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
be_v that_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v which_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o it_o in_o its_o general_a rule_n or_o especial_a prohibition_n nothing_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refuse_v and_o reject_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o they_o all_o contend_v for_o and_o confirm_v their_o assertion_n by_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v their_o principle_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o light_n as_o they_o say_v a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o testimony_n of_o it_o after_o a_o while_n this_o principle_n begin_v to_o be_v weaken_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n make_v they_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n thing_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o ordain_v whereof_o they_o plead_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o church_n as_o they_o see_v good_n hereby_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v great_o weaken_v for_o no_o certain_a bound_n can_v ever_o be_v assign_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o plea_n may_v be_v manage_v for_o many_o of_o the_o popish_a order_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v reject_v as_o forcible_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v retain_v and_o whereas_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n agree_v to_o abide_v by_o this_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o fall_v out_o a_o admirable_a harmony_n in_o their_o confession_n thereof_o but_o leave_v the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v unto_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o order_n ceremony_n rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o polity_n those_o difference_n and_o division_n ensue_v among_o they_o which_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o this_o persuasion_n in_o some_o place_n make_v a_o far_a progress_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n provide_v that_o they_o concern_v outward_a order_n rite_n rule_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o severe_a penalty_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a this_o almost_o utter_o destroy_v the_o great_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o first_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o right_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o imposer_n to_o determine_v what_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o head_n mention_v they_o may_v under_o that_o pretence_n impose_v what_o they_o please_v and_o refuse_v those_o who_o they_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n namely_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o have_v prove_v the_o rise_n of_o all_o endless_a difference_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v heal_v until_o all_o christian_n be_v restore_v unto_o their_o liberty_n of_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o mr._n chillingsworth_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v emphatical_a which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o transcribe_v though_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o very_o averse_a from_o require_v say_v he_o of_o christian_n only_a to_o believe_v christ_n and_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o he_o only_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v of_o infallibility_n who_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o let_v they_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o action_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o support_v error_n and_o superstition_n and_o impiety_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o withstand_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v take_v away_o tyranny_n and_o restore_v christian_n to_o their_o just_a and_o full_a liberty_n of_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o scripture_n only_o that_o universal_a liberty_n thus_o moderate_v may_n quick_o reduce_v christendom_n to_o truth_n and_o unity_n part_v 1._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 16._o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n we_o do_v not_o only_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o reject_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n whereby_o its_o force_n be_v weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o also_o do_v willing_o suffer_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v befall_v we_o in_o give_v our_o testimony_n thereunto_o neither_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v peace_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n until_o it_o be_v admit_v in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n especial_o in_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o it_o exclude_v all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o person_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o weaken_v this_o principle_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n all_o man_n can_v easy_o see_v this_o that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n they_o have_v to_o rest_v and_o build_v upon_o they_o do_v see_v actual_o that_o where_o man_n go_v about_o to_o prescribe_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o divine_a worship_n not_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o no_o two_o church_n have_v agree_v therein_o but_o endless_a contention_n have_v ensue_v that_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o particular_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hereon_o be_v ready_a to_o resolve_v to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o christ_n and_o to_o admit_v of_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o his_o word_n second_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o christian_a people_n be_v not_o tie_v up_o unto_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o church_n guide_n but_o be_v not_o only_o at_o liberty_n but_o also_o oblige_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o papacy_n do_v stand_v on_o this_o basis_n or_o dunghill_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v cement_v by_o this_o device_n namely_o that_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n be_v oblige_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o a_o implicit_a obedience_n unto_o their_o pretend_a guide_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o fit_a for_o any_o other_o condition_n they_o take_v from_o they_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o their_o instruction_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o first_o reformer_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v their_o right_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v carry_v on_o their_o work_n that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o multitude_n of_o they_o quick_o manifest_v how_o meet_a and_o worthy_a they_o be_v to_o have_v this_o right_o restore_v unto_o they_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n suffer_v as_o martyr_n under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o bishop_n this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v in_o no_o small_a degree_n weaken_v by_o many_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o himself_o pag._n 127_o 128._o deny_v unto_o the_o people_n all_o liberty_n or_o ability_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n what_o be_v heresy_n or_o a_o pernicious_a error_n and_o what_o be_v not_o or_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v they_o who_o admire_v and_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 7.49_o this_o rabble_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n yet_o be_v it_o this_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n direct_v
they_o be_v occasion_v by_o ambition_n and_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n like_o those_o that_o fall_v out_o among_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o day_n when_o their_o parish_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o now_o they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v so_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o impose_v principle_n and_o practice_n not_o warrant_v in_o the_o scripture_n on_o other_o as_o it_o be_v with_o tertullian_n if_o for_o slight_a reason_n they_o rend_v and_o destroy_v that_o church_n state_n and_o order_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ancient_a schismatic_n who_o be_v bishop_n or_o will_v feign_v to_o have_v be_v if_o those_o that_o make_v they_o or_o follow_v in_o they_o deny_v salvation_n unto_o all_o that_o join_v not_o with_o they_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n as_o be_v without_o god_n covenant_n and_o the_o sacrament_n as_o do_v the_o donatist_n and_o those_o do_v who_o deny_v these_o thing_n unto_o all_o church_n who_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a justifiable_a cause_n plead_v for_o it_o that_o those_o who_o make_v such_o a_o separation_n can_v abide_v in_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o forsake_v without_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v give_v evidence_n of_o their_o abide_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n infallible_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v it_o our_o author_n add_v sect._n 26._o p._n 197._o another_o argument_n against_o this_o course_n of_o separation_n be_v that_o these_o ground_n will_v make_v separation_n endless_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n useless_a but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o nothing_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n nothing_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o exercise_v of_o gospel_n discipline_n to_o keep_v profess_a disciple_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o order_n divine_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v fetter_v and_o stake_v down_o with_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n herein_o i_o confess_v i_o differ_v and_o shall_v do_v so_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n from_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o to_o say_v as_o he_o do_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o humane_a imposition_n law_n and_o canon_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v unto_o separation_n but_o what_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n will_v dictate_v unto_o they_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o somewhat_o more_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o separation_n efficacious_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o beleiver_n or_o that_o any_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v assign_v as_o obligatory_a unto_o their_o conscience_n be_v what_o can_v be_v admit_v the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v love_n and_o union_n among_o his_o disciple_n he_o have_v ordain_v order_n and_o communion_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o