under_o for_o the_o communion_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o among_o church_n be_v almost_o come_v only_o unto_o a_o agreement_n and_o oneness_n in_o design_n for_o the_o mutual_a and_o forcible_a extermination_n of_o one_o another_o at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o profess_a principle_n of_o they_o who_o lie_v the_o loud_a claim_n to_o the_o name_n and_o title_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v other_o far_a remote_a from_o the_o same_o design_n who_o adjudge_v all_o who_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o meet_v they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v that_o which_o animate_v this_o contest_v which_o give_v it_o life_n and_o fierceness_n be_v a_o suppose_a enclosure_n of_o certain_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a real_a or_o pretend_a unto_o the_o church-state_n contend_v about_o hence_o most_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o their_o only_a concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o what_o church_n they_o be_v so_o as_o that_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v so_o evil_a as_o that_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o that_o have_v any_o very_a considerable_a evil_n in_o it_o when_o this_o be_v once_o well_o rivet_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o they_o who_o secular_a advantage_n lie_v in_o the_o enclosure_n they_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o avoidable_a ensue_v on_o such_o division_n by_o this_o mean_n among_o other_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o unto_o its_o public_a profession_n become_v at_o this_o day_n so_o deplorable_a as_o can_v well_o be_v express_v what_o with_o the_o bloody_a and_o desolate_v war_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o what_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o love_n meekness_n self-denial_n holiness_n zeal_n the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v but_o a_o sad_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n neither_o do_v there_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v any_o design_n or_o expectation_n in_o the_o most_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n but_o force_v and_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n forbid_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_a time_n that_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o those_o contend_v about_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v upon_o trial_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o but_o that_o all_o the_o fierce_a digladiation_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o doleful_a effect_n that_o attend_v they_o have_v proceed_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n in_o a_o adherence_n whereunto_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o interest_n some_o advance_n may_v be_v make_v towards_o their_o abatement_n however_o if_o this_o may_v not_o be_v attain_v yet_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o concernment_n in_o these_o fruitless_a endless_a contest_v and_o to_o reduce_v their_o whole_a practice_n in_o religion_n unto_o the_o institution_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o where_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n seem_v to_o fail_v it_o savour_v somewhat_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a severity_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v provide_v they_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n carry_v it_o peaceable_o towards_o all_o man_n and_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v a_o entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v design_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n of_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a impartial_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n order_n power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n as_o institute_v determine_v and_o limit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o we_o depart_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o fact_n or_o plea_n of_o right_n that_o afterward_o fall_v out_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o confusion_n of_o various_a presumption_n suit_v unto_o the_o apprehension_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o declare_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o but_o that_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v insensible_o depart_v in_o various_a degree_n from_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n must_v i_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o groan_n under_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o that_o gradual_a degeneracy_n in_o the_o papal_a antichristian_a tyranny_n for_o rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n nor_o be_v this_o change_n introduce_v at_o once_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o be_v the_o lesser_a alteration_n which_o begin_v this_o declension_n so_o prejudicial_a unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o prove_v afterward_o through_o a_o continual_a additional_a increase_n in_o succeed_a age_n have_v affirm_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o reverend_a dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o only_o deny_v it_o but_o reflect_v with_o some_o severity_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o part_v 2._o sect._n 3._o pag._n 225_o 226_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n reassume_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o although_o it_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o also_o afterward_o the_o word_n he_o oppose_v be_v these_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_v be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v unto_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n i_o yet_o suppose_v these_o word_n inoffensive_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n for_o 1._o unto_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o ascribe_v nothing_o but_o such_o small_a mistake_v as_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v their_o faith_n or_o order_n and_o that_o they_o do_v preserve_v the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v any_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o do_v hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n who_o confine_v the_o virgin_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o the_o great_a deviation_n which_o i_o intend_v begin_v not_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n but_o 2._o to_o evince_v the_o improbability_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n upon_o my_o own_o principle_n he_o intimate_v both_o here_o and_o afterward_o that_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v democratical_a and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o its_o officer_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o never_o think_v i_o never_o write_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o authoritative_a rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o office-power_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o howbeit_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n with_o force_n tyranny_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n or_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o there_o be_v also_o other_o mistake_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o
