church_n for_o their_o work_n be_v to_o call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o no_o ordinary_a officer_n can_v be_v or_o ever_o be_v ordain_v but_o to_o a_o church_n in_o be_v some_o say_v they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o professor_n some_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o their_o work_n do_v lie_v but_o all_o grant_n that_o the_o church-state_n whereunto_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v antecedent_n unto_o their_o ordination_n the_o lord_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o gospel_n church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o its_o call_v and_o erection_n but_o the_o apostle_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ordain_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n until_o there_o be_v a_o church_n or_o church_n with_o respect_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v ordain_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v see_v this_o successive_a ordination_n of_o officer_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n if_o that_o be_v not_o secure_v on_o other_o foundation_n this_o successive_a ordination_n will_v quick_o tumble_v into_o dust_n yea_o this_o successive_a ordination_n be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n appoint_v must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o so_o can_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n unto_o other_o a_o successive_a ordination_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v grant_v namely_o that_o when_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o any_o church_n do_v die_v that_o other_o be_v ordain_v in_o their_o stead_n but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v manifest_v afterward_o 2._o not_o to_o treat_v of_o papal_a succession_n the_o limit_v of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communicate_v church_n power_n and_o so_o of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church-state_n unto_o diocesan_n prelate_n or_o bishop_n be_v build_v on_o so_o many_o inevident_a presumption_n and_o false_a principle_n as_o will_v leave_v it_o altogether_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o church-state_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no._n as_o 1_o that_o such_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v 2_o that_o they_o receive_v power_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v other_o and_o communicate_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o they_o by_o a_o authority_n inherent_a in_o themselves_o alone_o yet_o still_o reserve_v their_o whole_a power_n unto_o themselves_o also_o give_v all_o and_o retain_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n than_o the_o former_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o disprove_v 3_o that_o they_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o forfeit_v this_o power_n by_o any_o crime_n or_o error_n so_o as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n invalid_a and_o interrupt_v the_o succession_n pretend_v 4_o that_o they_o all_o ordain_v other_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o way_n as_o to_o render_v their_o ordination_n valid_a whereas_o multitude_n be_v never_o agree_v what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o 5_o that_o whatever_o heresy_n idolatry_n flagitiousness_n of_o life_n persecution_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n these_o prelatical_a ordainer_n may_v fall_v into_o by_o whatever_o art_n simoniacal_a practice_n or_o false_a pretence_n unto_o what_o be_v not_o they_o come_v themselves_o into_o their_o office_n yet_o nothing_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o their_o right_n of_o communicate_v all_o church_n power_n unto_o other_o by_o ordination_n 6_o that_o person_n so_o ordain_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o call_v from_o the_o church_n or_o no_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o of_o the_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n or_o have_v receive_v any_o spiritual_a gift_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o design_n or_o no_o to_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o office_n which_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o yet_o all_o be_v one_o be_v any_o way_n prelatical_o ordain_v bishop_n they_o may_v ordain_v other_o and_o so_o the_o successive_a ordination_n be_v preserve_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o he_o to_o follow_v with_o his_o approbation_n the_o act_n of_o man_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n and_o to_o make_v application_n of_o his_o promise_n unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 7_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o believer_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n without_o this_o episcopal_a ordination_n which_o many_o church_n can_v have_v and_o more_o will_v not_o as_o judge_v it_o against_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n 8_o that_o one_o worldly_a ignorant_n proud_a sensual_a beast_n such_o as_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o this_o successive_a ordination_n as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v shall_v have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v a_o church-state_n by_o ordination_n than_o any_o the_o most_o holy_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v gather_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n with_o other_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n innumerable_a 3._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o may_v ensue_v on_o this_o principle_n do_v manifest_a its_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v unto_o this_o end_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o his_o church_n i_o need_v not_o reckon_v they_o upon_o the_o sure_a probability_n there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v hereon_o by_o what_o have_v already_o do_v so_o if_o we_o consider_v whither_o this_o successive_a ordination_n have_v already_o lead_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o have_v i_o say_v lead_v man_n for_o instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o a_o good_a church-state_n in_o the_o loss_n of_o holiness_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o false_a worship_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o slaughter_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o state_n plain_o antichristian_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o flux_n and_o communication_n of_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o and_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o act_n of_o person_n ignorant_a simoniacal_a adulterous_a incestuous_a proud_a ambitious_a sensual_a preside_v in_o a_o church-state_n never_o appoint_v by_o he_o immerse_v in_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o be_v the_o true_a succession_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o holiness_n be_v a_o imagination_n for_o man_n who_o embrace_v the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n never_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o derive_v a_o succession_n whereon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n shall_v depend_v through_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o for_o a_o 100_o year_n together_o from_o the_o year_n 900_o to_o a_o 1000_o be_v monster_n for_o ignorance_n lust_n pride_n and_o luxury_n as_o baronius_n acknowledge_v a._n d._n 912.5.8_o or_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o samosatenus_fw-la eudoxius_n gnapheus_n severus_n and_o the_o like_a heretic_n or_o in_o constantinople_n by_o macedonius_n eusebius_n demophilus_n anthorinus_n and_o their_o companion_n or_o at_o alexandria_n by_o lucius_n dioscurus_n aelurus_n sergius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n 4._o the_o principal_a argument_n whereby_o this_o conceit_n be_v full_o discard_v must_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v original_o formal_o and_o radical_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o none_o can_v communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o other_o but_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o themselves_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n now_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o any_o person_n in_o it_o or_o prelate_n over_o it_o look_v whatever_o constitute_v it_o a_o church_n that_o give_v it_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o society_n of_o profess_a believer_n enjoy_v all_o church_n power_n
example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o succeed_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o so_o may_v well_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n with_o they_o and_o that_o which_o we_o allege_v be_v that_o in_o no_o approve_a writer_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o other_o organical_a visible_o profess_v church_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v parochial_a or_o congregational_a a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n state_n or_o order_n papal_n or_o ecumenical_a patriarchal_a metropolitical_a diocesan_n or_o classical_a they_o know_v not_o neither_o name_n nor_o thing_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o their_o write_n before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n by_o particular_a testimony_n i_o shall_v premise_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o what_o it_o be_v that_o i_o intend_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o as_o 1._o all_o the_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n whether_o in_o the_o great_a city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n corinth_n rome_n etc._n etc._n or_o those_o in_o the_o mean_a village_n of_o judea_n galilee_n or_o samaria_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o church-state_n in_o order_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n every_o way_n equal_a not_o superior_a or_o inferior_a not_o rule_v over_o or_o subject_n unto_o one_o another_o no_o institution_n of_o any_o inequality_n between_o they_o no_o instance_n of_o any_o practice_n suppose_v it_o no_o direction_n for_o any_o compliance_n with_o it_o no_o one_o word_n of_o intimation_n of_o it_o can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n 2._o in_o and_o among_o all_o these_o church_n there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n one_o hope_v of_o their_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n whence_o they_o be_v all_o oblige_v mutual_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o each_o other_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o that_o which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o they_o do_v by_o prayer_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o messenger_n send_v with_o salutation_n exhortation_n consolation_n supply_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n by_o these_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o mutual_a love_n and_o care_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o keep_v and_o preserve_v unity_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o give_v a_o common_a testimony_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n with_o peace_n and_o love_n thereon_o continue_v among_o they_o until_o pride_n ambition_n desire_v of_o rule_n and_o pre-eminence_n in_o diotrephes_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o he_o begin_v to_o open_v a_o door_n unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o better_a order_n than_o this_o which_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n 3._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o equality_n among_o all_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n and_o power_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o they_o some_o real_a and_o some_o in_o reputation_n which_o not_o be_v right_o manage_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o evil_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o for_o instance_n 1._o some_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o as_o this_o be_v a_o privilege_n that_o may_v have_v be_v great_o improve_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n yet_o we_o know_v how_o it_o be_v abuse_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o what_o disorder_n follow_v thereon_o so_o weak_a and_o frail_a be_v the_o best_a of_o man_n so_o liable_a unto_o temptation_n that_o all_o pre-eminence_n be_v dangerous_a for_o they_o and_o often_o abuse_v by_o they_o which_o i_o confess_v make_v i_o not_o a_o little_a admire_v to_o see_v man_n so_o earnest_o plead_v for_o it_o so_o fearless_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o so_o fierce_o contend_v that_o all_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n belong_v unto_o they_o alone_o but_o 2._o reputation_n be_v give_v unto_o some_o by_o the_o long_a abode_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o they_o of_o this_o advantage_n we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v it_o be_v much_o plead_v and_o contend_v about_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o so_o far_o until_o by_o degree_n dispute_v arise_v about_o the_o place_n where_o this_o or_o that_o apostle_n fix_v his_o seat_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o pre-eminence_n for_o the_o present_a