limit_v their_o power_n he_o have_v prescribe_v rule_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o their_o member_n ought_v to_o walk_v he_o have_v forbid_v all_o schism_n and_o division_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o limit_v all_o necessary_a separation_n and_o have_v true_o give_v all_o the_o bound_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v affect_v withal_o but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a if_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v intend_v as_o be_v a_o unlawful_a schism_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v even_o as_o persecution_n and_o other_o evil_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v notwithstanding_o his_o severe_a prohibition_n of_o they_o what_o he_o have_v do_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o disciple_n from_o all_o sinful_a separation_n and_o be_v sufficient_a thereunto_o herein_o lie_v the_o original_a mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v lose_v the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o work_v of_o his_o spirit_n be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o guide_v govern_v and_o preserve_v of_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o church_n order_n by_o he_o prescribe_v and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o he_o command_v it_o have_v be_v great_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n for_o many_o age_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o faithful_a ministerial_a endeavour_n to_o enforce_v a_o sense_n of_o it_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o have_v be_v let_v loose_a from_o it_o through_o a_o confidence_n in_o other_o devise_n to_o keep_v they_o unto_o their_o duty_n and_o order_n and_o if_o these_o devise_n be_v they_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n or_o civil_a penalty_n be_v not_o enforce_v on_o they_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o concern_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v never_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v any_o from_o schism_n or_o separation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o by_o a_o sense_n of_o he_o authority_n on_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o remainder_n of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o head_n consist_v in_o a_o lepid_a dramatical_a oration_n frame_v and_o feign_v for_o one_o of_o his_o opposer_n wherein_o he_o make_v he_o undertake_v the_o patronage_n of_o schism_n before_o cyprian_a and_o austiâ—_n the_o learned_a person_n intend_v be_v very_o well_o able_a to_o defend_v and_o vindicate_v himself_o which_o i_o suppose_v also_o he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v but_o say_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o imposition_n on_o he_o of_o extenuate_v the_o gild_n of_o any_o real_a schism_n be_v that_o which_o none_o of_o his_o word_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o 2._o that_o the_o doctor_n attempt_n in_o his_o feign_a oration_n to_o accommodate_v his_o principle_n or_o we_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n for_o their_o justification_n the_o weakness_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n a_o design_n to_o maintain_v a_o cause_n causeless_o undertake_v by_o all_o manner_n of_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v we_o come_v at_o length_n in_o the_o 5_o place_n sect_n 28._o p._n 209._o unto_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o more_o importance_n due_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o all_o that_o go_v before_o for_o as_o our_o author_n observe_v it_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v this_o argument_n therefore_o he_o take_v from_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n he_o lay_v down_o sundry_a supposition_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n although_o they_o may_v be_v all_o grant_v without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v be_v so_o the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v right_o state_v 1._o his_o first_o supposition_n be_v that_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o must_v be_v right_o state_v and_o to_o that_o end_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v that_o church_n who_o peace_n and_o unity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o lie_v the_o firm_a claim_n unto_o the_o name_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v neither_o peace_n nor_o unity_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v so_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v 3._o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n to_o seek_v peace_n
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
preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o we_o keep_v unto_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o wherein_o we_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o teach_v or_o learn_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o command_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n real_a and_o unfeigned_a love_v fervent_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o of_o universal_a gracious_a evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o we_o do_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o the_o only_a real_a foundation_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v herein_o nor_o do_v we_o value_v that_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v without_o it_o or_o be_v neglective_a of_o it_o let_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o those_o therein_o who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o judgement_n that_o no_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n be_v value_v by_o or_o accept_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o found_v in_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o the_o entire_a gospel_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o peace_n be_v be_v but_o carnal_a security_n and_o unity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n add_v hereunto_o in_o particular_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n and_o they_o who_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o fierce_a of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o we_o say_v three_o those_o who_o recede_v from_o this_o rule_n in_o any_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o church_n unity_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o exorbitancy_n as_o suppose_v that_o any_o preach_v teach_v or_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n especial_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o doctrine_n pure_o evangelical_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hilary_n suppose_v that_o man_n retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o act_v their_o habitual_a lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o such_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n all_o these_o according_a unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v disturb_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v four_o that_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v in_o no_o other_o church_n unity_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o that_o end_n we_o know_v what_o be_v speak_v concern_v obedience_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o obedience_n be_v require_v of_o we_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v for_o other_o commission_n from_o he_o they_o have_v none_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v forsake_v and_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o it_o quick_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o church_n unity_n so_o that_o other_o do_v either_o proceed_v from_o man_n secular_a interest_n or_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o the_o line_n of_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v in_o the_o field_n of_o pretend_a indifferency_n and_o real_a arbitrariness_n it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n whilst_o whatever_o some_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v other_o will_v judge_v themselves_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o refuse_v five_o it_o be_v unity_n of_o christ_n appointment_n that_o schism_n respect_v as_o a_o sin_n against_o it_o and_o not_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n and_o last_o those_o who_o charge_v schism_n on_o other_o for_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o or_o the_o refrain_v of_o total_a communion_n with_o they_o must_v 1._o discharge_v themselves_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o consistence_n with_o their_o charge_n on_o they_o for_o we_o find_v as_o yet_o no_o arrow_n shoot_v against_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o the_o field_n shoot_v at_o they_o that_o use_v they_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a quiver_n neither_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v other_o manner_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o we_o have_v for_o our_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o right_o and_o power_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o namely_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a church_n state_n of_o their_o own_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o against_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o require_v no_o communion_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o rule_n before_o declare_v in_o no_o other_o be_v we_o concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o give_v a_o far_a confirmation_n than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v unto_o the_o principle_n or_o presumption_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o that_o 1._o diocesan_a bishop_n with_o their_o metropolitan_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o alone_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o this_o church_n they_o be_v 5._o that_o no_o man_n voluntary_a consent_n be_v require_v to_o constitute_v he_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v surprise_v into_o that_o state_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 6_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n plead_v for_o noncompliance_n with_o arbitrary_a unnecessary_a imposition_n 7._o that_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n neither_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o conversation_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n that_o they_o need_v unto_o their_o justification_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o mutual_a forbearance_n first_o remove_v animosity_n than_o administer_a occasion_n of_o inoffensive_a converse_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o decay_a affection_n lead_v unto_o sedate_n conference_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o more_o entire_a conjunction_n in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v will_v more_o conduce_v unto_o universal_a peace_n and_o gospel_n unity_n than_o the_o most_o fierce_a contention_n about_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o the_o most_o vehement_a charge_n of_o schism_n against_o dissenter_n but_o i_o must_v return_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o shall_v add_v something_o give_v light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o a_o