thing_n not_o corruptive_a or_o destructive_a of_o this_o rule_n do_v differ_v from_o we_o but_o say_v our_o author_n the_o sense_n according_a to_o dr._n o._n be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n shall_v go_v on_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n abate_v that_o expression_n of_o without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n which_o be_v not_o i_o and_o supply_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o mutual_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v my_o sense_n at_o first_o view_v it_o look_v as_o like_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_n but_o say_v the_o doctor_n this_o sense_n be_v uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o differ_v about_o be_v urge_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a unto_o it_o and_o again_o pag._n 169._o let_v dr._n o._n name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o the_o sense_n be_v very_o certain_a because_o it_o give_v the_o due_a bound_n unto_o the_o difference_n suppose_v namely_o such_o as_o concern_v not_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 2._o it_o do_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o these_o difference_n because_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v the_o same_o if_o any_o one_o be_v yet_o otherwise_o mind_a which_o hinder_v no_o kind_n of_o endeavour_n to_o compose_v or_o remove_v they_o 3._o the_o difference_n intend_v be_v not_o those_o between_o they_o who_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v for_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o this_o in_o that_o case_n 4._o i_o do_v express_o assign_v those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o the_o direction_n here_o be_v applicable_a unto_o namely_o those_o between_o the_o blind_a sort_n of_o jew_n mention_v before_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n which_o the_o apostle_n state_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o rule_n unto_o rom._n 14._o what_o remain_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o second_o enquiry_n do_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v supposition_n and_o concern_v not_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n pag._n 170._o he_o proceed_v unto_o his_o last_o enquiry_n which_o indeed_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a unto_o his_o purpose_n namely_o how_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n what_o this_o rule_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o enquiry_n be_v make_v he_o do_v not_o declare_v either_o the_o precise_a signification_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o this_o place_n or_o the_o direction_n give_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o rule_n may_v be_v intend_v that_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o our_o walk_n in_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o especial_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o respect_n thereunto_o in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n may_v be_v so_o intend_v if_o by_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o understand_v a_o rule_n canon_n or_o command_v establish_v a_o church_n state_n with_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n order_n and_o government_n no_o where_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v open_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n then_o that_o no_o such_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o that_o only_o whereunto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v annex_v as_o gal._n 6.16_o which_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o a_o direction_n that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n not_o break_v in_o on_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a from_o those_o different_a apprehension_n the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o difference_n be_v shall_v compel_v the_o minor_a to_o forbear_v their_o practice_n according_a unto_o their_o apprehension_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n on_o all_o sort_n of_o penalty_n if_o they_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v such_o a_o direction_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o this_o the_o directionâ—hat_n â—hat_z can_v give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o doctor_n be_v cause_v but_o if_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v intend_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o with_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o love_n as_o unto_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o this_o rule_n have_v little_a advantageous_a influence_n into_o it_o but_o than_o say_v the_o doctor_n so_o far_o as_o man_n agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n i_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n where_o such_o a_o communion_n be_v require_v of_o they_o regular_o and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o 2_o say_v he_o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n no_o doubt_n howbeit_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v all_o attain_v yea_o but_o 3_o this_o rule_n take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o what_o rule_n do_v this_o who_o shall_v appoint_v the_o order_n intend_v who_o shall_v judge_v of_o their_o necessity_n be_v they_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v they_o determine_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o so_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o if_o by_o these_o order_n he_o intend_v such_o as_o man_n do_v or_o may_v at_o any_o time_n under_o pretence_n of_o church_n authority_n invent_v and_o impose_v as_o necessary_a make_v alteration_n in_o the_o original_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o châ—rch_n as_o also_o in_o its_o worship_n and_o discipline_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o i_o if_o he_o can_v find_v they_o out_o either_o in_o the_o rule_n here_o mention_v or_o the_o dirâ—â—tion_n give_v with_o reference_n unto_o it_o see_v such_o a_o practice_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o rule_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o at_o length_n ruin_v all_o church_n in_o their_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n if_o such_o a_o ruin_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n he_o therefore_o object_n out_o of_o my_o discourse_n pag._n 171._o let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o we_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o to_o which_o he_o reply_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n answ._n 1._o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o those_o who_o make_v and_o impose_v these_o new_a unscriptual_a order_n be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o the_o church_n they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o make_v and_o impose_v they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o believe_v some_o man_n judge_v it_o ought_v so_o to_o have_v be_v but_o 2._o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v we_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n 3._o he_o do_v not_o intimate_v any_o thing_n about_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o what_o will_v do_v so_o by_o a_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o in_o
