o work_n any_o far_a than_o by_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n and_o example_n and_o whilst_o thing_n continue_v among_o protestant_a church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o divide_a secular_a interest_n and_o advantageous_a mixture_n with_o they_o with_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o old_a general_n apostasy_n by_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o rule_n of_o discipline_n in_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o look_v for_o any_o union_n or_o communion_n among_o they_o in_o a_o compliance_n with_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o uniformity_n either_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n nor_o will_v such_o a_o agreement_n among_o they_o can_v it_o be_v attain_v be_v of_o any_o great_a advantage_n unto_o the_o important_a end_n of_o religion_n unless_o a_o revival_n of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v accompany_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o glory_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n in_o righteousness_n holiness_n and_o a_o visible_a dedication_n of_o its_o professor_n unto_o god_n be_v much_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n innumerable_a soul_n perish_v through_o the_o want_n of_o effectual_a mean_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o edification_n to_o attempt_v public_a national_a reformation_n whilst_o thing_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a be_v so_o involve_v as_o they_o be_v the_o one_o be_v rivet_v into_o the_o legal_a constitution_n of_o the_o other_o be_v neither_o the_o duty_n nor_o work_v of_o private_a man_n nor_o will_v as_o i_o suppose_v wise_a man_n be_v over_o forward_o in_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n unless_o they_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a than_o any_o that_o do_v as_o yet_o appear_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o every_o form_n will_v answer_v the_o ministry_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o present_a duty_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n of_o those_o private_a christian_n or_o minister_n who_o can_v satisfy_v their_o conscience_n as_o unto_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n without_o endeavour_v a_o conformity_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n confine_v all_o their_o concern_v in_o religion_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a be_v the_o enquiry_n before_o we_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o original_a of_o church_n when_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v plead_v to_o belong_v unto_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o our_o first_o consideration_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o that_o enquiry_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n make_v of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o john_n whence_o be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n he_o distribute_v all_o thing_n which_o come_v under_o that_o plea_n or_o pretence_n into_o two_o head_n as_o unto_o their_o original_a and_o efficient_a cause_n namely_o heaven_n and_o men._n and_o these_o be_v not_o only_o different_a and_o distinct_a but_o so_o contradictory_n one_o unto_o another_o that_o as_o unto_o any_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v they_o can_v concur_v as_o partial_a cause_n of_o the_o same_o effect_n what_o be_v of_o man_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n and_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n be_v not_o of_o men._n and_o hence_o be_v his_o determination_n concern_v both_o sort_n of_o these_o thing_n every_o plant_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o mat._n 15.13_o design_v therefore_o to_o treat_v of_o church_n their_o original_a nature_n use_v and_o end_v my_o first_o enquiry_n must_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a have_v a_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n or_o creation_n of_o man_n for_o their_o pedigree_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o one_o of_o these_o single_o they_o never_o concur_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o this_o will_v seem_v a_o case_n and_o enquiry_n of_o a_o exceed_a easy_a determination_n for_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n but_o such_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n in_o latter_a age_n as_o may_v make_v man_n just_o question_v whether_o we_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n aright_o or_o no_o in_o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o at_o least_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v that_o the_o church_n so_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v high_o questionable_a whether_o those_o which_o have_v since_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a product_n of_o the_o invention_n and_o power_n of_o man_n 1._o for_o many_o age_n such_o thing_n alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o impose_v on_o it_o for_o the_o only_a church_n as_o be_v from_o hell_n rather_o than_o from_o heaven_n at_o least_o from_o man_n and_o those_o none_o of_o the_o best_a for_o all_o man_n in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a destruction_n that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o depend_v on_o he_o be_v the_o only_a church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v as_o it_o be_v almost_o universal_o in_o some_o age_n and_o in_o this_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o there_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o from_o men._n whether_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v again_o or_o no_o man_n of_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o interest_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v but_o he_o must_v be_v blind_a and_o mad_a and_o accurse_a in_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n who_o can_v think_v of_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o
their_o state_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o those_o great_a alteration_n which_o not_o long_o after_o ensue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v until_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v they_o be_v increase_v into_o that_o multitude_n for_o number_n of_o member_n and_o be_v so_o diffuse_v as_o unto_o their_o habitation_n as_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o another_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n than_o what_o be_v of_o original_a appointment_n justin_n martyr_n write_v his_o second_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n unto_o the_o roman_a emperor_n about_o the_o year_n 150._o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o ignorant_a not_o only_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n celebrate_v in_o they_o but_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o be_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o they_o false_o hence_o be_v all_o the_o report_n and_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a concern_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a conventicle_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v by_o mankind_n even_o thâ—se_a who_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a enquiry_n into_o what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v attain_v unto_o very_o little_a knowledge_n or_o certainty_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o mystery_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o trajan_n and_o pliny_n with_o the_o rescript_n of_o adrian_n unto_o minucius_n fundanus_n about_o they_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n this_o our_o great_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o afterward_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n 160_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o lucius_n who_o then_o rule_v the_o roman_a empire_n of_o the_o nature_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n as_o that_o i_o know_v nothing_o material_a that_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o alike_a person_n at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o head_n of_o it_o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o church-order_n and_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o be_v persuade_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v and_o speak_v by_o we_o and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v of_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o foregoing_a sin_n and_o we_o also_o do_v join_v together_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o heâ—ein_o 1._o the_o only_a mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o especial_o insist_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o