any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o for_o as_o he_o take_v it_o on_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o work_n to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o himself_o as_o its_o foundation_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o apostle_n to_o act_v under_o he_o and_o from_o he_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o that_o work_n unto_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v do_v all_o by_o himself_o for_o 1_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v revelation_n of_o what_o do_v belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v therein_o they_o never_o do_v neither_o joint_o nor_o several_o once_o endeavour_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o from_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o add_v or_o put_v into_o this_o church-state_n as_o of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o such_o either_o less_o or_o more_o any_o one_o thing_n great_a or_o less_o whatever_a it_o be_v true_a they_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o sundry_a case_n of_o present_a emergency_n in_o and_o about_o church_n affair_n they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o the_o society_n of_o all_o the_o church_n but_o to_o invent_v contrive_v institute_n or_o appoint_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o its_o state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n they_o never_o attempt_v it_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o and_o unto_o this_o rule_n of_o proceed_v they_o be_v precise_o oblige_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o their_o commission_n mat_n 28.19_o 20._o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o plain_o include_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o so_o evident_a from_o all_o that_o be_v divine_o record_v of_o their_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o sober_a contradiction_n in_o what_o other_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v 2_o the_o authority_n whereby_o they_o act_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o order_n whereon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o believer_n be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o act_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o 4.5_o they_o every_z where_o disclaim_v any_o such_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o themselves_o they_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v only_a steward_n and_o minister_n not_o lord_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n but_o helper_n of_o its_o joy_n yea_o the_o servant_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o hereon_o it_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v record_v of_o their_o practice_n in_o their_o institution_n order_v or_o dispose_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o abide_a continuance_n have_v in_o it_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o wherefore_o if_o the_o distinction_n that_o some_o make_v concern_v the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o apostle_n or_o as_o church-governor_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o just_a exception_n yet_o will_v no_o advantage_n accrue_v thereby_o unto_o what_o be_v pretend_v from_o it_o for_o as_o what_o they_o do_v appoint_v and_o order_v in_o the_o church_n for_o its_o constant_a observation_n as_o apostle_n they_o do_v it_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n so_o what_o in_o distinction_n from_o hence_o as_o church_n governor_n they_o do_v or_o order_v they_o do_v it_o only_o by_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o present_a occasion_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n christ_n send_v they_o as_o his_o father_n send_v he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o send_v of_o the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o do_v stand_v and_o feed_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n micah_n 5.4_o so_o do_v they_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o strength_n and_o in_o the_o authority_n or_o majesty_n of_o his_o name_n 5._o christ_n therefore_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v do_v and_o practice_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o church-state_n or_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o plain_o affirm_v it_o but_o also_o declare_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o and_o whence_o it_o be_v so_o as_o also_o wherein_o his_o do_v of_o it_o do_v consist_v 1._o three_o thing_n among_o other_o be_v eminent_o necessary_a in_o and_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v to_o constitute_v this_o church_n state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v eminent_o and_o express_o ascribe_v they_o all_o unto_o christ_n so_o no_o man_n nor_o all_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v any_o such_o interest_n in_o they_o as_o to_o render_v they_o meet_v for_o this_o work_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v right_o and_o title_n he_o who_o institute_n this_o church-state_n must_v have_v right_o and_o title_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o man_n in_o all_o their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n as_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o for_o unto_o this_o church-state_n namely_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n no_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o have_v any_o creature_n power_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o into_o a_o condition_n whereon_o all_o his_o concernment_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a shall_v depend_v this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o his_o church_n christ_n have_v alone_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o treble_a account_n 1_o of_o donation_n from_o the_o father_n he_o appoint_v he_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o he_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o flesh._n joh._n 17.2_o especial_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o put_v into_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v his_o church_n ver_fw-la 6._o 2_o by_o virtue_n of_o purchase_n he_o have_v by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n purchase_v they_o unto_o his_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n he_o purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n act._n 20.28_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v whole_o at_o his_o disposal_n only_o and_o be_v free_a from_o any_o imposition_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 7.23_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n the_o purchase_n of_o this_o right_a and_o title_n be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o the_o principal_a mediatory_a act_n of_o christ._n rom._n 14.9_o 10._o for_o to_o this_o end_n etc._n etc._n 3_o of_o conquest_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o be_v both_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v themselves_o enemy_n unto_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n he_o can_v not_o therefore_o have_v a_o sovereign_n right_o unto_o their_o disposal_n but_o by_o a_o double_a conquest_n namely_o first_o of_o their_o enemy_n by_o his_o power_n and_o then_o of_o themselves_o by_o his_o word_n his_o spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o twofold_a conquest_n of_o he_o be_v full_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o disposal_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o all_o the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o they_o by_o a_o indispensible_a moral_a obligation_n to_o a_o compliance_n therewithal_o until_o man_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o title_n over_o other_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o especial_a grant_n and_o donation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o a_o purchase_n that_o they_o have_v make_v of_o they_o unto_o themselves_o or_o conquest_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v either_o right_a or_o title_n to_o institute_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o afterward_o that_o christ_n indeed_o have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n in_o general_a but_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n or_o
word_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o so_o many_o various_a and_o opposite_a opinion_n about_o they_o and_o those_o debate_v in_o such_o long_a and_o operous_a discourse_n that_o some_o will_v take_v a_o argument_n from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v direct_o prove_v from_o they_o nor_o any_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o state_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thence_o collect_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v insinuate_v more_o false_a and_o absurd_a nor_o which_o more_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o when_o man_n be_v seduce_v by_o their_o interest_n or_o otherwise_o to_o multiply_v false_a exposition_n of_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o about_o they_o that_o thereon_o as_o unto_o we_o they_o lose_v their_o instructive_a power_n and_o certain_a determination_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v quick_o have_v no_o bottom_n or_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v have_v so_o at_o this_o day_n but_o all_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n some_o whereof_o will_v have_v the_o pope_n other_o a_o general_n council_n some_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n some_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n some_o a_o company_n of_o arbitrator_n be_v nothing_o but_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o what_o interest_n prejudice_n corrupt_a lust_n ambitious_a design_n with_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v bring_v forth_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o impartial_a man_n read_v this_o context_n can_v take_v the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o for_o such_o a_o society_n as_o whereunto_o a_o offend_a and_o offend_a brother_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n might_n and_o ought_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n whereof_o they_o may_v address_v themselves_o for_o relief_n and_o remedy_n or_o the_o removal_n of_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v a_o endless_a task_n and_o unsuit_v unto_o our_o present_a design_n to_o examine_v the_o various_a pretension_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n enough_o also_o if_o not_o too_o much_o have_v be_v write_v already_o about_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v