difference_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v attend_v unto_o 4._o to_o be_v quiet_a and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n be_v the_o direction_n give_v unto_o both_o party_n whilst_o the_o difference_n do_v continue_v between_o they_o and_o that_o in_o opposition_n unto_o mutual_a imposition_n 5._o a_o church_n that_o be_v real_o so_o or_o so_o esteem_v may_v break_v the_o peace_n with_o its_o own_o member_n and_o other_o as_o well_o as_o they_o with_o it_o and_o where_o the_o fault_n be_v must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o what_o be_v do_v 6._o for_o what_o be_v add_v about_o gather_v of_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n there_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o such_o a_o unproved_a presumption_n of_o their_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v according_a unto_o divine_a institution_n for_o in_o their_o be_v so_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v of_o their_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o such_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v make_v as_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o i_o can_v more_o warrantable_o give_v this_o as_o the_o apostle_n rule_n than_o that_o of_o our_o author_n what_o you_o have_v attain_v unto_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o multiply_v not_o new_a cause_n of_o division_n and_o difference_n by_o invent_v and_o impose_v new_a order_n in_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n cast_v they_o out_o who_o agree_v with_o you_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o institution_n he_o add_v from_o my_o word_n if_o the_o rule_n reach_v our_o case_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v never_o divine_o appoint_v as_o national_a church_n ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n to_o which_o he_o reply_v and_o so_o this_o rule_n do_v in_o order_n unto_o peace_n require_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o command_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o nor_o repugnant_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ._n 1._o let_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v consult_v the_o place_n whence_o these_o word_n be_v take_v in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o will_v find_v this_o evasion_n obviate_v 2._o what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o that_o read_v the_o word_n can_v possible_o pretend_v unto_o any_o such_o conception_n of_o their_o meaning_n if_o he_o understand_v a_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o may_v or_o may_v not_o include_v 3._o i_o deny_v and_o shall_v for_o ever_o deny_v that_o the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o divine_o institute_v not_o prescribe_v not_o command_v in_o the_o word_n on_o the_o pretence_n that_o those_o who_o so_o invent_v and_o impose_v they_o judge_v they_o lawful_a and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v he_o object_n again_o unto_o himself_o out_o of_o my_o discourse_n that_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n themselves_o about_o outward_a modes_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n feast_n fast_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o he_o reply_v what_o then_o i_o say_v then_o 1._o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o christian_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n have_v follow_v their_o example_n and_o make_v no_o such_o rule_n at_o all_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v for_o that_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n law_n canon_n about_o the_o thing_n mention_v and_o other_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o example_n of_o or_o encouragement_n unto_o which_o afterward_o ensue_v have_v be_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o original_a institution_n of_o corrupt_v its_o worship_n administer_a occasion_n unto_o scandal_n and_o endless_a strife_n 2._o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n themselves_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v safe_o that_o it_o be_v because_o in_o their_o judgement_n no_o such_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v give_v other_o reason_n hereof_o can_v be_v assign_v for_o if_o it_o may_v have_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o he_o innumerable_a evil_n may_v have_v be_v preunt_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o they_o foresee_v what_o difference_n will_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n what_o division_n the_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_a lust_n of_o man_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o know_v much_o whereunto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n tend_v yet_o will_v they_o not_o appoint_v any_o arbitrary_a rule_n about_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o may_v have_v give_v some_o bound_n unto_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n in_o make_v and_o multiply_v rule_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o then_o i_o say_v we_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o who_o concern_v themselves_o herein_o that_o we_o scruple_n the_o comply_v with_o such_o rule_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o appoint_v or_o ordain_v but_o he_o add_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o give_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n answ._n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n we_o shall_v afterward_o consider_v to_o be_v do_v be_v intend_v of_o act_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v then_o the_o apostle_n never_o give_v any_o such_o rule_n as_o that_o pretend_a the_o rule_n they_o give_v be_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v and_o for_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o they_o give_v no_o rule_n especial_o they_o give_v not_o such_o a_o large_a rule_n as_o this_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n in_o impose_v on_o the_o church_n whatever_o they_o esteem_v lawful_a as_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o a_o open_a rejection_n of_o all_o they_o give_v it_o afterward_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o will_v do_v the_o work_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o all_o that_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o the_o pope_n or_o who_o it_o will_n for_o they_o be_v themselves_o the_o sole_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v pretend_v understand_v nothing_o of_o these_o thing_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n for_o the_o church_n peace_n provide_v they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o sure_o no_o pope_n be_v ever_o yet_o so_o stark_o mad_a as_o to_o impose_v thing_n in_o religion_n which_o he_o himself_o judge_v unlawful_a beside_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v moral_o which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o introduce_v into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o not_o expedient_a nor_o for_o edification_n yea_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v sometime_o on_o some_o occasion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a bind_a rule_n for_o all_o time_n and_o season_n instance_n may_v be_v multiply_v in_o each_o kind_n therefore_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n never_o give_v this_o rule_n they_o open_v no_o such_o door_n unto_o arbitrary_a imposition_n they_o lay_v no_o such_o yoke_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o may_v prove_v heavy_a and_o do_v so_o then_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v take_v away_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o shall_v by_o their_o ruler_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o lawful_a in_o their_o judgement_n this_o