officeâ—_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v throughout_o his_o whole_a apology_n 2._o this_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v do_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o especial_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o â—e_n do_v afterward_o that_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o the_o work_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o do_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o those_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n or_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dotcrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o they_o take_v it_o on_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o appoint_v they_o shall_v math._n 28.18_o 19_o 4._o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a foundation_n of_o their_o future_a profession_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o confess_v their_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n with_o fasting_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o and_o 5._o herein_o such_o be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n join_v with_o they_o for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o this_o whole_a process_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o what_o account_v it_o be_v discontinue_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v so_o unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v well_o worth_a a_o strict_a enquiry_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o declare_v how_o those_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v be_v conduct_v unto_o baptism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o 3._o when_o any_o be_v so_o baptise_a they_o bring_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d him_n who_o be_v thus_o baptiâ—ed_v who_o believe_v and_o be_v receive_v by_o consent_n among_o 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v of_o our_o number_n we_o bring_v he_o unto_o those_o call_v the_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v now_o illuminate_v and_o all_o other_o with_o intention_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o another_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o enstate_v profess_v believer_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v make_v their_o public_a confession_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v and_o the_o brethren_n here_o mention_v be_v the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o justin_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o declare_v by_o what_o name_n they_o call_v one_o another_o among_o themselves_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o be_v now_o a_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n among_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n 4._o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church-meeting_n or_o assembly_n with_o the_o duty_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o they_o have_v frequent_a meeting_n among_o themselves_o they_o that_o have_v any_o wealth_n say_v he_o do_v help_v the_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o be_v continual_o together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lesser_a occasional_a assembly_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o add_v immediate_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n and_o field_n or_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n who_o member_n live_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n or_o field_n adjacent_a do_v constant_o all_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n 5._o in_o this_o church_n he_o mention_n only_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n â—e_v mention_n but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n the_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n unto_o any_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o elder_n like_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n he_o term_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n now_o certain_o that_o church_n wherein_o one_o precedent_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n do_v administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o one_o
state_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n 1._o the_o diversity_n and_o division_n among_o church_n which_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o any_o which_o we_o will_v or_o aught_o to_o join_v unto_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o remain_a weakness_n infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n whereby_o they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v only_o in_o part_n wherein_o our_o edification_n be_v concern_v but_o our_o salvation_n not_o endanger_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n fundamental_a in_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o both_o of_o they_o 2._o all_o christian_n be_v original_o of_o one_o mind_n in_o all_o thing_n needful_a unto_o joint-communion_n so_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o all_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n howbeit_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n not_o only_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n but_o in_o some_o doctrine_n themselves_o as_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o also_o opposition_n from_o without_o unto_o the_o truth_n by_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v the_o church_n communion_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o the_o diversity_n difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v now_o among_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o great_a apostasy_n which_o befall_v they_o all_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o unto_o the_o spirit_n rule_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o that_o apostasy_n be_v abolish_v 3._o satan_n have_v possess_v himself_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o these_o division_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n he_o make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o act_v his_o malice_n and_o rage_n in_o stir_v up_o and_o instigate_a one_o party_n to_o persecute_v oppress_v and_o devour_v another_o until_o the_o life_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o require_v therefore_o great_a wisdom_n to_o deport_v ourselves_o aright_o among_o these_o division_n so_o as_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o unto_o the_o end_v of_o malice_n design_v by_o satan_n in_o they_o 4._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n until_o it_o may_v be_v cure_v which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o way_n yet_o propose_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o unto_o a_o conjunction_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o and_o on_o the_o negative_a part_n i_o say_v 1._o such_o a_o one_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o church_n or_o society_n where_o any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v or_o corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o a_o true_a church_n for_o a_o season_n when_o the_o church_n err_v not_o fundamental_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o but_o i_o suppose_v the_o error_n in_o or_o against_o the_o foundation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n or_o society_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o for_o thereby_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v destroy_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n nor_o abide_v on_o the_o foundation_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o although_o the_o socinian_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o mutual_a toleration_n do_v offer_v we_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v somewhat_o of_o order_n and_o discipline_n commendable_a yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o their_o error_n about_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o satisfaction_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n of_o a_o mere_a creature_n be_v introduce_v by_o they_o 2._o where_o there_o 〈…〉_z any_o church_n teach_v or_o allow_v a_o mixture_n of_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o gospel_n holiness_n or_o obedience_n no_o man_n that_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o salvation_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o it_o for_o the_o original_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o church_n communion_n be_v agreement_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v either_o not_o a_o stable_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o substantial_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o uncertain_a sound_n be_v give_v some_o say_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o or_o that_o