and_o a_o security_n for_o the_o future_a but_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o soon_o some_o of_o they_o degenerate_v from_o the_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n wherein_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n see_v rev._n chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o 3._o the_o greatness_n power_n fame_n or_o civil_a authority_n of_o the_o place_n or_o city_n where_o any_o church_n be_v plant_v give_v it_o a_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n in_o reputation_n above_o other_o and_o the_o church_n plant_v in_o such_o city_n be_v quick_o more_o numerous_a in_o their_o member_n than_o other_o be_v unless_o man_n strict_o keep_v themselves_o unto_o the_o force_n of_o primitive_a institution_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o think_v and_o judge_n that_o a_o a_o church_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o small_a village_n or_o town_n in_o galilee_n shall_v be_v equal_a with_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n or_o at_o antioch_n or_o afterward_o at_o rome_n itself_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n easy_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o those_o church_n be_v advance_v in_o state_n and_o order_n far_o above_o the_o other_o obscure_a poor_a congregation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n at_o rome_n the_o head_n city_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n unto_o many_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o in_o reputation_n they_o think_v belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o least_o regard_n express_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n of_o place_n number_n or_o possibility_n of_o outward_a splendour_n either_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o with_o his_o church_n or_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o power_n &_o privilege_n unto_o they_o yet_o such_o a_o improvement_n do_v this_o foolish_a imagination_n find_v that_o after_o those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n call_v in_o the_o principal_a city_n have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o bait_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o ascription_n of_o a_o pre-eminence_n unto_o they_o they_o begin_v open_o to_o claim_v it_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n confirm_v their_o own_o usurpation_n by_o canon_n and_o rule_n until_o a_o few_o of_o they_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a begin_v to_o divide_v the_o christian_a world_n among_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v be_v conquer_a by_o they_o hence_o proceed_v those_o shameful_a contest_v that_o be_v among_o the_o great_a prelate_n about_o their_o preeminency_n and_o hence_o arise_v that_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n unto_o no_o less_o a_o right_n of_o rule_n and_o dominion_n over_o all_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o city_n have_v over_o all_o the_o nation_n and_o city_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a artifices_fw-la as_o by_o downright_a forgery_n shameless_a intrusion_n of_o themselves_o impudent_a lay_v hold_n of_o all_o advantage_n unto_o their_o own_o exaltation_n prevail_v at_o length_n unto_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o all_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v no_o sober_a history_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n by_o several_a degree_n of_o any_o city_n commonwealth_n or_o empire_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o ambitious_a seek_v of_o pre-eminence_n as_o our_o church_n story_n be_v by_o this_o imagination_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o those_o day_n induce_v to_o introduce_v and_o settle_v a_o government_n in_o and_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answer_v unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n as_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v cast_v into_o national_a or_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_a in_o less_o or_o great_a division_n each_o of_o which_o have_v its_o capital_a city_n the_o place_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o chief_a civil_a governor_n so_o they_o design_v to_o frame_v a_o image_n of_o
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
be_v make_v member_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o naturalisation_n and_o no_o otherwise_o 3._o that_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o it_o which_o neither_o be_v nor_o will_v ever_o be_v prove_v nor_o be_v it_o endeavour_v so_o to_o be_v by_o any_o instance_n in_o this_o treatise_n 4._o that_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o thing_n confess_o not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v schism_n that_o kind_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a supposition_n it_o be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o make_v vehement_a declamation_n against_o we_o and_o severe_a reflection_n on_o we_o all_o be_v schism_n and_o schismatic_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o what_o be_v write_v against_o by_o cyprian_a and_o austin_n and_o other_o a_o great_a many_o but_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o he_o and_o we_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o namely_o whether_o a_o dissent_n in_o and_o forbearance_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o their_o state_n and_o kind_a not_o of_o divine_a institution_n or_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o from_o thing_n in_o other_o church_n that_o have_v no_o such_o divine_a institution_n nor_o any_o scriptural_a authority_n to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o their_o observance_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v schism_n in_o they_o who_o maintain_v and_o profess_o avow_v communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o which_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v but_o because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n certain_a person_n who_o on_o arbitrary_a principle_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o do_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v they_o as_o no_o church_n allow_v not_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o nor_o salvation_n unto_o their_o member_n who_o the_o ancient_a church_n condemn_v with_o great_a severity_n and_o that_o just_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n their_o judgement_n their_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v apply_v unto_o we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o speak_v of_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o the_o least_o terrify_v with_o what_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_n about_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v when_o the_o same_o instance_n the_o same_o authority_n the_o same_o quotation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v continual_o for_o as_o be_v say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o the_o dr._n allege_v against_o we_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o all_o that_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o dr._n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o what_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a i_o suppose_v i_o guess_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o secure_v his_o charge_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v where_o it_o be_v speak_v but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o great_a and_o only_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v schismatic_n or_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n how_o he_o have_v succeed_v in_o this_o attempt_n shall_v be_v afterward_o consider_v and_o something_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o will_v manifest_v how_o little_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o charge_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o this_o place_n to_o mind_n both_o he_o and_o other_o of_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n whereon_o we_o ground_n our_o justification_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o they_o must_v further_o overthrow_v and_o what_o they_o must_v establish_v who_o shall_v persist_v in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v indeed_o through_o want_n of_o love_n in_o a_o design_n to_o heighten_v and_o perpetuate_v our_o division_n and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o a_o due_a attendance_n whereunto_o all_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n do_v consist_v we_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v our_o fundamental_a principle_n nor_o can_v the_o rhetoric_n or_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n affect_v our_o conscience_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n until_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v namely_o either_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o in_o the_o observance_n whereof_o peace_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o church_n or_o second_o that_o we_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o that_o rule_n in_o some_o one_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o what_o therein_o he_o have_v himself_o appoint_v unless_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o strict_o and_o direct_o not_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v by_o perpetual_a diversion_n from_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n no_o vehement_a assertion_n of_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v schismatic_n nor_o aggravation_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o that_o our_o principle_n herein_o be_v according_a unto_o truth_n we_o be_v full_o persuade_v there_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v which_o whosoever_o walk_v according_a unto_o peace_n shall_v be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n as_o on_o the_o whole_a israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o his_o give_v and_o appointment_n no_o rule_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o imposition_n can_v by_o its_o observance_n secure_v we_o of_o a_o interest_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o imagination_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o man_n may_v be_v through_o conformist_n to_o such_o rule_n unto_o who_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n neither_o peace_n nor_o mercy_n do_v belong_v for_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o who_o have_v direct_v and_o command_v the_o end_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n have_v also_o appoint_v the_o mean_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a unto_o nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n than_o a_o imagination_n that_o whereas_o he_o strict_o enjoin_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v not_o himself_o appoint_v the_o rule_n bound_n and_o measure_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o discretion_n of_o men._n as_o if_o his_o command_n unto_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v keep_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o some_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v necessary_a unto_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o be_v plain_o otherwise_o namely_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatever_o that_o he_o command_v we_o and_o beside_o we_o strict_o require_v that_o some_o one_o instance_n be_v give_v we_o of_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o must_v be_v supply_v by_o humane_a addition_n to_o render_v it_o complete_a for_o the_o end_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n in_o vain_a have_v we_o desire_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o for_o ever_o expect_v any_o instance_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o principle_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v easy_o dispossess_v of_o and_o whilst_o we_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o safe_a retreat_n and_o shelter_n from_o the_o most_o vehement_a accusation_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o a_o rule_n none_o of_o he_o different_a from_o he_o and_o in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o