to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n thereon_o shall_v the_o people_n do_v it_o themselves_o be_v they_o meet_v be_v they_o competent_a for_o it_o be_v they_o to_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o guide_n do_v they_o know_v what_o be_v heresy_n have_v they_o read_v epiphanius_n or_o binius_fw-la how_o come_v this_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o else_o where_o be_v deny_v the_o three_o be_v in_o case_n man_n make_v thing_n indifferent_a necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n on_o that_o account_n but_o 1._o i_o know_v not_o which_o be_v to_o precede_v or_o go_v before_o their_o division_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o just_a separation_n nor_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v so_o express_v 2._o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o imposition_n first_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v second_o the_o judgement_n of_o they_o that_o impose_v they_o the_o former_a alone_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o they_o may_v submit_v unto_o it_o without_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o doctrine_n as_o many_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n it_o be_v their_o own_o error_n and_o concernment_n only_o 3._o why_o be_v not_o the_o impose_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o necessary_a unto_o man_n temporal_a salvation_n in_o this_o world_n so_o as_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o shall_v real_o affect_v the_o refuser_n with_o trouble_n and_o ruin_n as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o separation_n as_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o as_o necessary_a unto_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o shall_v never_o affect_v they_o 4._o this_o make_v thing_n indifferent_a necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o as_o such_o impose_v of_o they_o on_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a that_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o to_o judge_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v a_o contradiction_n if_o only_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v intend_v and_o otherwise_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v lawful_o be_v impose_v i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o differ_v from_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n under_o any_o other_o pretence_n in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v miscarriage_n in_o church_n where_o no_o separation_n be_v enjoin_v we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o observe_v the_o mistake_n in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o but_o may_v there_o not_o be_v other_o cause_n of_o peaceable_a withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n beside_o these_o here_o enumerate_v 1._o suppose_v a_o church_n shall_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o judaical_a ceremony_n and_o make_v their_o observation_n necessary_a though_o not_o to_o salvation_n yet_o unto_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a but_o yet_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v or_o 2._o suppose_v a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o degenerate_v in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o its_o member_n that_o be_v immerse_v in_o various_a sin_n they_o shall_v have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o avoid_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o 3._o suppose_v a_o church_n be_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fruit_n of_o charity_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o word_n declare_v his_o disapprobation_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o state_n refuse_v to_o reform_v itself_o and_o persecute_v they_o who_o will_v reform_v themselves_o or_o 4._o suppose_v the_o ministry_n of_o any_o church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v insufficient_a and_o unable_a to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n unto_o edification_n so_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v perish_v as_o unto_o any_o relief_n by_o or_o from_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v in_o these_o and_o such_o other_o case_n a_o peaceable_a withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n be_v warrantable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect_n iii_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o drs._n discourse_v he_o design_n to_o examine_v the_o plea_n as_o he_o speak_v for_o separation_n and_o these_o he_o refer_v to_o four_o head_n whereof_o the_o first_o respect_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o which_o relate_v hereunto_o be_v four_o also_o 1._o that_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n 2._o that_o diocesan_n church_n be_v unlawful_a 3._o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n he_o begin_v withal_o and_o therein_o i_o be_o alone_o call_v to_o a_o account_n i_o wonder_v the_o dr._n shall_v thus_o state_n the_o question_n between_o we_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n must_v be_v either_o they_o be_v not_o so_o because_o they_o be_v parochial_a or_o at_o least_o in_o that_o they_o be_v parochial_a but_o be_v this_o my_o judgement_n have_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o he_o know_v full_a well_o that_o in_o my_o judgement_n there_o be_v no_o church_n direct_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o those_o that_o be_v parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o expect_v much_o in_o the_o ensue_a disputation_n when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v so_o mistake_v at_o the_o entrance_n if_o he_o say_v or_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o their_o parochial_a church_n observe_v practise_v and_o impose_v on_o all_o their_o member_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v our_o judgement_n and_o part_n of_o our_o plea_n in_o this_o case_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o speak_v unto_o wherefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n on_o this_o head_n be_v spend_v in_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n with_o a_o attempt_n to_o take_v advantage_n for_o some_o reflection_n or_o a_o appearance_n of_o success_n from_o some_o passage_n and_o expression_n belong_v nothing_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n a_o course_n which_o i_o think_v so_o learned_a a_o person_n will_v not_o have_v take_v in_o a_o case_n wherein_o conscience_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v some_o mistake_n occur_v in_o it_o have_v be_v already_o rectify_v as_o that_o wherein_o he_o suppose_v that_o my_o judgement_n be_v for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o also_o what_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o gradual_a declension_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o their_o first_o original_a institution_n have_v be_v examine_v i_o shall_v therefore_o plain_o and_o direct_o propose_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o assert_v and_o maintain_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o occurr_n in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o or_o otherwise_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n towards_o the_o end_n in_o general_n of_o charge_v we_o with_o schism_n and_o they_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n with_o their_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o evangelical_n churches_n i_o take_v churches_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o notion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v define_v the_o church_n by_o a_o congregation_n of_o beleiver_n otherwise_o there_o may_v be_v occasional_a congregation_n that_o be_v not_o state_v church_n 2._o unto_o these_o church_n there_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o ordinary_a power_n and_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o any_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o they_o be_v require_v the_o observance_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n which_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n to_o omit_v 3._o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n kind_n nature_n or_o constitution_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n thing_n may_v be_v various_o order_v in_o and_o among_o christian_n or_o their_o society_n may_v be_v cast_v or_o dispose_v of_o into_o such_o respective_a relation_n to_o and_o dependence_n on_o one_o another_o