opposition_n be_v make_v unto_o any_o truth_n of_o the_o importance_n before_o mention_v none_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o nor_o can_v incur_v any_o blame_n by_o refrain_v from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n will_v 1._o stain_v their_o profession_n 2._o hinder_v their_o edification_n 3_o establish_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n unknown_a to_o the_o scripture_n namely_o beside_o truth_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v manifest_v 3._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religious_a worship_n be_v corrupt_v or_o overthrow_v it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a to_o join_v unto_o or_o abide_v in_o any_o church_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o various_a way_n whereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o divine_a religious_a worship_n be_v overthrow_v in_o that_o church_n by_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v these_o render_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n pernicious_a 4._o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o with_o any_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v where_o the_o eternal_o fix_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o religious_a worship_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v vary_v or_o change_v by_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o or_o subtraction_n from_o it_o for_o whereas_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o certain_a stable_n rule_v thereof_o in_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a prescription_n no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n therewith_o 5._o where_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n order_n practice_n and_o discipline_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n these_o fundamental_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o such_o as_o concern_v the_o church_n itself_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v due_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v fundamental_a unto_o church_n order_n the_o root_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o all_o other_o part_n of_o it_o do_v spring_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o express_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o there_o be_v a_o neglect_v herein_o and_o no_o other_o relation_n require_v between_o minister_n elder_n ruler_n bishop_n and_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o man_n appointment_n or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o temporary_a disposal_n of_o person_n into_o a_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n without_o a_o solemn_a call_v choice_n ordination_n and_o separation_n unto_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o its_o work_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v violate_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n disturb_v in_o its_o foundation_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v due_o qualify_v by_o their_o endowment_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v fundamental_a unto_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v still_o continue_v his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o or_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n cease_v so_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n must_v cease_v and_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a for_o any_o church_n or_o person_n to_o erect_v a_o image_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n by_o outward_a rite_n and_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
the_o discipline_n of_o evangelical_n churches_n 2._o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o express_v his_o love_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o act_n of_o it_o which_o be_v corrective_a be_v call_v lament_v or_o bewail_v of_o they_o towards_o who_o they_o be_v exercise_v 2_o cor._n 12.20_o whatever_o therefore_o be_v do_v in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o expressive_a of_o the_o love_n care_n patitience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o he_o 3._o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v susceptive_a of_o member_n be_v profess_v believer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v those_o who_o stubborn_o deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n wherefore_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o authority_n wisdom_n love_n care_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n with_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o certainty_n truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o future_a judgement_n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v unto_o this_o discipline_n either_o as_o unto_o its_o right_a or_o exercise_v there_o be_v no_o pretence_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n yea_o it_o be_v express_o forbid_v unto_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o so_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n so_o useful_a and_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o weighty_a a_o part_n of_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o without_o which_o no_o church_n can_v be_v continue_v in_o gospel_n purity_n order_n and_o peace_n the_o total_a want_n or_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o want_v or_o neglect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o confine_v himself_o thereunto_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n be_v supply_v in_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v commit_v unto_o other_o namely_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o officer_n that_o be_v more_o meet_a and_o able_a for_o it_o than_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n what_o therefore_o be_v want_v in_o they_o be_v supply_v full_o another_o way_n so_o that_o no_o pretence_n can_v be_v take_v from_o hence_o for_o refrain_v communion_n in_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v where_o and_o in_o what_o hand_n man_n please_v but_o to_o be_v leave_v where_o christ_n have_v dispose_v it_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o parochial_a church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v because_o they_o have_v be_v unjust_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o so_o many_o age_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o pretend_a discipline_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n answer_n that_o which_o christ_n have_v plain_o and_o express_o ordain_v for_o it_o a_o discipline_n shall_v be_v erect_v who_o right_a of_o exercise_n be_v derive_v from_o secular_a power_n who_o administration_n be_v commit_v unto_o person_n who_o pretend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o unto_o any_o office_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o etc._n etc._n every_o way_n unknown_a unto_o antiquity_n foreign_a unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o rule_v exercise_v their_o pretend_a power_n of_o discipline_n in_o a_o way_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o the_o least_o regard_n unto_o the_o rule_n or_o end_v of_o evangelical_n discipline_n manage_v its_o administration_n in_o brawling_n contention_n revile_n fee_n pecuniary_a mulct_n etc._n etc._n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o the_o spirit_n example_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v this_o defect_n that_o it_o will_v exceed_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v look_v on_o such_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o such_o a_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o any_o way_n participant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o of_o what_o expediency_n it_o may_v be_v unto_o other_o end_n i_o know_v not_o but_o unto_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o have_v no_o alliance_n and_o therefore_o in_o its_o exercise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v corrective_a it_o be_v usual_o apply_v unto_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sober_a christian_n wherefore_o to_o deal_v plain_o in_o this_o case_n whereas_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o power_n nor_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n or_o their_o ministry_n not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n as_o because_o their_o right_n thereunto_o be_v deny_v and_o its_o exercise_n whole_o forbid_v by_o they_o in_o who_o power_n they_o be_v and_o whereas_o in_o the_o supply_n that_o be_v make_v of_o this_o defect_n a_o secular_a power_n be_v erect_v coercive_a by_o pecuniary_a and_o corporal_a penalty_n administer_v by_o person_n no_o way_n relate_v unto_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n by_o rule_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n