only_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o the_o context_n which_o will_v sufficient_o evidence_n what_o sort_n of_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o intend_a 1._o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n unto_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o concern_v civil_a injury_n as_o such_o but_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o they_o either_o cause_v other_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o give_v they_o grief_n and_o offence_n for_o sin_n whereby_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n in_o mutual_a communion_n may_v be_v impede_v private_a injury_n may_v be_v respect_v herein_o but_o not_o as_o injury_n but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v and_o this_o appear_v 1_o from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o do_v of_o a_o injury_n be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v injure_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 6.8_o 9_o that_o be_v to_o be_v wrong_v to_o be_v deal_v unjust_o withal_o and_o to_o be_v defraud_v or_o deprive_v of_o our_o right_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o so_o use_v but_o only_o so_o to_o sin_n as_o to_o give_v scandal_n unto_o they_o against_o who_o that_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o context_n our_o saviour_n be_v treat_v direct_o about_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n or_o sin_n as_o occasion_n of_o fall_v stumble_a and_o sin_v and_o so_o of_o perish_v unto_o other_o give_v rule_n and_o direction_n about_o they_o from_o 8_o verse_n unto_o these_o word_n wherein_o direction_n be_v give_v about_o their_o cure_n and_o removal_n and_o two_o thing_n he_o ascribe_v unto_o these_o scandal_n 1._o that_o weak_a christian_n be_v despise_v in_o they_o ver_fw-la 10._o 2._o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v destroy_v or_o lose_v for_o ever_o by_o they_o ver_fw-la 14._o which_o give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o sin_n be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o to_o give_v offence_n by_o a_o scandalous_a miscarriage_n 3._o where_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v again_o record_v the_o word_n use_v enforce_v this_o application_n of_o they_o luk._n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o scandal_n and_o offence_n will_v arise_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o v_o 1._o and_o because_o that_o they_o obtain_v their_o pernicious_a effect_n most_o on_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a he_o give_v caution_n against_o they_o with_o especial_a respect_n unto_o such_o among_o his_o disciple_n better_o any_o one_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n unto_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o what_o he_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 2._o he_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 3._o sin_n against_o thou_o and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o thâ—_n direction_n which_o he_o give_v hereon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rebuke_v he_o the_o word_n be_v never_o use_v with_o respect_n unto_o private_a injury_n but_o as_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o fault_n so_o be_v it_o join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 4.2_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a word_n use_v for_o the_o rebuke_v give_v or_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 4_o another_o rule_n be_v give_v in_o case_n of_o private_a injury_n that_o be_v only_o such_o and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o immediate_o forgive_v they_o 5._o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o direction_n suit_v unto_o that_o intense_a love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o all_o his_o disciple_n one_o towards_o another_o nor_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o love_n in_o its_o exercise_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v 1_o cor._n 13._o that_o for_o a_o private_a injury_n do_v unto_o any_o man_n without_o respect_n unto_o sin_n against_o god_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o scandal_n he_o shall_v follow_v his_o brother_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v he_o cast_v â—ut_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n which_o yet_o in_o case_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 2_o the_o rule_n here_o prescribe_v and_o the_o direction_n give_v be_v so_o prescribe_v and_o give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v unto_o any_o present_a case_n or_o the_o present_a season_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o such_o case_n at_o present_a no_o mutual_a offence_n among_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v require_v this_o determination_n of_o it_o only_a respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o may_v afterward_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o direction_n at_o that_o time_n because_o christ_n himself_o be_v then_o constant_o present_a with_o they_o in_o who_o all_o church_n power_n do_v reside_v both_o eminent_o and_o formal_o according_o when_o any_o of_o they_o do_v offend_v unto_o scandal_n he_o do_v himself_o rebuke_v they_o matth._n 16.22_o 23._o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o mutual_a offence_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o he_o instruct_v they_o and_o direct_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o love_n do_v what_o any_o church_n can_v do_v and_o much_o more_o also_o mat._n 20_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27.28_o 3_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o our_o saviour_n foreknow_v and_o foretell_v that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n in_o future_a generation_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v so_o every_o day_n and_o will_v do_v so_o whilst_o man_n be_v in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n here_o below_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o order_n â—urity_n and_o edification_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o be_v preserve_v without_o a_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o cure_n and_o heal_n of_o offence_n nor_o be_v so_o in_o any_o church_n where_o such_o a_o rule_n be_v
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
power_n and_o liberty_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v the_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o as_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o true_a and_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o at_o the_o present_a the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v be_v indeed_o late_a invention_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o when_o they_o avowed_o profess_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n have_v there_o be_v then_o among_o christian_n metropolitan_a archbishop_n or_o bishop_n diocesan_n churches_n national_a or_o provincial_a a_o enclosure_n of_o church-power_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o bishop_n and_o officer_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o any_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n or_o countenance_n have_v many_o church_n or_o many_o hundred_o of_o church_n be_v without_o rule_n in_o or_o among_o themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o any_o one_o man_n stand_v in_o no_o especial_a relation_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v then_o invent_v know_v and_o in_o use_n how_o can_v they_o possible_o be_v excuse_v in_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o the_o least_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v once_o mention_v by_o they_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o their_o pagan_a ruler_n unto_o who_o they_o present_v their_o account_n some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o church_n to_o have_v reply_v that_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o there_o be_v other_o dignity_n order_n and_o practice_n than_o what_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v which_o they_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o own_o but_o beside_o this_o silence_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o assert_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o way_n of_o their_o appointment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o plead_v for_o yea_o as_o we_o have_v show_v whatever_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v about_o church_n or_o their_o order_n can_v have_v no_o be_v or_o exercise_n in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o church_n but_o of_o particular_a congregation_n 2._o that_o account_n which_o they_o give_v that_o representation_n which_o they_o make_v of_o the_o kind_n state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v with_o and_o answer_v unto_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o divine_a write_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v indeed_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n some_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o some_o lesser_a thing_n such_o as_o send_v the_o consecrate_a element_n from_o the_o assembly_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v sick_a that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o from_o any_o thing_n write_v or_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o state_n order_n rule_n discipline_n and_o worship_n of_o evangelical_n church_n there_o be_v not_o any_o instance_n to_o be_v give_v wherein_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o institution_n either_o by_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o unto_o they_o or_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v by_o they_o ordain_v 3._o from_o this_o state_n the_o church_n do_v by_o degree_n and_o insensible_o degenerate_a so_o as_o that_o another_o form_n and_o order_n of_o they_o do_v appear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o century_n for_o some_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o apply_v their_o mind_n unto_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n and_o practice_n who_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o city_n or_o town_n but_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o country-village_n many_o disorder_n ensue_v with_o respect_n unto_o such_o collection_n of_o christian_n and_o congregation_n as_o be_v gather_v at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o or_o city-church_n until_o the_o time_n of_o origen_n the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v follow_v and_o their_o direction_n observe_v for_o so_o he_o write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v other_o congregation_n gather_v in_o the_o town_n up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o there_o be_v another_o heavenly_a city_n in_o any_o town_n build_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o persuade_v some_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o of_o good_a