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
heaven_n as_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o this_o subject_n in_o other_o discourse_n 2._o the_o name_n pretence_n and_o presume_a power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n have_v be_v make_v and_o use_v as_o the_o great_a engine_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o satisfy_v the_o avarice_n sensuality_n ambition_n and_o cruelty_n of_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o thing_n be_v find_v out_o by_o man_n or_o satan_n himself_o so_o fit_v suit_v and_o frame_v to_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o multitude_n of_o man_n as_o this_o of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v so_o order_v be_v of_o that_o make_v constitution_n and_o use_n that_o corrupt_a man_n need_v desire_v no_o more_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o wealth_n honour_n grandeur_n pleasure_n all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o lust_n spiritual_a or_o carnal_a but_o a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v a_o interest_n therein_o be_v general_o use_v unto_o any_o other_o end_n all_o the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n all_o the_o flagitious_a life_n in_o luxury_n sensuality_n uncleanness_n incest_n etc._n etc._n of_o pope_n cardinal_n prelate_n and_o their_o companion_n with_o their_o hatred_n unto_o and_o oppression_n of_o good_a man_n arise_v from_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o be_v repute_v the_o church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o church_n here_o and_o there_o as_o it_o be_v esteem_v be_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o keep_v christian_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o purity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o temptation_n to_o multitude_n of_o man_n to_o prefer_v the_o church_n before_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n unto_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o conspiracy_n nor_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o think_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o men._n 3._o by_o the_o church_n so_o esteem_v and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o interest_n by_o its_o authority_n and_o power_n innumerable_a multitude_n of_o christian_n have_v be_v slay_v or_o murder_v and_o the_o earth_n soak_a with_o their_o blood_n two_o emperor_n of_o germany_n alone_o fight_v above_o eighty_o battle_n for_o and_o against_o the_o pretend_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v lay_v whole_a country_n desolate_a with_o fire_n and_o sword_n turn_v city_n into_o ash_n and_o village_n into_o a_o wilderness_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v the_o church_n which_o kill_v murder_a and_o burn_v innumerable_a holy_a person_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o practice_n unto_o her_o command_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o church_n conspicuous_o visible_a in_o all_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v it_o esteem_v lawful_a once_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o other_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n be_v for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o cruelty_n bloodshed_n murder_n the_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a among_o they_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o the_o secular_a worldly_a interest_n of_o multitude_n lie_v in_o this_o presumptive_a church_n and_o the_o state_n of_o it_o they_o prefer_v and_o exalt_v it_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o make_v the_o great_a idol_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o its_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v above_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n towards_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o neither_o can_v nor_o need_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o inform_v we_o and_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v this_o usurpation_n of_o divine_a honour_n in_o put_v itself_o and_o its_o authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v full_a well_o whence_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o right_o title_n or_o pretence_n unto_o it_o have_v exalt_v one_o among_o they_o and_o with_o he_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a capacity_n above_o all_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n nation_n and_o people_n trample_v on_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n be_v this_o church-state_n from_o heaven_n be_v it_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v it_o the_o heart_n and_o centre_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v it_o that_o which_o all_o man_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n who_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n can_v entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n without_o detestation_n and_o abhorrency_n 5._o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o atheism_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o man_n find_v themselves_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n they_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o this_o church_n suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o abhor_v through_o innumerable_a prejudices_fw-la to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o ministerial_a church-state_n or_o no_o understand_v at_o length_n the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o political_a combination_n for_o the_o wealth_n power_n and_o dignity_n of_o some_o person_n they_o cast_v away_o all_o regard_n of_o religion_n and_o become_v profess_a atheist_n 6._o unto_o this_o very_a day_n the_o woeful_a division_n distraction_n and_o end_n less_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n with_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o do_v all_o spring_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o for_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o they_o as_o be_v usual_o allow_v can_v but_o produce_v war_n and_o tumult_n among_o nation_n with_o the_o oppression_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o calamity_n in_o one_o place_n man_n be_v kill_v for_o not_o own_v of_o one_o church_n and_o in_o another_o for_o approve_v of_o it_o among_o ourselves_o prison_n be_v fill_v and_o man_n good_n spoil_v division_n multiply_v and_o the_o whole_a nation_n endanger_v in_o a_o severe_a attempt_n to_o cause_v all_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o in_o brief_a these_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o villainy_n which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v replenish_v withal_o and_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n if_o man_n question_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n for_o my_o part_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o any_o profess_a christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o he_o have_v by_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n disentangle_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o do_v believe_v from_o all_o respect_n and_o trust_v unto_o such_o church_n discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o their_o practice_n whereby_o they_o open_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o he_o have_v lead_v they_o off_o from_o a_o church-state_n thereby_o but_o by_o the_o same_o word_n reveal_v that_o to_o they_o which_o be_v pure_a simple_a humble_a holy_a and_o so_o far_o from_o give_v occasion_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n mention_v as_o that_o the_o admittance_n of_o it_o will_v put_v a_o immediate_a end_n unto_o they_o all_o such_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o true_a and_o gospel_n church-state_n to_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a description_n of_o it_o he_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o these_o humane_a and_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o hellish_a church_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n policy_n and_o secular_a contrivance_n come_v thereon_o to_o obtain_v a_o view_n of_o