in_o litigious_a and_o oppressive_a court_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o power_n and_o exercise_n be_v spiritual_a by_o spiritual_a mean_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n rule_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o hinder_v or_o forbid_v he_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o edification_n man_n may_v talk_v what_o they_o please_v of_o schime_n but_o he_o that_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o evidence_n must_v answer_v for_o it_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n 4._o this_o defect_n in_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o law_n with_o no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v whole_o govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o by_o other_o at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n before_o mention_v which_o shake_v their_o very_a be_v as_o church_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n found_v in_o common_a right_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wherein_o man_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o other_o want_v and_o defect_n also_o as_o will_v weaken_v any_o obligation_n unto_o complete_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v give_v one_o only_a instance_n hereof_o the_o people_n free_a choice_n of_o all_o their_o officer_n bishop_n elder_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o our_o judgement_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v also_o so_o suitable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n namely_o that_o in_o a_o society_n absolute_o found_v in_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o do_v actual_o exist_v thereby_o without_o any_o necessity_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o prescription_n former_a usage_n or_o the_o state_n of_o be_v bear_v in_o and_o under_o such_o rule_n and_o law_n as_o it_o be_v with_o man_n in_o their_o political_a society_n the_o people_n shall_v have_v the_o election_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o rule_v among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o a_o right_n unto_o a_o successive_a imposition_n of_o any_o such_o ruler_n on_o they_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n that_o nothing_o can_v rational_o be_v plead_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o in_o all_o ordinary_o settle_a government_n in_o the_o world_n set_v aside_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o original_n by_o war_n and_o conquest_n the_o succession_n of_o ruler_n be_v either_o by_o natural_a generation_n the_o rule_n be_v confine_v unto_o such_o a_o line_n or_o by_o a_o popular_a election_n or_o by_o a_o temperature_n of_o both_o there_o have_v be_v a_o new_a way_n invent_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o church_n never_o exemplify_v in_o any_o political_a society_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v neither_o be_v successive_a as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o elective_a nor_o by_o any_o temperature_n of_o these_o two_o way_n in_o one_o but_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o flux_n of_o it_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v so_o receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o other_o but_o whether_o hereon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
this_o constant_a total_a communion_n do_v not_o only_o include_v a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o all_o thing_n appoint_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o rule_n or_o canon_n in_o those_o assembly_n but_o a_o renunciation_n also_o of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o edification_n by_o joint_a communion_n as_o unlawful_a and_o evil._n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o on_o a_o concession_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n in_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o total_a constant_a communion_n with_o a_o renunciation_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o joint_a edification_n it_o may_v also_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v a_o thing_n with_o some_o respect_n and_o limitation_n at_o some_o time_n which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v absolute_o and_o always_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a from_o outward_a circumstance_n to_o do_v that_o sometime_o which_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o though_o not_o necessary_a from_o itself_o it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n they_o esteem_v occasional_a communion_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o latter_a some_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o take_v off_o a_o exception_n unto_o this_o inference_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o he_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a and_o not_o occasional_a only_o and_o that_o he_o prescribe_v the_o same_o practice_n unto_o his_o disciple_n but_o i_o think_v this_o labour_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a then_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v join_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n institution_n among_o they_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o he_o never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o pharasaical_a imposition_n but_o warn_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o refuse_v they_o who_o example_n we_o desire_v to_o follow_v for_o concern_v all_o such_o observance_n in_o the_o church_n he_o pronounce_v that_o sentence_n every_o plant_n that_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o plant_v shall_v be_v root_v up_o but_o the_o doctor_n proceed_v unto_o a_o second_o argument_n pag._n 163_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o particular_a force_n of_o that_o text_n phil._n 3.16_o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o give_v the_o first_o occasion_n unto_o this_o whole_a dispute_n the_o doctor_n intention_n be_v so_o indefensible_a from_o this_o place_n that_o i_o think_v however_o he_o may_v persist_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v he_o will_v have_v forbear_v from_o seek_v comtenance_n unto_o it_o from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n call_v unto_o a_o account_n for_o the_o exception_n i_o put_v in_o unto_o his_o application_n of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n i_o will_v spare_v the_o reader_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o repetition_n of_o thing_n former_o speak_v and_o the_o transcription_n of_o his_o word_n or_o my_o own_o without_o prejudice_n unto_o the_o cause_n itself_o after_o a_o reflection_n of_o some_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n on_o my_o discourse_n he_o repeat_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n according_a unto_o his_o apprehension_n under_o four_o head_n about_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v see_v whether_o he_o have_v apprehend_v my_o mind_n aright_o or_o no_o or_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o i_o declare_v belong_v not_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o yet_o know_v direct_o what_o he_o judge_v this_o text_n do_v prove_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o infer_v from_o it_o though_o i_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o it_o be_v design_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o what_o be_v the_o application_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o issue_v his_o whole_a dispute_n about_o it_o in_o this_o enquiry_n how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o this_o case_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v come_v unto_o a_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o this_o text_n and_o context_n without_o prejudice_n without_o preconceive_a opinion_n without_o interest_n in_o party_n or_o cause_n will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o art_n to_o apply_v they_o unto_o the_o present_a controversy_n as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o walk_v in_o church_n on_o all_o that_o be_v presume_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o clear_v these_o thing_n the_o doctor_n propose_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v debate_v 1._o whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a opinion_n or_o different_a practice_n 2._o whether_o the_o rule_n he_o give_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n 3._o how_o far_o the_o apostle_n rule_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o this_o case_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o present_a argument_n and_o the_o last_o be_v but_o faint_o propose_v and_o pursue_v though_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a fabric_n the_o reader_n if_o he_o will_v put_v