heaven_n as_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o this_o subject_n in_o other_o discourse_n 2._o the_o name_n pretence_n and_o presume_a power_n of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n have_v be_v make_v and_o use_v as_o the_o great_a engine_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o satisfy_v the_o avarice_n sensuality_n ambition_n and_o cruelty_n of_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o any_o thing_n be_v find_v out_o by_o man_n or_o satan_n himself_o so_o fit_v suit_v and_o frame_v to_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v the_o lust_n of_o multitude_n of_o man_n as_o this_o of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v and_o yet_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v so_o order_v be_v of_o that_o make_v constitution_n and_o use_n that_o corrupt_a man_n need_v desire_v no_o more_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o wealth_n honour_n grandeur_n pleasure_n all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o lust_n spiritual_a or_o carnal_a but_o a_o share_n in_o the_o government_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v a_o interest_n therein_o be_v general_o use_v unto_o any_o other_o end_n all_o the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n all_o the_o flagitious_a life_n in_o luxury_n sensuality_n uncleanness_n incest_n etc._n etc._n of_o pope_n cardinal_n prelate_n and_o their_o companion_n with_o their_o hatred_n unto_o and_o oppression_n of_o good_a man_n arise_v from_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o be_v repute_v the_o church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o church_n here_o and_o there_o as_o it_o be_v esteem_v be_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o keep_v christian_a religion_n in_o its_o power_n and_o purity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o temptation_n to_o multitude_n of_o man_n to_o prefer_v the_o church_n before_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n unto_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a unto_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o conspiracy_n nor_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o think_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o of_o men._n 3._o by_o the_o church_n so_o esteem_v and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o its_o interest_n by_o its_o authority_n and_o power_n innumerable_a multitude_n of_o christian_n have_v be_v slay_v or_o murder_v and_o the_o earth_n soak_a with_o their_o blood_n two_o emperor_n of_o germany_n alone_o fight_v above_o eighty_o battle_n for_o and_o against_o the_o pretend_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v lay_v whole_a country_n desolate_a with_o fire_n and_o sword_n turn_v city_n into_o ash_n and_o village_n into_o a_o wilderness_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v the_o church_n which_o kill_v murder_a and_o burn_v innumerable_a holy_a person_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v their_o soul_n conscience_n and_o practice_n unto_o her_o command_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o she_o in_o all_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o church_n conspicuous_o visible_a in_o all_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v it_o esteem_v lawful_a once_o to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o other_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o church-state_n be_v from_o heaven_n be_v for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o cruelty_n bloodshed_n murder_n the_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a among_o they_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o the_o secular_a worldly_a interest_n of_o multitude_n lie_v in_o this_o presumptive_a church_n and_o the_o state_n of_o it_o they_o prefer_v and_o exalt_v it_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o make_v the_o great_a idol_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o that_o its_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v above_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n towards_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o by_o this_o church_n and_o that_o we_o neither_o can_v nor_o need_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o inform_v we_o and_o command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v this_o usurpation_n of_o divine_a honour_n in_o put_v itself_o and_o its_o authority_n above_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v full_a well_o whence_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o assume_v it_o unto_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n without_o any_o other_o right_o title_n or_o pretence_n unto_o it_o have_v exalt_v one_o among_o they_o and_o with_o he_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a capacity_n above_o all_o emperor_n king_n and_o prince_n nation_n and_o people_n trample_v on_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n be_v this_o church-state_n from_o heaven_n be_v it_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v it_o the_o heart_n and_o centre_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v it_o that_o which_o all_o man_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n who_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel_n can_v entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n without_o detestation_n and_o abhorrency_n 5._o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o atheism_n that_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o man_n find_v themselves_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n they_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o this_o church_n suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o abhor_v through_o innumerable_a prejudices_fw-la to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o ministerial_a church-state_n or_o no_o understand_v at_o length_n the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o political_a combination_n for_o the_o wealth_n power_n and_o dignity_n of_o some_o person_n they_o cast_v away_o all_o regard_n of_o religion_n and_o become_v profess_a atheist_n 6._o unto_o this_o very_a day_n the_o woeful_a division_n distraction_n and_o end_n less_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n with_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o do_v all_o spring_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n some_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o for_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o upon_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o they_o as_o be_v usual_o allow_v can_v but_o produce_v war_n and_o tumult_n among_o nation_n with_o the_o oppression_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o calamity_n in_o one_o place_n man_n be_v kill_v for_o not_o own_v of_o one_o church_n and_o in_o another_o for_o approve_v of_o it_o among_o ourselves_o prison_n be_v fill_v and_o man_n good_n spoil_v division_n multiply_v and_o the_o whole_a nation_n endanger_v in_o a_o severe_a attempt_n to_o cause_v all_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v set_v up_o among_o we_o in_o brief_a these_o church_n in_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o villainy_n which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v replenish_v withal_o and_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n if_o man_n question_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n for_o my_o part_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o any_o profess_a christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n that_o he_o have_v by_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n disentangle_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o do_v believe_v from_o all_o respect_n and_o trust_v unto_o such_o church_n discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o their_o practice_n whereby_o they_o open_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o he_o have_v lead_v they_o off_o from_o a_o church-state_n thereby_o but_o by_o the_o same_o word_n reveal_v that_o to_o they_o which_o be_v pure_a simple_a humble_a holy_a and_o so_o far_o from_o give_v occasion_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n mention_v as_o that_o the_o admittance_n of_o it_o will_v put_v a_o immediate_a end_n unto_o they_o all_o such_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o true_a and_o gospel_n church-state_n to_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a description_n of_o it_o he_o that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n of_o these_o humane_a and_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o hellish_a church_n who_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n policy_n and_o secular_a contrivance_n come_v thereon_o to_o obtain_v a_o view_n of_o
the_o true_a native_a beauty_n glory_n and_o use_v of_o evangelical_n church_n will_v be_v thankful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o deliverance_n whereas_o therefore_o for_o many_o age_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o claim_n under_o it_o and_o depend_v on_o it_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v so_o high_o criminal_a not_o murder_n treason_n nor_o incest_n as_o to_o think_v of_o or_o to_o assert_v any_o other_o church-state_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o wise_a man_n not_o utter_o infatuate_v can_v apprehend_v a_o church_n any_o church_n whatever_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o appointment_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n mention_v and_o other_o innumerable_a be_v not_o only_o occasion_v by_o it_o but_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o its_o state_n and_o be_v and_o if_o any_o other_o church_n also_o which_o although_o the_o people_n whereof_o they_o consist_v be_v of_o another_o faith_n than_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v like_a unto_o it_o in_o their_o make_n and_o constitution_n exercise_v the_o right_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o they_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n they_o do_v leave_v it_o high_o questionable_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v as_o such_o for_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o such_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v such_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v however_o any_o that_o be_v of_o they_o or_o belong_v unto_o they_o may_v promote_v that_o end_n by_o their_o personal_a endeavour_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o church_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ._n i_o be_o not_o yet_o arrive_v in_o the_o order_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o a_o convenient_a season_n of_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o such_o church_n as_o be_v so_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v afterward_o but_o treat_v only_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o what_o be_v signify_v thereby_o these_o be_v of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o church_n before_o describe_v under_o a_o corrupt_a degenerate_a estate_n three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o what_o be_v of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n unto_o the_o appointment_n or_o command_n of_o god_n such_o be_v the_o very_a form_n fabric_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o that_o depend_v thereon_o or_o be_v conform_v thereunto_o that_o which_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o kind_a government_n rule_n and_o end_v be_v all_o of_o man_n without_o the_o least_o countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n institution_n this_o be_v that_o which_o through_o a_o long_a effectual_a work_n of_o man_n and_o satan_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n it_o arrive_v unto_o herewith_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o compliance_n but_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o with_o their_o life_n if_o call_v thereunto_o this_o in_o due_a time_n the_o lord_n christ_n will_v utter_o destroy_v 2_o such_o thing_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o countenance_n to_o be_v give_v they_o by_o divine_a institution_n but_o horrible_o corrupt_v such_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o power_n a_o worship_n pretend_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o divine_a a_o order_n as_o to_o officer_n and_o ruler_n different_a from_o the_o people_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n these_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o ingross_v into_o a_o false_a church-state_n and_o worship_n corrupt_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n 3_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v but_o church_n as_o be_v say_v be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o have_v the_o warrant_v of_o divine_a authority_n the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v a_o account_n of_o god_n institution_n of_o church_n and_o of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o god_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o church_n society_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o creation_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o i_o speak_v of_o church_n in_o general_a as_o they_o be_v society_n of_o humane_a race_n one_o way_n or_o other_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n now_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o it_o be_v fit_v and_o enable_v to_o perform_v for_o that_o end_n and_o no_o other_o be_v our_o nature_n create_v in_o all_o its_o capacity_n ability_n and_o perfection_n neither_o be_v man_n so_o make_v mere_o that_o every_o individual_a shall_v single_o and_o by_o himself_o perform_v this_o worship_n though_o that_o also_o every_o individual_a person_n be_v oblige_v unto_o every_o man_n alone_o and_o by_o himself_o will_v not_o only_o find_v himself_o indigent_a and_o want_v supply_n of_o sundry_a kind_n but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o disable_v to_o act_v sundry_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o by_o nature_n he_o be_v endue_v withal_o hence_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v it_o be_v not_o good_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v alone_o gen._n 2.18_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o 1_o that_o god_n create_v our_o nature_n