church_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n also_o or_o else_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v about_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o reveal_v appoint_v prescribe_a legalize_v by_o christ_n where_o be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o moses_n but_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o defect_n in_o his_o institution_n that_o need_v any_o supplement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v a_o church-state_n order_n and_o rule_n with_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o particular_a 4._o how_o it_o be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o its_o perfection_n shall_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v 8._o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o give_v authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v unto_o any_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v give_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n or_o precise_a command_n in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o obedience_n by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n from_o what_o be_v so_o express_v wherefore_o 9_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o church_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o they_o in_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o walk_n order_n administration_n of_o censure_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o they_o infallible_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v those_o thing_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v question_v without_o a_o denial_n of_o their_o infallibility_n faithfulness_n and_o divine_a authority_n 10_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v their_o pattern_n for_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unto_o divers_a rite_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o institution_n order_n and_o rule_n not_o those_o appoint_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o themselves_o have_v find_v out_o and_o ordain_v be_v both_o temerarious_a and_o untrue_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o bold_a conjecture_n one_o of_o late_a have_v affirm_v that_o moses_n take_v most_o of_o his_o law_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o aegyptitian_n whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o alienate_v the_o people_n by_o prohibition_n from_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n whereof_o maimonides_n in_o his_o mene_n nebuchim_n give_v we_o sundry_a instance_n this_o assertion_n i_o say_v be_v rash_a and_o false_a for_o 1_o as_o unto_o the_o instance_n give_v for_o its_o confirmation_n who_o shall_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o synagogue_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o they_o not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o 250_o year_n young_a and_o late_a than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o their_o write_n as_o in_o they_o that_o follow_v we_o have_v innumerable_a thing_n assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o forefather_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o compose_v a_o new_a religion_n out_o of_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n partly_o by_o the_o revolt_n of_o many_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n unto_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o eliâ—nites_n and_o nazarenes_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o observation_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n their_o order_n and_o worship_n they_o take_v they_o in_o as_o their_o own_o undeniable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v hereof_o 2_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o real_a coincidence_n between_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v direct_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o jew_n or_o make_v they_o their_o example_n sure_o the_o apostle_n take_v not_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o druid_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v great_o resemble_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o it_o depend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a church-state_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v but_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v whether_o this_o church-state_n be_v still_o continue_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o whether_o it_o cease_v not_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n solemn_o erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o perpetual_a or_o everlasting_a but_o be_v to_o continue_v only_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n yet_o unto_o that_o time_n its_o continuation_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o its_o appoint_a period_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o this_o church-state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr 2_o the_o law_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n thereof_o which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o generation_n call_v the_o covenant_n the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a that_o be_v never_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v until_o by_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o will_v utter_o change_v and_o take_v away_o that_o whole_a church-state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o its_o constitution_n and_o preservation_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v three_o 1_o carnal_a generation_n and_o that_o on_o a_o twofold_a account_n for_o there_o be_v two_o constituent_a part_n of_o that_o church_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n the_o continuation_n of_o each_o of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o privilege_n of_o carnal_a generation_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o other_o head_n of_o tribe_n which_o give_v they_o both_o their_o foundation_n in_o and_o right_o unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o hereunto_o be_v annex_v all_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o integrity_n purity_n and_o legitimacy_n of_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o pedigree_n 2_o circumcision_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o any_o advantage_n by_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o generation_n from_o those_o two_o spring_n and_o hereby_o other_o also_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o never_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 3_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o innumerable_a divine_a ordinance_n make_v their_o coalition_n with_o they_o impossible_a from_o these_o cause_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v preserve_v unto_o its_o appoint_a season_n neither_o