himself_o to_o so_o much_o trouble_n as_o to_o compare_v my_o former_a discourse_n with_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v in_o answer_n or_o opposition_n unto_o it_o he_o will_v easy_o see_v that_o nothing_o be_v plead_v that_o may_v abate_v the_o force_n of_o what_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o indeed_o the_o discourse_n on_o these_o thing_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o diversion_n from_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n whereby_o a_o appearance_n be_v make_v of_o various_a arguing_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o sundry_a thing_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n without_o any_o long_a deduction_n artificial_a insinuation_n or_o divert_v reason_v without_o wrest_v the_o text_n or_o context_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o they_o 1._o a_o supposition_n of_o difference_n among_o believer_n in_o and_o about_o opinion_n and_o practice_n relate_v unto_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v 2._o in_o this_o state_n whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v there_o be_v one_o common_a rule_n according_a unto_o which_o those_o who_o so_o dissent_v among_o themselves_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v such_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o we_o all_o assent_n unto_o and_o be_v agree_v in_o 3._o this_o rule_n can_v consist_v in_o a_o precise_a determination_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n with_o a_o authoritative_a prescription_n of_o uniformity_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v direct_v unto_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o those_o difference_n between_o believer_n 4._o that_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o difference_n or_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n whilst_o on_o all_o hand_n they_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o love_n mutual_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o context_n and_o to_o contain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o only_o useless_a unto_o the_o doctor_n design_n but_o opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o destructive_a of_o it_o but_o nothing_o be_v here_o attempt_v unto_o that_o purpose_n to_o draw_v any_o argument_n from_o these_o word_n applicable_a unto_o his_o design_n it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o beside_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o worship_n give_v by_o divine_a institution_n and_o obligatory_a unto_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o all_o church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o rule_n concern_v outward_a rite_n ceremony_n modes_n of_o worship_n feast_n and_o fast_n ecclesiastical_a government_n liturgy_n and_o the_o like_a unto_o which_o all_o believer_n ought_v to_o conform_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v schismatic_n and_o deal_v withal_o according_o for_o this_o only_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v concern_v 2._o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n make_v such_o a_o rule_n which_o we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o that_o
who_o write_n be_v stuff_v with_o that_o charge_n and_o miserable_a attempt_n to_o make_v it_o good_n there_o be_v also_o other_o difference_n among_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n order_n rite_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n take_v a_o way_n by_o itself_o which_o at_o present_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v 3._o consider_v the_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n between_o these_o church_n thus_o at_o difference_n and_o of_o what_o great_a use_n their_o union_n may_v be_v unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o spiritual_a and_o political_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o union_n among_o they_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o many_o private_a person_n prince_n colloquy_n or_o synod_n of_o some_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n have_v sedulous_o engage_v herein_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o miss_v it_o in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v alone_o desirable_a and_o alone_a attainable_a nor_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o disadvantageous_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o some_o verbal_a composition_n have_v sometime_o by_o some_o be_v consent_v unto_o yet_o all_o thing_n continue_v practical_o among_o they_o as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o person_n who_o be_v manage_v proposal_n for_o such_o a_o union_n with_o great_a projection_n in_o point_n of_o method_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o and_o state_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o agreement_n some_o whereof_o i_o have_v by_o i_o but_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o potentate_n not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n leave_v little_a encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o attempt_n or_o expectation_n of_o any_o success_n 4._o after_o the_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o far_a reconciliation_n or_o union_n shall_v be_v effect_v between_o these_o protestant_a church_n by_o either_o party_n relinquishment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v so_o long_o teach_v profess_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o of_o their_o practice_n in_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v accustom_v unto_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v that_o a_o river_n shall_v run_v backward_o as_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a unto_o the_o procure_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o these_o church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v effect_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n belong_v unto_o these_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n the_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fall_v into_o how_o little_a evidence_n be_v there_o leave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o little_a diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n have_v overwhelm_v the_o nation_n and_o what_o indication_n there_o be_v of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o do_v not_o almost_o tremble_v at_o they_o calvin_n unto_o who_o i_o be_v new_o send_v by_o our_o reverend_a author_n in_o answer_n to_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o many_o of_o its_o member_n or_o any_o of_o they_o add_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a offence_n and_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v too_o much_o occasion_n give_v in_o this_o miserable_a age._n nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o excuse_v our_o curse_a sloth_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v go_v unpunished_a as_o he_o begin_v already_o to_o chastise_v we_o with_o grievous_a stripe_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o we_o who_o by_o our_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n in_o flagitious_a sin_n do_v cause_n that_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v wound_v for_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o mend_v in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o truth_n be_v sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n and_o impudence_n sensuality_n and_o oppression_n be_v so_o diffuse_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n conformity_n unto_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n become_v so_o universal_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n with_o the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v so_o display_v as_o that_o if_o the_o reformation_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o speedy_o endeavour_v and_o vigorous_o pursue_v it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o talk_v of_o difference_n and_o union_n destruction_n will_v swallow_v up_o all_o until_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o until_o it_o be_v attempt_v and_o effect_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whatever_o there_o appear_v success_n shall_v be_v as_o probable_o it_o will_v be_v very_o small_a will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n nor_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n individual_a person_n will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o differ_a church_n and_o whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v be_v teach_v to_o prefer_v their_o general_a interest_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o those_o occasional_a animosity_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o place_n that_o the_o near_a some_o man_n or_o church_n come_v together_o