conversation_n and_o meet_v for_o their_o rule_n to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o conduct_n or_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n and_o these_o whilst_o they_o rule_v within_o the_o church_n those_o society_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n or_o command_n and_o rule_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o adver_n cels._n lib._n 8._o those_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o pastor_n or_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v establish_v when_o they_o understand_v that_o in_o any_o place_n distant_a from_o they_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v into_o church_n order_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o present_o according_a unto_o their_o duty_n take_v care_n of_o they_o inquire_v into_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n assist_v they_o in_o particular_a in_o find_v out_o try_v and_o recommend_v unto_o they_o person_n meet_v to_o be_v their_o officer_n and_o ruler_n these_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v church_n and_o city_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o collection_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n antecedent_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o any_o officer_n among_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v act._n 14.22_o 23._o wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o can_v as_o unto_o its_o continuance_n depend_v on_o any_o succession_n of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v none_o but_o what_o it_o give_v unto_o they_o these_o officer_n thus_o recommend_v be_v choose_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o thereon_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n alone_o hereby_o be_v the_o original_a constitution_n and_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o a_o good_a season_n preserve_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o abridgement_n of_o the_o power_n either_o of_o these_o church_n or_o of_o their_o officer_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o plant_v in_o poor_a country-village_n for_o as_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v hinder_v but_o that_o every_o true_a church_n have_v the_o jure_v all_o the_o right_n and_o power_n that_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v or_o that_o every_o true_a officer_n bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n have_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v annex_v unto_o that_o office_n be_v they_o at_o rome_n or_o eâ—gubium_n so_o there_o be_v no_o abridgement_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o as_o yet_o attempt_v but_o this_o course_n and_o duty_n in_o many_o place_n not_o long_o after_o become_v to_o be_v much_o omit_v whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n or_o unwillingness_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_n in_o poor_a country-churche_n i_o know_v not_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o believer_n in_o the_o region_n round_o about_o any_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o city_n church_n and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o particular_a congregation_n for_o their_o edification_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o the_o counsel_n that_o afterward_o ensue_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o city-churche_n but_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o believer_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o have_v some_o always_o attend_v the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o come_v i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o have_v chorepiscopi_fw-la among_o they_o and_o over_o they_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o
themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v withal_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptise_a in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptise_a person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o nation_n the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n
at_o present_a will_v not_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o new_a covenant_n whereunto_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v man_n may_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n as_o unto_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n provide_v another_o cover_v for_o their_o sloth_n negligence_n unbelief_n and_o indulgence_n unto_o proud_a foolish_a imagination_n whereby_o they_o render_v the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o thereby_o charge_v they_o with_o a_o decay_n and_o uselessness_n and_o so_o reflect_v on_o the_o honour_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v at_o present_a or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v short_o to_o be_v expect_v such_o a_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o to_o render_v all_o these_o external_a institution_n needless_a and_o consequent_o useless_a this_o also_o be_v false_o pretend_v for_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o or_o indeed_o equal_a unto_o it_o any_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n but_o yet_o then_o be_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n erect_v and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n enjoin_v 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o church-worship_n as_o its_o object_n and_o end_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o no_o supply_n or_o communication_n of_o he_o can_v render_v it_o useless_a 3._o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v and_o render_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n effectual_a unto_o its_o edification_n 4._o 1_o joh._n 2.20_o 27._o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o give_v countenance_n unto_o this_o fond_a pretence_n but_o 1._o the_o unction_n mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o upon_o all_o believer_n yet_o 2._o it_o be_v know_v that_o then_o they_o all_o walk_v in_o church-order_n and_o the_o sacred_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 3._o if_o it_o take_v away_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o all_o manner_n of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o to_o reduce_v religion_n into_o barbarism_n 4._o nothing_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o word_n but_o the_o different_a way_n of_o teach_v and_o degree_n of_o success_n between_o that_o under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v evidence_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o nor_o 3_o do_v they_o cease_v in_o their_o administration_n for_o want_n either_o of_o authority_n or_o ability_n to_o dispense_v they_o which_o be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o pretence_n of_o any_o force_n it_o only_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o office_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n be_v a_o institution_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o institution_n cease_v because_o none_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v they_o be_v to_o say_v they_o must_v all_o cease_v because_o they_o be_v cease_v 2._o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church-state_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v 1_o by_o the_o law_n constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n erect_v that_o office_n and_o give_v warranty_n for_o its_o continuance_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n matth._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o 2._o by_o his_o continuance_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n to_o communicate_v spiritual_a gift_n unto_o man_n for_o the_o ministerial_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o this_o he_o do_v so_o continue_v to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a evidence_n of_o his_o abide_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n and_o of_o what_o nature_n these_o gift_n be_v i_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a in_o a_o peculiar_a discourse_n on_o that_o subject_n 3._o on_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n or_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o choose_v call_v and_o solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v make_v meet_a for_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n if_o all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fail_v i_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n must_v fail_v also_o and_o consequent_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o successive_a ministry_n without_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n without_o resolve_v both_o the_o authority_n and_o office_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o do_v but_o erect_v a_o dead_a image_n or_o embrace_v a_o dead_a carcase_n instead_o of_o the_o live_n and_o life-giving_a institution_n of_o christ._n they_o take_v away_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o set_v up_o a_o skin_n stuff_v with_o straw_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v unalterable_o continue_v if_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v neither_o be_v change_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v if_o his_o dispensation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n according_a unto_o his_o promise_n can_v be_v impede_v if_o believer_n through_o his_o grace_n will_v continue_v in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o utter_a failure_n in_o this_o office_n and_o office-power_n of_o this_o ministry_n it_o may_v fail_v in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n when_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v remove_v his_o candlestick_n but_o it_o have_v a_o live_a root_n whence_o it_o will_v spring_v again_o in_o other_o place_n and_o church_n whilst_o this_o world_n do_v endure_v neither_o 4._o do_v they_o cease_v because_o they_o have_v be_v all_o of_o they_o corrupt_v abuse_a and_o defile_v in_o the_o apostasy_n which_o fall_v out_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n as_o it_o be_v full_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o this_o supposition_n will_v make_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o will_n of_o man_n which_o have_v get_v by_o any_o mean_n the_o outward_a possession_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o a_o pack_n of_o wicked_a judge_n shall_v for_o a_o season_n pervert_v justice_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v so_o overthrow_v thereby_o as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v restore_v 2._o it_o will_v make_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o wicked_a apostate_n for_o if_o they_o may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o what_o they_o have_v abuse_v they_o can_v never_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n nor_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o worship_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n all_o reformation_n of_o a_o apostatise_v church_n be_v utter_o impossible_a but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o heal_v even_o babylon_n itself_o by_o a_o reduction_n of_o all_o thing_n unto_o their_o first_o institution_n if_o it_o will_v be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o and_o if_o not_o we_o be_v to_o forsake_v she_o and_o reform_v ourselves_o rev._n 18.4_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o pretence_n that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o infallible_a continuation_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o head_n of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o the_o truth_n be_v invincible_o confirm_v may_v be_v brief_o touch_v on_o 1._o there_o be_v express_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n for_o its_o accomplishment_n that_o the_o church_n and_o all_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v continue_v always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o matth._n 16.18_o rev._n 21.3_o the_o ministry_n matth._n 28.20_o ephes._n 4.13_o baptism_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o as_o for_o other_o institution_n public_a prayer_n preach_v the_o word_n the_o lord_n day_n sing_v of_o god_n praise_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n with_o what_o belong_v