or_o make_v man_n for_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o fit_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n thereunto_o 2_o that_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o fit_v for_o society_n so_o frame_v for_o it_o as_o its_o next_o end_n that_o without_o it_o it_o can_v act_v itself_o according_a unto_o what_o it_o be_v empower_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o world_n among_o mankind_n 3_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o act_n in_o society_n be_v principal_o design_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o power_n i_o say_v and_o necessity_n of_o act_v in_o society_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o nature_n for_o this_o end_n principal_o that_o we_o may_v thus_o glorify_v god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o 4_o that_o without_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o society_n there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a failure_n of_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n nor_o will_v any_o glory_n arise_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o fit_v for_o society_n as_o that_o it_o can_v act_v its_o own_o power_n without_o it_o 5_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o whereby_o they_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o end_n for_o which_o they_o may_v be_v either_o too_o large_a or_o too_o much_o restrain_v hence_o have_v we_o the_o original_a of_o church_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n associate_a themselves_o together_o or_o unite_n in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o as_o may_v enable_v they_o unto_o a_o orderly_a performance_n of_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o hereunto_o it_o be_v require_v 1_o that_o the_o person_n so_o unite_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o be_v 2_o that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o divine_a religious_a worship_n which_o god_n require_v of_o they_o the_o former_a light_n and_o persuasion_n be_v lose_v issue_v in_o atheism_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o instead_o of_o church_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v coalesce_v into_o idolatrous_a combination_n 3_o that_o they_o do_v retain_v such_o innate_a principle_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o will_v guide_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o these_o society_n as_o 1_o that_o the_o society_n themselves_o be_v such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o end_n fit_a to_o exercise_v and_o express_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o not_o such_o as_o who_o constitution_n make_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o such_o end_n and_o this_o give_v the_o natural_a
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
entertain_v please_v dream_n of_o throne_n preeminency_n chief_z see_z secular_a grandeur_n and_o power_n nor_o frame_v so_o many_o law_n and_o canon_n about_o these_o thing_n turn_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o worldly_a empire_n for_o such_o it_o be_v that_o as_o of_o all_o the_o pope_n which_o ever_o dwell_v at_o rome_n there_o be_v never_o any_o pretend_a or_o act_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o law_n and_o canon_n that_o it_o have_v make_v for_o that_o end_n than_o gregory_n the_o 7_o the_o so_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v many_o anti-christs_n he_o be_v one_o his_o luciferian_a pride_n his_o trample_v on_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o potentate_n his_o horrible_a tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o christian_n his_o abominable_a dictate_v assert_v of_o his_o own_o godlike_a sovereignty_n his_o require_v all_o man_n on_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o be_v sinful_a subject_n to_o god_n and_o peter_n that_o be_v himself_z which_o his_o own_o act_n and_o epistle_n be_v fill_v withal_o do_v manifest_a both_o who_o and_o what_o he_o be_v unto_o that_o issue_n do_v this_o power_n of_o law_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o church_n ruler_n at_o length_n arrive_v 3._o let_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n abide_v and_o remain_v let_v the_o law_n for_o its_o rule_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o have_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v diligenty_n observe_v by_o they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n about_o they_o both_o to_o observe_v they_o themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o know_v full_a well_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n give_v or_o leave_v unto_o the_o least_o confusion_n or_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v froward_a and_o because_o they_o may_v not_o make_v law_n themselves_o or_o keep_v the_o statute_n make_v by_o other_o will_v neglect_v the_o due_a observation_n and_o execution_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v ordain_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o and_o for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o both_o which_o be_v include_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o require_v a_o compliance_n with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o they_o i_o know_v of_o no_o relief_n against_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o our_o difference_n about_o these_o thing_n but_o after_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n have_v be_v cast_v upon_o that_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o divine_a worship_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o humane_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o give_v we_o one_o single_a instance_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o wherein_o the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o without_o their_o canonical_a addition_n order_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v due_o perform_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o allow_v the_o general_n rule_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o church-order_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o proper_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n with_o particular_a positive_a divine_a precept_n allow_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o act_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o worship_n do_v and_o act_v it_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o affect_v and_o oblige_v our_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v intimate_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n give_v and_o promulgate_v which_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n or_o principle_n can_v disallow_v and_o then_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o deficiency_n as_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o whole_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v right_o state_v and_o not_o else_o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n two_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n unto_o christ_n alone_o but_o it_o give_v instance_n of_o his_o use_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o which_o comprise_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n and_o order_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o 1_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 2_o he_o appoint_v office_n for_o rule_n in_o his_o church_n and_o officer_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 5._o rome_n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 3_o he_o give_v gift_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 12._o 4_o he_o give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o minister_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o thing_n must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o three_o as_o unto_o this_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n the_o scripture_n assign_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n faithfulness_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o this_o power_n be_v original_o in_o god_n himself_o it_o belong_v unto_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n unto_o christ_n as_o mediator_n it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o entrust_v with_o he_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v and_o order_v with_o respect_n whereunto_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o here_o his_o faithfulness_n take_v place_n exert_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n institute_v appoint_v and_o command_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v so_o ordain_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o what_o can_v any_o man_n do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n hereunto_o there_o be_v add_v on_o the_o same_o account_n the_o consideration_n of_o his_o wisdom_n his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n which_o in_o he_o be_v ineffable_a and_o inimitable_a by_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v he_o fit_v for_o his_o office_n and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o he_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o preeminency_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o last_o and_o only_a full_a perfect_a complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n order_n faith_n obedience_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n until_o he_o take_v this_o work_n in_o hand_n wherefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v so_o perfect_o state_v and_o establish_v all_o thing_n concern_v his_o church_n and_o worship_n therein_o be_v the_o last_o divine_a hand_n that_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o this_o work_n and_o this_o his_o hand_n heb._n 1.2_o 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n or_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v be_v reveal_v declare_v and_o establish_v by_o he_o and_o in_o this_o persuasion_n i_o shall_v abide_v until_o i_o see_v better_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n which_o he_o design_v than_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v be_v able_a in_o any_o age_n to_o observe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n plead_v may_v for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v reduce_v unto_o the_o ensue_a head_n or_o proposition_n 1._o every_o church-state_n that_o have_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o give_v its_o especial_a kind_n suppose_v and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n require_v and_o direct_v in_o general_a those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o preservation_n of_o such_o society_n as_o that_o be_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v society_n wherein_o man_n voluntary_o join_v together_o for_o the_o solemn_a performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o joint_a walk_v in_o obedience_n before_o god_n that_o these_o society_n ought_v to_o use_v such_o mean_n for_o their_o own_o
church_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n also_o or_o else_o why_o do_v man_n contend_v about_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o reveal_v appoint_v prescribe_a legalize_v by_o christ_n where_o be_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o moses_n but_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o defect_n in_o his_o institution_n that_o need_v any_o supplement_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v a_o church-state_n order_n and_o rule_n with_o rite_n of_o worship_n in_o particular_a 4._o how_o it_o be_v derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o its_o perfection_n shall_v be_v elsewhere_o declare_v 8._o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o give_v authority_n oblige_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v unto_o any_o institution_n or_o observation_n of_o duty_n or_o act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v give_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o form_n of_o a_o law_n or_o precise_a command_n in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n unto_o obedience_n by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o by_o just_a consequence_n from_o what_o be_v so_o express_v wherefore_o 9_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o erection_n of_o church_n in_o the_o appointment_n of_o officer_n and_o ruler_n in_o they_o in_o direction_n give_v for_o their_o walk_n order_n administration_n of_o censure_n and_o all_o other_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n about_o they_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o they_o infallible_o declare_v what_o be_v so_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v those_o thing_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v question_v without_o a_o denial_n of_o their_o infallibility_n faithfulness_n and_o divine_a authority_n 10_o the_o assertion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n take_v their_o pattern_n for_o the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o unto_o divers_a rite_n of_o worship_n from_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o institution_n order_n and_o rule_n not_o those_o appoint_v by_o moses_n but_o such_o as_o themselves_o have_v find_v out_o and_o ordain_v be_v both_o temerarious_a and_o untrue_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o