church-state_n of_o other_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o agree_v not_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n with_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o as_o obstruct_v a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o it_o have_v rise_v of_o late_a unto_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n that_o some_o deny_v peremptory_o the_o church-state_n and_o consequent_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n alas_o that_o poor_a man_n who_o be_v know_v to_o other_o whether_o they_o be_v unto_o themselves_o or_o no_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o what_o be_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o shall_v once_o think_v that_o the_o be_v and_o salvation_n of_o all_o church_n shall_v depend_v on_o they_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v yea_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o christian_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o comply_v with_o diocesan_n bishop_n do_v yet_o grant_v that_o heathen_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n 3_o whatever_o defect_n there_o have_v be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o the_o constitution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o in_o any_o place_n or_o age_n whatever_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o total_a failure_n of_o they_o much_o less_o a_o discontinuation_n of_o the_o right_n of_o believer_n to_o reform_v and_o erect_v they_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o the_o perpetual_a continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n institute_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n depend_v original_o on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n unto_o he_o by_o his_o father_n with_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o that_o grant_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o they_o do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o trouble_v other_o who_o think_v of_o suspend_v this_o continuation_n on_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n 2._o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v it_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v so_o build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o matth._n 16.18_o under_o what_o consideration_n soever_o the_o church_n be_v here_o first_o intend_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o it_o as_o before_o describe_v be_v include_v in_o the_o promise_n if_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n do_v prevail_v either_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a believer_n or_o the_o catholic_n profession_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o profession_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a church_n the_o promise_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n 3._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o give_v right_a and_o title_n unto_o all_o believer_n to_o congregate_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o command_v for_o their_o so_o do_v suppose_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o such_o place_n as_o wherein_o they_o can_v assemble_v and_o unite_v themselves_o or_o join_v together_o in_o a_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o in_o no_o church_n state_n nor_o do_v know_v or_o own_o any_o power_n of_o man_n that_o can_v put_v they_o into_o that_o state_n i_o say_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o church-state_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v therein_o whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v whereby_o such_o a_o church-state_n be_v to_o be_v erect_v what_o officer_n be_v to_o preâ—ide_v therein_o and_o what_o other_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o be_v warranty_n sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o sâ—ate_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o shall_v make_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o require_v at_o any_o time_n wherever_o therefore_o man_n have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n contain_v therein_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o privilege_n and_o â—owers_n accompany_v this_o church-state_n and_o those_o who_o be_v intere_v therein_o be_v as_o such_o the_o especial_a object_n of_o many_o divine_a promise_n this_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v make_v a_o conveyance_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o those_o who_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n do_v enter_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o way_n &_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v whilst_o we_o hear_v â—im_v according_a to_o the_o reiterated_a direction_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o promise_a presence_n of_o he_o with_o we_o which_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n also_o wherefore_o this_o state_n can_v have_v no_o intercision_n but_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 4._o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o this_o church-state_n as_o be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.8.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o save_a grace_n if_o christ_n shall_v no_o more_o give_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n unto_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a form_n and_o essence_n but_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a that_o be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o ruler_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o authoritative_a administration_n of_o all_o its_o concern_v especial_o for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v on_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v withhold_v the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n this_o church-state_n must_v cease_v a_o image_n of_o it_o may_v be_v erect_v but_o the_o true_a church_n state_n will_v fail_v for_o that_o will_v hold_v no_o long_o but_o whilst_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o thâ—_n body_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.16_o whilst_o it_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n col._n 2.19_o such_o dead_a lifeless_a image_n be_v many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o on_o himself_o as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n ephes._n 4.18.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o whereas_o therefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n and_o power_n on_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n of_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o promise_n have_v 1_o appoint_v the_o ordinary_a office_n which_o he_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n 2_o ordain_v that_o person_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o unto_o those_o office_n and_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o work_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o 3_o furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n and_o declare_v what_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n and_o moral_a endowment_n ought_v to_o be_v 4_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n whereof_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o erection_n and_o continuance_n of_o this_o church-state_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o 5_o have_v in_o their_o so_o do_v or_o their_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o charter_n of_o right_n he_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o state_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o its_o perpetual_a continuation_n depend_v hereon_o and_o be_v secure_v hereby_o