ceremony_n without_o the_o enliven_a form_n of_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n i_o have_v prove_v sufficient_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o a_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n peculiar_o enable_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n antecedent_n unto_o their_o solemn_a separation_n unto_o the_o office_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a unto_o the_o due_a continuance_n of_o the_o office_n and_o its_o work_n see_v ephes._n 4.7_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v call_v and_o appoint_v man_n unto_o a_o certain_a office_n and_o work_n in_o his_o church_n seclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o endow_v they_o with_o peculiar_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n and_o work_n be_v to_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v every_o way_n unbecoming_a his_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o when_o man_n look_v on_o all_o church_n order_n as_o a_o lifeless_a machine_n to_o be_v act_v move_v and_o dispose_v by_o external_n rule_n law_n canon_n and_o order_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n go_v before_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n to_o enliven_v every_o part_n of_o it_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o 3._o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n that_o person_n so_o call_v do_v take_v heed_n unto_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o labour_v continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o duty_n which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n with_o zeal_n love_n compassion_n and_o diligence_n where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o it_o be_v where_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o work_n or_o not_o oblige_v unto_o it_o when_o they_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o office_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o with_o less_o trouble_n as_o unto_o their_o present_a interest_n by_o such_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o express_v no_o man_n be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o confine_v his_o church_n communion_n unto_o such_o a_o ministry_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o their_o conversation_n especial_o in_o zeal_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross._n where_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o church_n practice_v as_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o that_o no_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n can_v join_v himself_o unto_o a_o church_n labour_v under_o it_o for_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o institute_v mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o through_o their_o own_o default_n cease_v so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v no_o obligation_n unto_o any_o man_n to_o join_v or_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n nor_o do_v they_o contract_v any_o gild_n in_o a_o peaceable_a departure_n from_o they_o but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v do_v peaceable_o without_o strife_n or_o contention_n without_o judge_v of_o other_o as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o law_n of_o moral_a obedience_n do_v require_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o love_n and_o compassion_n and_o prayer_n towards_o and_o for_o they_o who_o be_v leave_v be_v the_o peculiar_a direction_n of_o that_o moral_a duty_n by_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o practice_n at_o present_a will_v fall_v under_o severe_a charge_n and_o accusation_n as_o also_o brutish_a penalty_n in_o some_o place_n but_o when_o all_o church_n craft_n shall_v be_v defeat_v and_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o its_o imaginary_a authority_n be_v discard_v there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o none_o at_o all_o of_o offence_n again_o there_o be_v thing_n fundamental_a unto_o church_n practise_v and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o where_o they_o be_v neglect_v no_o man_n ought_v of_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o that_o church_n see_v he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o edification_n the_o furtherance_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o design_n in_o that_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v due_o exercise_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prescription_n there_o never_o be_v any_o sect_n order_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n design_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n and_o thing_n praiseworthy_a but_o they_o have_v rule_n of_o discipline_n proper_a unto_o the_o end_v of_o their_o design_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o and_o by_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o they_o where_o the_o erection_n of_o such_o society_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o papacy_n both_o their_o constitution_n and_o their_o conversation_n depend_v on_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o great_a variety_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o esteem_v it_o insufficient_a unto_o their_o design_n they_o have_v make_v no_o end_n of_o coin_v rule_n unto_o themselves_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o this_o church_n state_n according_a unto_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v erect_v the_o most_o perfect_a society_n for_o the_o most_o perfect_a end_n of_o religion_n of_o obedience_n towards_o god_n of_o love_n and_o usefulness_n among_o ourselves_o have_v not_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n and_o give_v rule_n concern_v its_o administration_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o society_n and_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o end_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n where_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o society_n that_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o establishment_n of_o another_o not_o administer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v no_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o join_v unto_o or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o total_a sole_a communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n of_o christ_n that_o which_o be_v private_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o preservation_n of_o love_n and_o that_o which_o be_v public_a in_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o purity_n and_o order_n a_o neglect_n in_o either_o of_o they_o do_v much_o impeach_v the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o this_o discipline_n in_o general_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n we_o inquire_v into_o among_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o constant_a difference_n be_v put_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a in_o all_o church_n administration_n 2._o that_o person_n open_o or_o flegitious_o wicked_a be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n 3._o that_o holiness_n love_n and_o usefulness_n be_v open_o avow_v as_o the_o design_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v all_o so_o comprise_v in_o the_o general_n head_n of_o discipline_n as_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o they_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o declare_v it_o will_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o a_o discipline_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n aught_o in_o duty_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o in_o complete_a communion_n to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o discourse_n and_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v about_o the_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o determine_v concern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n before_o evince_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o wherein_o all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o
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
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