bold_a conjecture_n one_o of_o late_a have_v affirm_v that_o moses_n take_v most_o of_o his_o law_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o aegyptitian_n whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v give_v on_o purpose_n to_o alienate_v the_o people_n by_o prohibition_n from_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o nation_n whereof_o maimonides_n in_o his_o mene_n nebuchim_n give_v we_o sundry_a instance_n this_o assertion_n i_o say_v be_v rash_a and_o false_a for_o 1_o as_o unto_o the_o instance_n give_v for_o its_o confirmation_n who_o shall_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o use_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o synagogue_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o they_o not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practice_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o 250_o year_n young_a and_o late_a than_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o their_o write_n as_o in_o they_o that_o follow_v we_o have_v innumerable_a thing_n assert_v to_o have_v be_v the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o forefather_n from_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o undertake_v to_o compose_v a_o new_a religion_n out_o of_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n partly_o by_o the_o revolt_n of_o many_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n unto_o they_o especial_o of_o the_o eliâ—nites_n and_o nazarenes_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o observation_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n their_o order_n and_o worship_n they_o take_v they_o in_o as_o their_o own_o undeniable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v hereof_o 2_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o real_a coincidence_n between_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v direct_v unto_o and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o take_v their_o pattern_n from_o the_o jew_n or_o make_v they_o their_o example_n sure_o the_o apostle_n take_v not_o the_o pattern_n and_o example_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o excommunication_n from_o the_o druid_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v great_o resemble_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n chap._n iii_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church-state_n and_o of_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o it_o depend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a church-state_n institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v be_v declare_v but_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o far_o inquire_v whether_o this_o church-state_n be_v still_o continue_v by_o divine_a authority_n or_o whether_o it_o cease_v not_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n solemn_o erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o perpetual_a or_o everlasting_a but_o be_v to_o continue_v only_o unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n yet_o unto_o that_o time_n its_o continuation_n be_v secure_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o its_o appoint_a period_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v and_o preserve_v his_o seed_n in_o covenant_n with_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o this_o church-state_n be_v subservient_fw-fr 2_o the_o law_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n thereof_o which_o god_n appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o generation_n call_v the_o covenant_n the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o it_o perpetual_a and_o everlasting_a that_o be_v never_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v abrogate_a or_o disannul_v until_o by_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n he_o will_v utter_o change_v and_o take_v away_o that_o whole_a church-state_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o its_o constitution_n and_o preservation_n 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o continuance_n be_v three_o 1_o carnal_a generation_n and_o that_o on_o a_o twofold_a account_n for_o there_o be_v two_o constituent_a part_n of_o that_o church_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n the_o continuation_n of_o each_o of_o they_o depend_v on_o the_o privilege_n of_o carnal_a generation_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v all_o of_o the_o family_n of_o aaron_n and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o the_o other_o head_n of_o tribe_n which_o give_v they_o both_o their_o foundation_n in_o and_o right_o unto_o this_o church-state_n and_o hereunto_o be_v annex_v all_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o integrity_n purity_n and_o legitimacy_n of_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o pedigree_n 2_o circumcision_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o any_o advantage_n by_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o generation_n from_o those_o two_o spring_n and_o hereby_o other_o also_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n though_o never_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 3_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o innumerable_a divine_a ordinance_n make_v their_o coalition_n with_o they_o impossible_a from_o these_o cause_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v preserve_v unto_o its_o appoint_a season_n neither_o
the_o outward_a calamity_n that_o befall_v the_o nation_n nor_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n can_v destroy_v this_o church-state_n but_o it_o continue_v its_o right_n and_o exercise_v unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o there_o be_v not_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o infallible_a continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o time_n express_o allot_v unto_o their_o continuance_n then_o be_v the_o work_n of_o moses_n more_o honourable_a more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church-state_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o that_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o new_a for_o that_o work_n and_o those_o institution_n which_o have_v a_o efficacy_n in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o infallible_a continuation_n and_o of_o the_o church_n thereby_o throughout_o all_o generation_n must_v be_v more_o noble_a and_o honourable_a than_o those_o which_o can_v secure_v their_o own_o continuance_n nor_o the_o be_v and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o depend_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o derogatory_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o such_o a_o imagination_n we_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n and_o therein_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o as_o also_o disprove_v that_o which_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v as_o the_o only_a mean_n thereof_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n against_o their_o perpetual_a continuation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o 1._o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v but_o as_o unto_o its_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n it_o have_v a_o double_a state_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o 1_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o relation_n unto_o those_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n who_o office_n and_o power_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o that_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o erect_v 2_o with_o respect_n unto_o ordinary_a officer_n unto_o who_o office_n and_o power_n the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v antecedent_n for_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o duty_n as_o such_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o church_n and_o the_o object_n be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o act_n about_o it_o the_o first_o state_n be_v cease_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v continue_v for_o these_o officer_n be_v constitute_v 1_o by_o a_o immediate_a call_n from_o christ_n as_o be_v paul_n gal._n 1.1_o 2._o which_o none_o now_o be_v nor_o have_v be_v since_o the_o decease_n of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o call_v at_o first_o 2_o by_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n do_v not_o continue_v to_o communicate_v 3_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o infallible_a guidance_n both_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o appoint_v thing_n necessary_a in_o the_o church_n which_o none_o now_o pretend_v unto_o 4_o by_o extensive_a commission_n give_v they_o power_n towards_o all_o the_o world_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o over_o all_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o their_o distinction_n into_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n with_o their_o call_n gift_n power_n and_o work_v i_o have_v treat_v at_o large_a in_o my_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o be_v utter_o cease_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o to_o pretend_v any_o succession_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n unless_o man_n can_v justify_v their_o claim_n unto_o it_o by_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o concur_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o can_v do_v but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n state_n institute_v by_o christ_n do_v fail_v thereon_o or_o do_v now_o so_o fail_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o apostle_n shall_v have_v any_o successor_n in_o their_o office_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v under_o ordinary_a officer_n without_o the_o call_v gift_n or_o power_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o cease_v under_o these_o the_o church_n state_n be_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o under_o the_o former_a for_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1_o that_o the_o office_n themselves_o be_v of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o we_o confess_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o church-state_n will_v have_v cease_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v to_o cease_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o it_o do_v cease_v actual_o in_o that_o christ_n after_o they_o do_v call_v no_o more_o unto_o that_o office_n nor_o provide_v any_o way_n or_o means_n whereby_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o for_o any_o to_o pretend_v a_o succession_n in_o office_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n without_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v constitute_v it_o be_v extreme_a presumption_n it_o be_v therefore_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o office_n appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o make_v or_o appoint_v any_o unto_o that_o purpose_n and_o the_o church-state_n itself_o must_v have_v cease_v but_o this_o he_o have_v do_v eph._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o that_o person_n be_v to_o be_v interest_v in_o these_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o he_o prescribe_v which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o depend_v on_o his_o own_o immediate_a extraordinary_a act_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o former_a sort_n but_o such_o as_o consist_v in_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n this_o church-state_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n the_o direction_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o address_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n which_o be_v a_o oblige_a institution_n for_o all_o age_n mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o prove_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n that_o shall_v abide_v through_o they_o all_o and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n plant_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_a apostle_n in_o it_o according_a to_o its_o first_o state_n but_o elder_n also_o which_o respect_v its_o second_o state_n that_o be_v approach_v act._n 15.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o office_n before_o that_o church_n state_n the_o elder_n ordain_v in_o it_o so_o chap._n 11.30_o and_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 20.28_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n be_v such_o all_o of_o they_o under_o the_o rule_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil_n 1.1_o rule_n and_o law_n be_v give_v for_o their_o ordination_n in_o all_o age_n tit._n 1._o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n treat_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o church_n in_o this_o state_n and_o order_n rev._n one_a 2d_o 3d._n he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n mat._n 28.20_o chap._n 18.20_o and_o assign_v they_o their_o duty_n until_o his_o second_o come_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o with_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n innumerable_a our_o enquiry_n therefore_o be_v whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o church-state_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n do_v depend_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o become_v infallible_a and_o necessary_a i_o must_v only_o premise_v that_o our_o present_a consideration_n be_v not_o so_o much_o de_fw-mi facto_fw-la as_o unto_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n but_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la or_o of_o a_o right_n unto_o this_o continuation_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a for_o such_o a_o church-state_n to_o be_v but_o require_v also_o from_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o actual_a existence_n hereby_o there_o be_v a_o warrant_v give_v unto_o all_o believer_n at_o all_o time_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o church-state_n and_o a_o duty_n impose_v on_o they_o so_o