i_o deliver_v from_o these_o thought_n by_o the_o late_a either_o more_o sound_a or_o more_o maim_a edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o corruption_n and_o fiction_n of_o epistolical_a write_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o that_o very_o little_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o unquestionable_a hence_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n complain_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n his_o own_o epistle_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n and_o detraction_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o will_v have_v they_o no_o more_o esteem_v as_o he_o euseb._n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o but_o yet_o because_o these_o epistle_n be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o in_o these_o epistle_n in_o any_o edition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v or_o description_n give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n state_n but_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a that_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n whereof_o do_v meet_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o meet_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o same_o place_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n they_o observe_v among_o their_o officer_n of_o what_o fort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o number_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o concernment_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v none_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o or_o of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o collection_n or_o association_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o most_o esteem_v be_v write_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n unto_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o distinction_n from_o their_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n except_v only_o that_o unto_o polycarpus_n which_o be_v unto_o a_o single_a person_n under_o that_o consideration_n namely_o of_o the_o entire_a fraternity_n in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n do_v he_o address_v unto_o they_o and_o therein_o do_v he_o ascribe_v and_o assign_v such_o duty_n unto_o they_o as_o can_v not_o be_v attend_v unto_o nor_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o all_o such_o be_v the_o direction_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v receive_v penitent_n return_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v into_o that_o duty_n by_o their_o benignity_n and_o patience_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o and_o this_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n namely_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o do_v frequent_o intimate_v and_o express_v some_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v repeat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v all_o of_o you_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v there_o be_v one_o prayer_n in_o common_a of_o all_o epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o to_o the_o philadelphian_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o your_o pastor_n be_v there_o follow_v you_o as_o sheep_n and_o how_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v declare_v immediate_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o write_v with_o confidence_n unto_o your_o godly_a love_n and_o persuade_v you_o to_o use_v one_o faith_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o it_o one_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o one_o eucharist_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o in_o one_o one_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o all_o and_o one_o cup_n distribute_v among_o all_o there_o be_v one_o altar_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n that_o he_o describe_v nor_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n treat_v about_o the_o church_n send_v their_o bishop_n or_o other_o on_o their_o occasion_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o appoint_v a_o bishop_n who_o may_v perform_v the_o embassy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a how_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n shall_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n for_o they_o have_v one_o of_o their_o own_o who_o ignatius_n great_o extol_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n or_o duty_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v their_o own_o right_a and_o duty_n alone_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n any_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o that_o at_o philadelphia_n it_o may_v be_v he_o intend_v only_o their_o assistance_n therein_o as_o immediate_o before_o he_o ascribe_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o antiochian_o unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v he_o intend_v not_o the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o either_o place_n but_o some_o elder_n which_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o antioch_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o assist_v other_o church_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8.23_o the_o especial_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vers_n 19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luke_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o service_n there_o mention_v such_o be_v this_o bishop_n who_o be_v send_v on_o god_n errand_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n by_o his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o unto_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o assembly_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o at_o present_a their_o bishop_n be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o ephesian_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rejoice_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o numerous_a multitude_n who_o he_o persuade_v and_o urge_v unto_o a_o common_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o effectual_a that_o they_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o consent_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o so_o he_o again_o explain_v his_o mind_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v your_o diligence_n to_o meet_v together_o frequent_o for_o when_o you_o frequent_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v destroy_v and_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o those_o epistle_n we_o be_v no_o way_n at_o present_a concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o that_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o epistle_n do_v assert_v this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o none_o of_o they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n or_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o church-state_n but_o such_o alone_a wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v constant_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o ascribe_v such_o duty_n and_o right_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o can_v be_v observe_v and_o preserve_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n only_o nor_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o any_o other_o church-state_n whatever_o although_o therefore_o there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o probable_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o be_v of_o primitive_a institution_n yet_o be_v there_o as_o yet_o no_o such_o change_n in_o
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o