the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n as_o the_o apostle_n know_v nothing_o of_o have_v power_n to_o frame_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o that_o describe_v and_o to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o on_o all_o believer_n on_o the_o penalty_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o imposition_n and_o uniformity_n as_o it_o be_v state_v at_o present_a can_v be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o that_o either_o of_o they_o be_v so_o our_o author_n do_v not_o say_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v in_o his_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o place_n i_o may_v therefore_o forbear_v any_o far_a examination_n of_o it_o without_o the_o least_o disadvantage_n unto_o our_o cause_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v material_a i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o he_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o answer_v his_o own_o quary_z which_o he_o judge_v conduce_v unto_o his_o purpose_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o different_a principle_n or_o of_o different_a practice_n and_o i_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o discourse_n ensue_v that_o have_v the_o least_o respect_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n until_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o it_o where_o he_o grant_v that_o different_a apprehension_n be_v intend_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n but_o in_o order_n hereunto_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v concern_v judaical_a seducer_n that_o the_o thing_n in_o difference_n be_v the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o man_n about_o the_o law_n its_o ceremony_n and_o worship_n with_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o different_a practice_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o be_v it_o so_o what_o be_v our_o or_o his_o concernment_n herein_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o apostle_n design_v not_o the_o imposition_n of_o these_o thing_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o do_v urge_v they_o unto_o a_o uniformity_n in_o they_o but_o declare_v their_o liberty_n from_o any_o obligation_n unto_o they_o and_o advise_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n whatever_o other_o do_v practice_v themselves_o or_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v on_o they_o what_o this_o conduce_v unto_o his_o purpose_n i_o can_v understand_v but_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o demand_v what_o sense_n can_v dr._n o._n here_o put_v upon_o the_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a otherwise_o than_o what_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v to_o pursue_v your_o main_a end_n but_o if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v do_v any_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o mind_n chief_o their_o great_a end_n that_o be_v incredible_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o somewhat_o about_o which_o there_o be_v then_o very_o different_a apprehension_n and_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v about_o the_o law_n among_o christian_a church_n neither_o do_v i_o well_o understand_v these_o thing_n or_o what_o be_v intend_v in_o they_o for_o 1._o i_o never_o give_v occasion_n to_o he_o or_o any_o else_o to_o think_v that_o i_o will_v affix_v such_o a_o sense_n unto_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o if_o they_o give_v a_o allowance_n to_o man_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a end_n of_o live_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o mutual_a peace_n among_o themselves_o 2._o what_o then_o do_v i_o intend_v by_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v even_o the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v and_o nothing_o else_o namely_o different_a apprehension_n about_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o particular_o those_o concern_v the_o law_n and_o its_o ceremony_n for_o 3._o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o particular_a intend_v dissension_n about_o the_o law_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o its_o institution_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o determine_v the_o case_n from_o the_o especial_a circumstance_n of_o that_o difference_n so_o adjudge_v the_o truth_n unto_o one_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n but_o from_o a_o general_a rule_n how_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o deport_n themselves_o towards_o one_o another_o during_o the_o continuation_n of_o such_o difference_n but_o 4._o the_o truth_n be_v the_o apostle_n have_v dismiss_v the_o case_n propose_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 1.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o expression_n of_o his_o own_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n and_o renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o jew_n boast_v in_o and_o of_o his_o attainment_n thereon_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14._o he_o give_v a_o general_a direction_n for_o the_o walk_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o herein_o he_o suppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v thing_n all_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o have_v all_o in_o common_a attain_v unto_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o all_o of_o we_o in_o general_n 2._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n among_o they_o which_o hinder_v not_o their_o agreement_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v if_o any_o one_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v one_o than_o another_o we_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o those_o which_o be_v weak_a let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n wherefore_o although_o i_o can_v discern_v how_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o discourse_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n into_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n yet_o to_o give_v a_o little_a more_o light_a unto_o the_o context_n and_o to_o evidence_n its_o unserviceableness_n unto_o the_o doctor_n intention_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o judaical_a teacher_n of_o those_o day_n the_o jew_n be_v by_o this_o time_n distribute_v into_o three_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v obdurate_a in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n oppose_v persecute_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o this_o sort_n advance_v the_o excellency_n necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o law_n in_o contradiction_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n these_o the_o apostle_n describe_v 1_o thes._n 2.13_o 14_o 15._o the_o jew_n who_o both_o kill_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o their_o own_o prophet_n and_o have_v persecute_v we_o and_o they_o please_v not_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_a unto_o all_o man_n forbid_v we_o to_o speak_v unto_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o fill_v up_o their_o sin_n always_o for_o the_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a 2._o such_o as_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n yet_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v continue_v and_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n they_o think_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o erect_v a_o new_a church_n state_n with_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o worship_n but_o only_o be_v a_o peculiar_a way_n of_o proselyte_a man_n into_o judaisme_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v in_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n especial_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 8_o chapter_n the_o teacher_n of_o this_o sort_n great_o trouble_v the_o church_n even_o after_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o those_o who_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o this_o persuasion_n become_v afterward_o to_o be_v ebionites_n and_o nazarenes_n as_o they_o be_v call_v whole_o forsake_v the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o be_v general_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o the_o three_o for_o 3._o there_o be_v other_o who_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o yet_o judge_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o circumcise_a jew_n oblige_v unto_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o its_o institution_n these_o legal_a observance_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v unto_o the_o temple_n and_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n
and_o 2._o such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v any_o where_o among_o the_o nation_n they_o act_v according_o those_o who_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n adhere_v unto_o the_o temple_n worship_n the_o whole_a church_n these_o do_v so_o their_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v declare_v act_v 21.20.21_o thou_o see_v brother_n how_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o be_v inform_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o teach_v all_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o offend_v with_o paul_n that_o he_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 25._o but_o only_a that_o as_o they_o have_v be_v inform_v he_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o forsake_v the_o law_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o this_o they_o think_v unlawful_a for_o they_o and_o this_o they_o speak_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o temple_n service_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o advice_n give_v unto_o paul_n on_o this_o occasion_n ver_fw-la 23_o 24._o those_o who_o live_v among_o the_o gentile_n know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o they_o unto_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o continue_v only_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o institution_n about_o meat_n wash_n day_n new_a moon_n sabbath_n and_o the_o like_a which_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o hence_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o those_o day_n if_o not_o three_o in_o separation_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o final_o take_v away_o 1._o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o church_n of_o judea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o these_o continue_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v allow_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o those_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o observe_v all_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o 3._o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o observe_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n forbear_v only_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n not_o to_o give_v the_o other_o offence_n some_o difference_n and_o dispute_n happen_v sometime_o about_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o whereon_o peter_n himself_o fall_v into_o a_o mistake_n gal._n 2.14_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v great_a dispute_n about_o they_o at_o rome_n chap._n 14._o yea_o it_o be_v judge_v that_o according_a unto_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v two_o church_n at_o rome_n one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n walk_v in_o distinct_a communion_n each_o by_o themselves_o however_o the_o different_a rule_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v act_v 15._o the_o one_o church_n continue_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o other_o rejoice_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o ver_fw-la 31._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o schism_n between_o these_o church_n but_o a_o constant_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n such_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o yet_o form_v into_o a_o interest_n oblige_v man_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o schismatic_n who_o differ_v from_o they_o for_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o order_n and_o rule_n for_o decency_n particular_a church_n may_v make_v by_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o to_o make_v the_o observation_n of_o arbitrary_a institution_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n upon_o many_o church_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o communion_n in_o they_o and_o between_o they_o which_o whosoever_o observe_v not_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n