anâ—yra_n in_o galatia_n about_o the_o year_n 314_o can._n 13._o and_o mention_n be_v again_o make_v of_o they_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o antioch_n an._n 341._o and_o somewhat_o before_o at_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n can._n 13._o and_o frequent_o afterward_o as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v in_o the_o late_a collection_n of_o the_o ancient_a canon_n i_o very_o believe_v nor_o can_v the_o contrary_n be_v prove_v but_o that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la at_o first_o be_v as_o absolute_a and_o complete_a in_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n have_v their_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o for_o a_o intimation_n of_o any_o inferiority_n in_o they_o unto_o other_o city-bishop_n but_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o their_o poverty_n and_o want_n of_o interest_n their_o ministry_n be_v confine_v unto_o a_o small_a country-parish_n &_o perhaps_o through_o a_o comparative_a meanness_n of_o their_o gift_n or_o ability_n the_o city-bishop_n claim_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o and_o make_v canon_n about_o their_o power_n the_o bound_a and_o exercise_v of_o it_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o for_o a_o while_n they_o be_v esteem_v a_o degree_n above_o mere_a presbyter_n who_o accompany_v or_o attend_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n in_o his_o administration_n and_o a_o degree_n beneath_o the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o a_o posture_n never_o design_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n wherefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o country-churche_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o absolute_a subjection_n unto_o the_o city-church_n something_o be_v allow_v unto_o they_o for_o worship_n nothing_o for_o rule_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o the_o first_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n sacred_o preserve_v in_o the_o first_o century_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o demolish_a i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o evince_v the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n herein_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o duty_n and_o power_n ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o church_n and_o the_o member_n or_o entire_a brotherhood_n of_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v write_v all_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o their_o elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v write_v unto_o particular_a person_n by_o name_n and_o as_o this_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n wherein_o sometime_o distinct_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o the_o apostle_n john_n affirm_v that_o he_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o that_o diotrephes_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n receive_v he_o not_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o example_n be_v diligent_o follow_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n joh._n epist._n 3._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n on_o a_o especial_a occasion_n speak_v distinct_o of_o the_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o see_v also_o heb._n 13.24_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n wherefore_o all_o the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o injunction_n give_v in_o those_o epistle_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o now_o these_o be_v such_o many_o of_o they_o as_o can_v be_v act_v or_o perform_v in_o any_o church_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a only_o it_o be_v too_o long_o here_o to_o insist_v on_o particular_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o will_v thence_o appear_v that_o this_o argument_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o whole_a cause_n the_o reader_n may_v if_o he_o please_v consider_v what_o representation_n hereof_o be_v make_v in_o these_o place_n compare_v together_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o act._n 1.12_o 23_o chap._n 2.1_o 42_o 44_o 46._o chap._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o chap._n 11.21_o 22_o 25_o 26_o 28_o 29_o 30._o chap._n 12.5_o 12._o chap._n 14.26_o 27._o chap._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 12_o 13_o 22_o 23_o 27_o 28_o 30._o chap._n 20.28_o rom._n 15.5_o 6_o 14_o 25_o 26._o chap._n 16.1_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5._o chap._n 5._o throughout_o chap._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 15_o 18_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o chap._n 14._o throughout_o chap._n 16.10_o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o chap._n 7.14_o 15._o chap._n 8.22_o 23_o 24._o chap._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 8.5_o ephes._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o chap._n 5.11_o 12._o gal._n 6.1_o philip._n 2.25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o colos._n 1.1_o 2._o chap._n 2.3_o chap._n 3.16_o chap._n 4.9_o 12_o 16_o 17._o 1_o thes._n 5.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 7_o 14_o 15._o heb._n 12.13_o chap._n 10.24_o 25._o chap._n 12.15_o 16._o in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o other_o place_n innumerable_a there_o be_v those_o thing_n affirm_v of_o and_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o apostolical_a church_n as_o unto_o their_o state_n order_n assembly_n duty_n power_n and_o privilege_n as_o evince_n they_o to_o have_v be_v only_o particular_a congregation_n chap._n vi_o congregational_a church_n alone_o suit_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel-churche_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o declare_v also_o their_o suitableness_n and_o sufficiency_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v such_o church_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a proper_a end_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o or_o by_o any_o church-state_n in_o this_o or_o that_o form_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o form_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n yea_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o state_n as_o pretend_v unto_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v not_o only_o not_o contradictory_n unto_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o end_n but_o that_o it_o be_v effectual_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o in_o its_o place_n necessary_a unto_o that_o purpose_n this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o inquire_v into_o namely_o whether_o this_o state_n and_o form_n of_o gospel-churche_n in_o single_a congregation_n be_v suit_v unto_o all_o those_o end_n for_o which_o any_o such_o church_n be_v appoint_v which_o they_o must_v be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o or_o be_v utter_o discard_v from_o their_o pretence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o forcible_a argument_n against_o any_o pretend_a church-state_n rule_n or_o order_n than_o that_o it_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o attain_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o whole_a institution_n what_o these_o end_n be_v be_v in_o general_a before_o declare_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v they_o or_o go_v over_o they_o again_o but_o only_o single_a out_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o which_o be_v usual_o plead_v as_o not_o attainable_a by_o this_o way_n of_o church_n in_o single_a congregation_n only_o or_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o their_o attainment_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o intend_v they_o and_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o alone_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o live_n unto_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o call_v christian_n who_o in_o these_o thing_n choose_v other_o guide_n call_v other_o minister_n hear_v they_o in_o their_o appointment_n we_o must_v sever_v they_o from_o our_o present_a consideration_n though_o there_o be_v important_a duty_n require_v of_o we_o towards_o they_o also_o but_o what_o be_v allege_v be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n unto_o all_o those_o his_o great_a command_n be_v mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o this_o he_o call_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n his_o commandment_n and_o a_o new_a commandment_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o he_o have_v give_v the_o first_o absolute_a great_a example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o as_o also_o discover_v
lie_v therein_o to_o assert_v this_o express_o will_v be_v to_o exalt_v he_o above_o jesus_n christ_n at_o least_o to_o give_v he_o power_n equal_a unto_o he_o though_o real_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n office_n and_o gift_n to_o make_v it_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n no_o less_o than_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v require_v some_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v none_o ordain_v by_o christ_n nor_o exemplify_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o appoint_v any_o such_o form_n thereof_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o public_a interest_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o follow_v more_o evident_o that_o no_o form_n at_o all_o shall_v by_o any_o be_v appoint_v for_o what_o shall_v he_o do_v that_o come_v after_o the_o king_n what_o shall_v any_o one_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o ordain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a inference_n from_o this_o consideration_n such_o a_o church-government_n as_o man_n imagine_v christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v therefore_o neither_o may_v man_n do_v so_o but_o suppose_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o church-state_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n of_o his_o disciple_n on_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o therein_o but_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n so_o as_o to_o do_v it_o unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o to_o deny_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n be_v to_o destroy_v their_o nature_n as_o create_v of_o god_n trust_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o promise_v divine_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o what_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o complete_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v willing_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v add_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o whosoever_o man_n can_v agree_v upon_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v yet_o something_o want_v to_o accommodate_v these_o church_n and_o their_o rule_n unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o political_a government_n under_o which_o they_o be_v place_v whereon_o they_o may_v be_v frame_v into_o church_n diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_n with_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o in_o their_o original_a constitution_n they_o be_v more_o accommodate_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o righteous_a secular_a government_n than_o any_o arbitrary_a mould_v they_o unto_o a_o pretend_a meetness_n to_o comply_v therewithal_o can_v attain_v unto_o this_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v require_v and_o we_o find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o those_o addition_n change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n pretend_v for_o the_o end_n mention_v have_v prove_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n which_o have_v no_o good_a aspect_n on_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o will_v assure_o continue_v for_o ever_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v dispose_v of_o many_o outward_a concern_v of_o these_o church_n may_v impart_v of_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o he_o see_v cause_n may_v take_v care_n that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o that_o may_v occasion_v any_o public_a disturbance_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v prohibit_v the_o public_a exercise_n of_o worship_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a may_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o instrument_n and_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n may_v coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v advance_v principle_n of_o sedition_n or_o promote_v any_o foreign_a interest_n opposite_a and_o destructive_a