in_o their_o profession_n the_o more_o distant_a they_o be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o the_o lutheran_n in_o many_o place_n do_v more_o hate_v the_o calvinist_n then_o the_o papist_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o we_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o church_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o from_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v this_o evil_n can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v cure_v but_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n reduce_v primitive_a simplicity_n integrity_n and_o love_n such_o as_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n when_o they_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o this_o also_o be_v effect_v all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whilst_o these_o difference_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v unless_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n shall_v be_v change_v by_o some_o great_a revolution_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o useless_a be_v this_o conscientious_o insist_v on_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o more_o use_n then_o innumerable_a wrangle_a dispute_n about_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n but_o more_o than_o the_o exact_a method_n in_o contrive_v formulary_n of_o consent_n or_o colloquy_n or_o synodical_a conference_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o all_o their_o solemnity_n order_n limitation_n precaution_n concession_n and_o oration_n let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v it_o must_v be_v the_o revival_n flourish_a and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n light_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o shall_v heal_v the_o difference_n and_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v honour_v with_o any_o great_a influence_n into_o that_o work_n 3._o that_o all_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o such_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concerment_n all_o these_o may_v be_v observe_v when_o for_o sundry_a reason_n the_o member_n of_o they_o can_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o some_o ordinance_n with_o each_o church_n distinct_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o consent_v unto_o man_n may_v be_v
deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o abode_n in_o their_o communion_n which_o the_o donatist_n do_v with_o the_o great_a fierceness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n do_v true_o and_o proper_o constitute_v they_o schismatic_n as_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o deny_v at_o this_o day_n church_n state_n and_o salvation_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n now_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o do_v more_o abhor_v we_o grant_v a_o church_n state_n unto_o all_o however_o it_o may_v be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_a and_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n unto_o all_o their_o member_n which_o be_v not_o gather_v in_o pernicious_a error_n overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o idolatrous_a in_o their_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o their_o edification_n though_o low_a in_o its_o measure_n and_o degree_n we_o judge_v none_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o own_o duty_n as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n attempt_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o we_o and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n require_v of_o we_o which_o we_o can_v avoid_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n else_o let_v he_o pretend_v what_o he_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_a avoid_v the_o make_n of_o a_o judgement_n for_o himself_o in_o these_o thing_n unless_o he_o be_v brutish_a these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n by_o any_o principle_n of_o we_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n on_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o novatian_o who_o pretence_n be_v the_o discipline_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o dr._n of_o his_o plea_n zeal_n for_o reformation_n of_o discipline_n the_o great_a edificatian_a of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o assert_v of_o their_o right_n in_o choose_v such_o a_o pastor_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v their_o edification_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o interest_n and_o party_n shall_v sway_v with_o learned_a man_n to_o seek_v advantage_n unto_o their_o cause_n so_o undue_o the_o story_n in_o short_a be_v this_o novatus_n or_o novatianus_n rather_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o ambitious_a design_n to_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n cornelius_n be_v choose_v by_o much_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n betake_v himself_o to_o indirect_a mean_n to_o weaken_v and_o invalidate_v the_o election_n of_o cornelius_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o raise_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o false_a doctrine_n whereunto_o he_o as_o false_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o error_n he_o broach_v and_o promote_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n such_o as_o whereon_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o sin_n after_o baptism_n nor_o as_o some_o add_v any_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o they_o who_o have_v fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o the_o ancient_a church_n look_v on_o as_o a_o pestilent_a heresy_n and_o as_o such_o be_v it_o condmen_v in_o a_o considerable_a counsel_n at_o rome_n with_o cornelius_n euseb._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 43_o where_o also_o be_v report_v the_o decree_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o case_n wherein_o they_o call_v his_o opinion_n cruel_a or_o inhuman_a and_o contrary_a to_o brotherly_o love_n as_o such_o it_o be_v strenuous_o confute_v by_o cyprian_a epist._n 82._o ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la but_o because_o the_o church_n will_v not_o submit_v unto_o this_o novel_a false_a opinion_n of_o he_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o and_o all_o his_o follower_n separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o rebaptise_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o orthodox_n church_n they_o deny_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n cyprian_a ad_fw-la julian_n epist._n 73._o euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 8._o that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_o false_a also_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n when_o this_o foolish_a opinion_n which_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o dionysius_n of_o rome_n call_v a_o most_o profane_a doctrine_n reflect_v unmerciful_a cruelty_n on_o our_o most_o gracious_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 8._o be_v invent_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_fw-la be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o by_o who_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n be_v such_o as_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n under_o the_o persecution_n of_o decius_n the_o emperor_n this_o also_o be_v false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o that_o church_n continue_v in_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o practice_n of_o receive_v penitent_n after_o their_o fall_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o number_n of_o they_o as_o to_o influence_n the_o election_n of_o cornelius_n so_o cyprian_n testify_v factus_fw-la est_fw-la cornelius_n episcopus_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o christi_fw-la ejus_fw-la judicio_fw-la de_fw-la clericorum_fw-la pain_fw-la omnium_fw-la testimonio_fw-la de_fw-la suffragio_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n epist._n 52._o on_o that_o false_a opinion_n and_o this_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o continue_v their_o schism_n hence_o afterward_o when_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n speak_v with_o acesius_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o at_o constantinople_n find_v he_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o be_v then_o impugn_a by_o arius_n he_o ask_v he_o why_o then_o he_o do_v not_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n whereon_o he_o begin_v to_o tell_v he_o a_o story_n of_o what_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o time_n of_o decius_n the_o emperor_n plead_v nothing_o else_o for_o himself_o the_o emperor_n reply_v only_o o_o acesius_n set_v up_o a_o ladder_n and_o climb_v alone_o by_o thyself_o into_o heaven_n leave_v