first_o attempt_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n love_n and_o liberty_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o will_v certain_o make_v our_o difference_n endless_a i_o judge_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n intend_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n and_o that_o as_o well_o because_o he_o call_v they_o dog_n and_o the_o concision_n which_o answer_v unto_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o they_o 1_o thes._n 2.14_o 15_o as_o also_o because_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o those_o who_o advance_v the_o pretend_a privilege_n of_o judaisme_n absolute_o against_o christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v therein_o hereon_o in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o he_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o right_n unto_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o which_o he_o have_v voluntary_o relinquish_v and_o renounce_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o he_o testify_v what_o he_o have_v attain_v if_o any_o one_o do_v judge_n that_o he_o intend_v those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o it_o because_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v concern_v they_o gal._n 5.12_o but_o discharge_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o the_o direction_n in_o this_o place_n concern_v those_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n only_o answer_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v and_o follow_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o place_n namely_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o some_o difference_n of_o practice_n between_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n his_o second_o enquiry_n pag._n 168_o be_v whether_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o i_o say_v any_o where_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v enjoin_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o those_o who_o be_v different_o mind_v pag._n 26._o and_o i_o must_v here_o say_v which_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v without_o offence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a answer_n unto_o that_o part_n of_o the_o doctor_n discourse_n but_o a_o transcription_n of_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o oppose_v for_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o that_o end_n consist_v in_o a_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o before_o precise_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v intend_v only_o prove_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o doctor_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n be_v plain_a enough_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v direct_o use_v once_o more_o by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n and_o what_o rule_n be_v that_o namely_o what_o as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n forego_v ver_fw-la 14_o 15._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n without_o trust_v unto_o or_o rest_v on_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o the_o place_n in_o scope_n design_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v parallel_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o that_o which_o he_o plead_v for_o in_o this_o context_n namely_o that_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v alone_o through_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o by_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o least_o aid_n and_o assistance_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o difference_n among_o they_o wherefore_o not_o far_a to_o contend_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n the_o rule_n here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o book_n of_o canon_n but_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o compliance_n withal_o and_o that_o with_o love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o that_o in_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
be_v exercise_v in_o they_o without_o they_o or_o their_o own_o consent_n as_o also_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n between_o they_o on_o that_o account_n 2._o when_o they_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o unsufferable_a condition_n of_o communion_n except_v against_o they_o may_v know_v more_o of_o my_o judgement_n if_o i_o be_o alive_a which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o unto_o separation_n though_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o it_o plain_o enough_o already_o 3._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v never_o here_o establish_v and_o each_o party_n take_v liberty_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n 4._o have_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v at_o the_o king_n restauration_n by_o the_o encouragement_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o a_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o every_o thing_n suppose_v by_o any_o to_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o humane_a constitution_n if_o there_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o schism_n or_o separation_n continue_v between_o the_o party_n i_o do_v judge_n they_o will_v have_v be_v both_o to_o blame_v for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o they_o shall_v agree_v in_o all_o principle_n and_o practice_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o since_o among_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n so_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o church_n communion_n will_v have_v be_v so_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o between_o they_o and_o all_o offence_n in_o worship_n so_o remove_v as_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a art_n absolute_o to_o unite_v they_o or_o to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a communion_n among_o they_o no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o they_o allow_v distinct_a communion_n upon_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n or_o worship_n all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o former_o agree_v in_o the_o assemby_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o can_v tell_v 2._o they_o do_v agree_v in_o my_o judgement_n well_o enough_o if_o they_o can_v have_v think_v so_o and_o far_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o difference_n it_o be_v therefore_o notorious_a that_o occasion_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o refrain_v free_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n by_o the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v both_o in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n nor_o be_v it_o candid_a in_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o his_o second_o exception_n be_v unto_o a_o say_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o justice_n hobart_n report_v who_o say_v we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_v of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o hereunto_o with_o a_o reflection_n on_o a_o dead_a man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n but_o why_o so_o he_o will_v prove_v it_o with_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o those_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v those_o of_o which_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o call_v voluntary_a congregation_n answ._n 1._o whereas_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o syllogism_n i_o can_v easy_o manifest_v how_o asyllogistical_a it_o be_v do_v i_o delight_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o or_o any_o else_o but_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o infer_v be_v direct_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v voluntary_a congregation_n 3._o there_o be_v fallacy_n in_o that_o expression_n no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v but_o particular_a church_n be_v congregation_n such_o be_v all_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v and_o therefore_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v of_o they_o all_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n as_o justice_n hobart_n affirm_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o close_a he_o seem_v to_o grant_v his_o second_o argument_n which_o be_v no_o less_o ambiguous_a no_o less_o a_o rope_n of_o sand_n than_o the_o former_a be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n but_o those_o of_o who_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v be_v such_o for_o he_o say_v they_o first_o submit_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o to_o other_o pastor_n what_o then_o why_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n answ._n 1._o what_o this_o be_v design_v to_o prove_v or_o disprove_v or_o how_o it_o do_v either_o of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n the_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n be_v all_o of_o they_o particular_a congregation_n either_o in_o one_o city_n or_o more_o city_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 2._o not_o to_o engage_v justice_n hobart_n or_o his_o honour_n i_o do_v confess_v myself_o such_o a_o stranger_n unto_o antiquity_n if_o that_o may_v be_v esteem_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o behold_v to_o this_o reverend_a author_n if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o one_o undoubted_a instance_n where_o they_o so_o do_v only_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v that_o i_o intend_v not_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n with_o or_o without_o their_o elder_n which_o be_v frequent_a they_o meet_v in_o those_o day_n in_o field_n in_o mountain_n in_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o bury_v place_n in_o house_n hire_v or_o borrow_a in_o upper_a room_n or_o cellar_n whereof_o a_o large_a story_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n sum_n they_o up_o brief_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o field_n a_o desert_n a_o ship_n a_o inn_n a_o prison_n be_v place_n of_o our_o meeting_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 22._o but_o i_o speak_v of_o state_v church_n with_o their_o worship_n power_n order_n and_o rule_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v more_o such_o church_n in_o any_o one_o city_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o shall_v be_v immediate_o inquire_v into_o all_o that_o i_o here_o assert_v and_o confirm_v from_o the_o word_n of_o justice_n hobart_n be_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n and_o the_o dr._n will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n our_o author_n in_o the_o next_o place_n oppose_v what_o i_o affirm_v of_o the_o gradual_a deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o have_v be_v already_o account_v for_o sect._n 4._o p._n 224._o upon_o a_o occasional_a expression_n of_o i_o about_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o cyprian_n time_n he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o