to_o his_o government_n the_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n with_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o herein_o lie_v a_o ample_a field_n wherein_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o power_n and_o discharge_v his_o duty_n it_o can_v well_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o present_a pretence_n and_o plea_n of_o some_o to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n into_o the_o power_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v full_a of_o offence_n and_o scandal_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o a_o design_n and_o contrivance_n to_o secure_v man_n secular_a interest_n under_o every_o way_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o magistrate_n approbation_n by_o this_o device_n conscience_n be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o concern_v itself_o in_o a_o humble_a diligent_a enquiry_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o unto_o what_o be_v its_o duty_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o what_o it_o do_v attend_v unto_o or_o observe_v what_o be_v in_o divine_a thing_n do_v or_o practise_v sole_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o not_o unto_o god_n whatever_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o any_o place_n may_v do_v or_o will_v be_v please_v to_o do_v for_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o political_a government_n of_o a_o people_n or_o nation_n yet_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a 1._o that_o he_o can_v form_v erect_v or_o institute_v no_o new_a church-state_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o what_o he_o do_v of_o that_o nature_n appoint_v be_v call_v a_o church_n only_o equivocal_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o resemblance_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v 2._o to_o dissent_v from_o what_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o and_o about_o the_o state_n form_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o church_n whatever_o other_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o or_o suppose_a liable_a unto_o can_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v under_o the_o name_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o what_o be_v state_v by_o christ_n himself_o that_o which_o in_o this_o place_n we_o shall_v next_o inquire_v into_o be_v what_o these_o particular_a church_n themselves_o may_v do_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o association_n or_o otherwise_o for_o the_o accumulation_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o power_n not_o formal_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o particular_a church_n but_o i_o shall_v refer_v it_o unto_o the_o head_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o must_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o chap._n viii_o the_o duty_n of_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church-order_n unto_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v continue_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n of_o every_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v himself_o for_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a observation_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o this_o in_o general_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n of_o man_n the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o mutual_a feud_n in_o religion_n plead_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n still_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o be_v of_o one_o or_o another_o yea_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o person_n ought_v to_o choose_v what_o church_n they_o will_v join_v themselves_o unto_o wherein_o they_o may_v have_v the_o best_a advantage_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o that_o church_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n most_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o it_o be_v suppose_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foolish_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o to_o attempt_v to_o get_v other_o from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o think_v
world_n according_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o they_o and_o when_o on_o any_o occasion_n any_o division_n or_o schism_n fall_v out_o among_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o this_o church_n state_n it_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n to_o obey_v their_o guide_n to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n they_o and_o by_o their_o voluntary_a contribution_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o honourable_a subsistence_n and_o maintenance_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n other_o church_n state_n neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o manifest_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n know_v then_o to_o be_v schism_n or_o so_o esteem_v but_o a_o division_n fall_v out_o in_o some_o one_o of_o these_o church_n which_o happen_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o only_o by_o some_o of_o their_o teacher_n fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o or_o by_o various_a opinion_n about_o their_o guide_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o or_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o in_o seek_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o office_n among_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o thing_n among_o those_o church_n wherein_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o schism_n be_v concern_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o many_o unto_o one_o as_o be_v now_o plead_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o officer_n into_o those_o who_o have_v a_o plenary_a and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o partiary_a power_n only_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n no_o church_n with_o a_o single_a officer_n over_o it_o comprehend_v in_o a_o subjection_n unto_o its_o jurisdiction_n a_o multitude_n of_o other_o church_n no_o invention_n no_o imposition_n of_o any_o order_n formâ—_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v once_o think_v of_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v first_o attempt_v it_o cause_v great_a trouble_n among_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o noncompliance_n wherewithal_o we_o be_v vehement_o charge_v with_o schism_n be_v then_o neither_o lay_v nor_o hatch_v neither_o thought_n of_o nor_o invent_v to_o erect_v new_a kind_n of_o church_n to_o introduce_v into_o they_o new_a order_n new_a rule_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o impose_v their_o observation_n on_o all_o church_n and_o all_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o charge_v their_o dissent_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o schism_n which_o be_v prohibit_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v much_o of_o a_o assume_v authority_n and_o severity_n in_o it_o nothing_o of_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o after_o that_o church_n begin_v to_o depart_v from_o this_o original_a constitution_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v before_o declare_v every_o alteration_n produce_v a_o new_a supposition_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n whereto_o every_o church_n of_o a_o new_a constitution_n lay_v claim_v new_a sort_n of_o schism_n be_v also_o coin_a and_o frame_v for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n find_v out_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereby_o those_o meek_a holy_a humble_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christ_n institution_n who_o as_o such_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n in_o power_n authority_n dignity_n jurisdiction_n or_o wealth_n in_o some_o instance_n wherein_o they_o get_v the_o advantage_n one_o of_o another_o become_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o equal_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n yea_o one_o of_o they_o to_o claim_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n during_o the_o progression_n of_o this_o apostasy_n church_n unity_n and_o schism_n decline_v from_o their_o centre_n and_o vary_v their_o state_n according_a unto_o the_o present_a interest_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v whoever_o have_v get_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o prevail_a reputation_n though_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o corrupt_a make_v it_o bite_v and_o devour_v all_o that_o dislike_v it_o and_o will_v swear_v that_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v church-unity_n and_o to_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v schism_n unto_o that_o state_n all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o thing_n be_v come_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n howbeit_o what_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o or_o contend_v for_o of_o power_n privilege_n authority_n pre-eminence_n jurisdiction_n catholicism_n way_n of_o worship_n rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o a_o noise_n about_o and_o in_o the_o dispute_n whereof_o so_o many_o various_a hypothesis_n be_v advance_v that_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o such_o christian_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o prudence_n or_o imprudence_n of_o man_n and_o what_o it_o will_v prove_v the_o event_n will_v show_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v once_o well_o understand_v will_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o innumerable_a fruitless_a endless_a contest_v sovereign_a prince_n from_o all_o disturbance_n on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o private_a person_n from_o the_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o entrust_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o another_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o at_o this_o time_n to_o expect_v the_o reduction_n of_o christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o primitive_a power_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v blame_n on_o they_o who_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n and_o order_n as_o they_o approve_v of_o or_o suppose_v it_o the_o best_a they_o can_v attain_v unto_o only_o i_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o all_o christ_n disciple_n at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n in_o what_o he_o have_v not_o enjoin_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_v book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o precede_a discourse_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o without_o a_o prospect_n at_o least_o a_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o something_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o tendency_n with_o the_o doctor_n book_n will_v be_v publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o i_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v both_o finish_v and_o communicate_v unto_o public_a view_n before_o any_o thing_n far_o be_v attempt_v against_o our_o cause_n whereby_o many_o mistake_v may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o as_o i_o be_v willing_a yea_o very_a desirous_a if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v see_v before_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o conformity_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n plead_v with_o judgement_n moderation_n and_o learning_n with_o the_o best_a of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n be_v oppose_v so_o consider_v on_o what_o hand_n that_o work_n be_v now_o like_a to_o fall_v i_o think_v si_fw-la pergania_fw-la dextra_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o be_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o but_o my_o expectation_n be_v frustrate_a of_o represent_v our_o whole_a cause_n true_o state_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o mistake_v by_o the_o come_n out_o of_o this_o book_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o publish_v this_o first_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v design_v and_o to_o annex_v unto_o it_o the_o ensue_a defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n for_o although_o i_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o sepaeration_n but_o what_o be_v obviate_v or_o answer_v before_o hand_n in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n so_o as_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o they_o contain_v therein_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o reason_n exception_n and_o plea_n in_o and_o of_o that_o book_n to_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v which_o be_v to_o reinforce_v a_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o unsuccessful_a from_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o doctor_n have_v be_v
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
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