he_o socrat._v lib._n 1_o cap._n 7._o this_o error_n endeavour_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o church_n this_o false_a pretence_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o the_o follow_a pride_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o all_o other_o church_n deny_v unto_o they_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o rebaptise_v they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o they_o do_v if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o doctor_n herein_o contain_v all_o my_o plea_n for_o the_o forbearance_n of_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n and_o have_v countenance_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o meletian_o who_o he_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o certain_a account_n can_v be_v give_v epiphanius_n report_v meletus_n himself_o to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a honest_a orthodox_n bishop_n and_o in_o the_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n to_o have_v be_v more_o for_o truth_n as_o the_o other_o be_v more_o for_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o according_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v peter_n and_o not_o meletus_n that_o begin_v the_o schism_n haeres_fw-la 68_o n._n 2_o 3._o but_o other_o give_v quite_o another_o account_n of_o he_o socrates_n affirm_v that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n he_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n depose_v from_o his_o episcopacy_n by_o peter_n of_o alexandria_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 6._o hence_o he_o be_v enrage_v against_o he_o and_o fill_v all_o thebais_n and_o egypt_n with_o tumult_n against_o he_o and_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n with_o intolerable_a arrogance_n because_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o sundry_a wickedness_n by_o peter_n theod._n hist._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 8._o and_o his_o follower_n quick_o comply_v with_o the_o arian_n for_o their_o advantage_n the_o error_n he_o proceed_v on_o according_a to_o epiphanius_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o novatus_n which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v if_o he_o himself_o have_v fall_v in_o persecution_n and_o sacrifice_v as_o socrates_n relate_v i_o can_v understand_v this_o schism_n of_o bishop_n meletius_n also_o it_o be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v judge_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v countenance_n unto_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n uncertain_a concern_v audus_n and_o his_o follower_n who_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o man_n be_v represent_v by_o epiphanius_n to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a man_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n full_a of_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o find_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n among_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n he_o free_o reprove_v they_o for_o covetousness_n luxury_n and_o disorder_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n hereon_o he_o stir_v up_o the_o hatred_n of_o many_o against_o himself_o as_o chrysostome_n do_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n afterward_o at_o constantinople_n hereupon_o he_o be_v vex_v persecute_a and_o great_o abuse_v all_o which_o he_o bear_v patient_o and_o continue_v in_o
much_o concern_v my_o word_n be_v vindic._n p._n 41._o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o our_o author_n apparent_o be_v can_v have_v deny_v the_o truth_n hereof_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o he_o only_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n cotton_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n herein_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v who_o do_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o people_n do_v meet_v together_o unto_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o readmission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v through_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o public_a offence_n and_o division_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n wherein_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o consent_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o hereon_o he_o ask_v where_o i_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o do_v nor_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o he_o add_v that_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o the_o appeal_n that_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n whereas_o my_o word_n be_v positive_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n such_o thing_n will_v partiality_n in_o a_o cause_n and_o aim_v at_o success_n in_o disputation_n produce_v m._n cotton_n affirm_v that_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o just_a representation_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n that_o be_v i_o presume_v diocesan_n because_o that_o alone_o be_v unto_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n state_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o three_o party_n dissent_v about_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n will_v attempt_v a_o agreement_n between_o themselves_o upon_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v some_o claim_n unto_o although_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o some_o of_o their_o pretension_n it_o may_v bring_v they_o all_o near_a together_o and_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o church_n but_o one_o in_o that_o city_n many_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o several_a place_n for_o divine_a exercise_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v but_o state_v church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o member_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o discipline_n among_o they_o such_o as_o our_o reverend_a author_n do_v afterward_o affirm_v and_o describe_v our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v 2._o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o rule_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o community_n of_o it_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n whether_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attend_v unto_o rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v many_o and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o peculiar_a relation_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o concur_v in_o common_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o cyprian_n himself_o 3._o that_o among_o those_o elder_n in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o call_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v constant_o preside_v among_o they_o in_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o without_o who_o ordinary_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o neither_o do_v he_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n who_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o and_o right_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o order_n that_o one_o do_v preside_v in_o their_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n who_o custom_n give_v some_o pre-eminence_n unto_o 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o cast_v out_o and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o lapse_v member_n have_v their_o suffrage_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n or_o any_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a acknowledge_v rule_n in_o discipline_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o from_o the_o first_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n yet_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difference_n among_o we_o then_o what_o will_v remain_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o state_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v congregational_a or_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v far_o plead_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n nor_o be_o i_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o sufficient_a answer_n unto_o what_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o vindication_n but_o have_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v most_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o word_n divert_v very_o much_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o yet_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n sect_n 5._o p._n 234_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n it_o seem_v evident_o exemplyfy_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o what_o be_v now_o again_o declare_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o that_o city_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v original_o more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n i_o do_v grant_v in_o the_o word_n next_o quote_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o any_o such_o church_n do_v divide_v itself_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n but_o this_o
from_o the_o beginning_n however_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v namely_o whether_o some_o while_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o church_n that_o be_v great_o increase_v and_o many_o elder_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o one_o choose_v as_o at_o alexandria_n by_o those_o elder_n themselves_o to_o preside_v among_o they_o who_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v call_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o alone_o which_o will_v advantage_v his_o cause_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v in_o one_o city_n or_o any_o where_o else_o many_o not_o occasional_a assembly_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n member_n but_o many_o state_v fix_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_o relate_v unto_o they_o entrust_v with_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n at_o least_o as_o much_o as_o he_o afterward_o plead_v to_o be_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n make_v up_o a_o new_a church_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o common_a pastor_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v prove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o our_o assertion_n be_v accompany_v arise_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o present_o after_o for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o those_o in_o one_o city_n can_v not_o continue_v in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o the_o advantage_n of_o occasional_a assembly_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v 5000_o in_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o word_n grow_v and_o prevail_v at_o ephesus_n and_o other_o place_n whereto_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v as_o hasten_v unto_o a_o close_a of_o this_o unpleasing_a labour_n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o whatever_o difficulty_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o any_o other_o species_n nature_n or_o kind_n but_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n only_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o let_v any_o one_o instance_n be_v produce_v of_o a_o church_n of_o one_o denomination_n national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n then_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a and_o i_o will_v give_v over_o this_o contest_v but_o when_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o inquire_v how_o it_o may_v be_v and_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o if_o in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n any_o proof_n or_o undoubted_a testimony_n can_v be_v produce_v of_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o of_o state_v ceremony_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o church_n discipline_n consistent_a with_o that_o now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o 2._o the_o admirable_a prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n consist_v principal_o in_o its_o spread_a itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o plant_v seminary_n for_o far_a conversion_n in_o all_o nation_n it_o do_v indeed_o prevail_v more_o in_o some_o city_n and_o town_n then_o in_o other_o in_o some_o place_n many_o be_v convert_v in_o other_o the_o tender_a of_o it_o be_v utter_o reject_v how_o be_v it_o it_o prevail_v not_o unto_o the_o gather_n of_o such_o great_a number_n into_o any_o church_n sole_o as_o may_v destroy_v or_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o congregational_a institution_n for_o not_o all_o not_o it_o may_v be_v half_a not_o sometime_o a_o three_o part_n of_o they_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o attend_v unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o many_o of_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v admit_v as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o communion_n hence_o there_o be_v many_o who_o upon_o a_o general_a account_n be_v esteem_v christian_n and_o that_o just_o where_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a 3._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v any_o where_o so_o increase_v in_o number_n as_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o proportion_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n and_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o day_n of_o polyicarpus_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o those_o day_n both_o from_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o person_n who_o be_v just_o account_v the_o great_a instructor_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o they_o call_v he_o when_o he_o be_v carry_v unto_o the_o stake_n but_o this_o church_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o itself_o in_o its_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o pontus_n about_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n as_o manifest_v the_o church_n there_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a small_a number_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o inhabitant_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v who_o or_o what_o they_o be_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o so_o in_o the_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n concern_v the_o persecution_n that_o befall_v they_o as_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v particular_a church_n only_o so_o they_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o bear_v in_o number_n no_o proportion_n unto_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v who_o can_v scarce_o discover_v they_o by_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o 4._o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o particular_a notwithstanding_o the_o great_a number_n of_o its_o original_n convert_v who_o probable_o be_v many_o of_o they_o stranger_n occasional_o present_a at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o there_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v in_o the_o several_a country_n whither_o they_o immediate_o return_v be_v instrument_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o year_n after_o it_o consist_v of_o no_o great_a multitude_n than_o can_v come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o church_n affair_n act_n 15.20_o 21._o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o pella_n a_o obscure_a place_n who_o name_n probable_o have_v never_o be_v know_v but_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v like_a to_o receive_v any_o great_a multitude_n nor_o do_v epiphanius_n say_v as_o our_o author_n pretend_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelosyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la for_o he_o affirm_v express_o that_o all_o the_o disciple_n which_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n dwell_v at_o pella_n only_o he_o say_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n take_v its_o original_n which_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o in_o coelosyria_n decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o that_o sect_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o dwell_v all_o at_o pella_n sect._n 7._o p._n 239._o he_o quote_v another_o say_n of_o i_o namely_o that_o i_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensible_o require_v it_o and_o hereon_o he_o attempt_v to_o make_v advantage_n in_o opposition_n unto_o another_o say_n as_o he_o suppose_v of_o i_o namely_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o state_v and_o unalterable_a from_o whence_o he_o make_v many_o inference_n to_o countenance_v he_o in_o his_o charge_n of_o schism_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o contend_v fruitless_o about_o these_o thing_n have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o read_v a_o little_a far_o on_o the_o same_o page_n he_o will_v have_v see_v that_o i_o affirm_v the_o institution_n itself_o to_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n which_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o man_n in_o church_n relation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o without_o any_o new_a revelation_n unto_o that_o purpose_n which_o render_v all_o his_o query_n exception_n and_o inference_n of_o no_o use_n for_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n who_o law_n and_o rule_n be_v universal_a and_o unalterable_a but_o our_o actual_a gather_n into_o particular_a church_n for_o which_o i_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n be_v our_o warrant_n and_o the_o