much_o concern_v my_o word_n be_v vindic._n p._n 41._o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o our_o author_n apparent_o be_v can_v have_v deny_v the_o truth_n hereof_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o he_o only_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n cotton_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n herein_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v who_o do_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o people_n do_v meet_v together_o unto_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o readmission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v through_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o public_a offence_n and_o division_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n wherein_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o consent_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o hereon_o he_o ask_v where_o i_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o do_v nor_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o he_o add_v that_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o the_o appeal_n that_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n whereas_o my_o word_n be_v positive_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n such_o thing_n will_v partiality_n in_o a_o cause_n and_o aim_v at_o success_n in_o disputation_n produce_v m._n cotton_n affirm_v that_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o just_a representation_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n that_o be_v i_o presume_v diocesan_n because_o that_o alone_o be_v unto_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n state_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o three_o party_n dissent_v about_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n will_v attempt_v a_o agreement_n between_o themselves_o upon_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v some_o claim_n unto_o although_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o some_o of_o their_o pretension_n it_o may_v bring_v they_o all_o near_a together_o and_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o church_n but_o one_o in_o that_o city_n many_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o several_a place_n for_o divine_a exercise_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v but_o state_v church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o member_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o discipline_n among_o they_o such_o as_o our_o reverend_a author_n do_v afterward_o affirm_v and_o describe_v our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v 2._o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o rule_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o community_n of_o it_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n whether_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attend_v unto_o rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v many_o and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o peculiar_a relation_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o concur_v in_o common_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o cyprian_n himself_o 3._o that_o among_o those_o elder_n in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o call_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v constant_o preside_v among_o they_o in_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o without_o who_o ordinary_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o neither_o do_v he_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n who_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o and_o right_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o order_n that_o one_o do_v preside_v in_o their_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n who_o custom_n give_v some_o pre-eminence_n unto_o 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o cast_v out_o and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o lapse_v member_n have_v their_o suffrage_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n or_o any_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a acknowledge_v rule_n in_o discipline_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o from_o the_o first_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n yet_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difference_n among_o we_o then_o what_o will_v remain_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o state_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v congregational_a or_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v far_o plead_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n nor_o be_o i_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o sufficient_a answer_n unto_o what_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o vindication_n but_o have_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v most_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o word_n divert_v very_o much_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o yet_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n sect_n 5._o p._n 234_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n it_o seem_v evident_o exemplyfy_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o what_o be_v now_o again_o declare_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o that_o city_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v original_o more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n i_o do_v grant_v in_o the_o word_n next_o quote_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o any_o such_o church_n do_v divide_v itself_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n but_o this_o
the_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n by_o a_o publâ—que_a declaration_n some_o year_n ago_o whereby_o it_o shall_v seem_v the_o papist_n think_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n though_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o expectation_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o true_a case_n in_o reference_n thereto_o in_o point_n of_o law_n that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o scarce_o answer_v that_o loyalty_n and_o regard_n unto_o his_o majesty_n honour_n which_o some_o man_n profess_v when_o all_o his_o action_n be_v suit_v to_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v such_o outcry_n about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o sole_a act_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o do_v indeed_o thankful_o accept_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o royal_a favour_n and_o after_o that_o for_o so_o many_o year_n we_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n whereby_o multitude_n be_v ruin_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o some_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o that_o without_o hope_n of_o any_o remission_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o parliament_n that_o then_o sit_v by_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o alone_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v it_o we_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v a_o little_a breathe_a space_n from_o our_o trouble_n under_o his_o majesty_n royal_a protection_n design_v only_o as_o a_o expedient_a as_o be_v usual_a in_o former_a time_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n until_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v settle_v in_o parliament_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o crime_n habetis_fw-la confitentem_fw-la reum_fw-la as_o to_o my_o part_n but_o because_o i_o know_v myself_o herein_o peculiar_o reflect_v on_o i_o do_v avow_v that_o never_o any_o one_o person_n in_o authority_n dignity_n or_o power_n in_o the_o nation_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o public_a affair_n nor_o any_o from_o they_o papist_n or_o protestant_n do_v once_o speak_v one_o word_n to_o i_o or_o advise_v with_o i_o about_o any_o indulgence_n or_o toleration_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o papist_n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a to_o intermit_v their_o service_n for_o a_o season_n unto_o the_o great_a false_a accuser_n and_o prove_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o can_v the_o person_n be_v sufficient_o know_v of_o who_o they_o may_v make_v their_o enquiry_n but_o i_o can_v cast_v this_o also_o into_o the_o same_o heap_n or_o bundle_n of_o other_o false_a surmize_n and_o report_n concern_v i_o almost_o without_o number_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o some_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o divulge_v as_o they_o have_v do_v if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o their_o charity_n and_o prudence_n be_v proportionable_a unto_o their_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v whilst_o interest_n with_o hope_n and_o fear_n vain_a love_n and_o hatred_n thence_o arise_v do_v steer_v the_o mind_n of_o men._n but_o what_o if_o we_o have_v not_o design_v the_o prevalence_n or_o introduction_n of_o popery_n yet_o be_v a_o company_n of_o silly_a fellow_n we_o have_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wheadle_v by_o the_o jesuit_n to_o be_v active_a for_o the_o cut_n of_o our_o own_o throat_n for_o we_o be_v full_a well_o satisfy_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a first_o who_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o their_o fury_n can_v they_o ruin_v the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o into_o such_o a_o unhappy_a posture_n of_o affair_n be_v we_o fall_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o popery_n but_o only_o pray_v against_o it_o preach_v against_o it_o write_v against_o it_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o principle_n of_o truth_n whereon_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o cordial_o join_v with_o all_o true_a protestant_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o excess_n that_o be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o yet_o these_o crafty_a blade_n know_v how_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o unto_o their_o advantage_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v therefore_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o nonconformist_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o bind_v themselves_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o all_o they_o do_v against_o they_o do_v but_o promote_v their_o interest_n but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v they_o will_v be_v great_o unwilling_a unto_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o their_o episcopal_a friend_n will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v for_o their_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o will_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o teach_v a_o expedient_a by_o a_o eminent_a personage_n for_o the_o free_n myself_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o popery_n and_o that_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o for_o be_v in_o ireland_n when_o there_o be_v in_o former_a day_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o reconciliation_n a_o person_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o court_n of_o england_n write_v unto_o he_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o report_n that_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o popery_n or_o a_o compliance_n on_o good_a term_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o withal_o desire_v he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n but_o that_o great_a and_o wise_a personage_n understand_v full_a well_o whereunto_o these_o thing_n tend_v return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o only_a that_o he_o know_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o such_o report_n for_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n which_o put_v a_o absolute_a period_n unto_o the_o intercourse_n and_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o the_o same_o defensative_a against_o forty_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v use_v to_o prove_v we_o compliant_a with_o the_o papal_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v can_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n subscribe_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o that_o most_o eminent_a champion_n of_o the_o ptotestant_a religion_n in_o england_n namely_o whitaker_n give_v unto_o his_o learned_a disputation_n about_o antichrist_n igitur_fw-la say_v he_o sequamur_fw-la praeeuntem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la &_o libere_fw-la dicamus_fw-la defendamus_fw-la clamemus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la vivit_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la juremus_fw-la pontificem_fw-la romanum_fw-la esse_fw-la antichristum_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v we_o know_v better_o how_o to_o spend_v our_o remain_a hour_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n then_o in_o contend_v about_o impertinent_a story_n and_o surmize_n exhale_v by_o wit_n and_o invention_n out_o of_o the_o bog_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o shall_v therefore_o only_o assure_v those_o by_o who_o we_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o coffeehouse_n or_o from_o the_o press_n to_o countenance_v the_o promotion_n of_o the_o papal_a interest_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o as_o they_o deal_v unjust_o with_o we_o herein_o and_o weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n what_o lie_v in_o they_o so_o let_v they_o and_o other_o do_v and_o say_v what_o they_o please_v nothing_o shall_v ever_o shake_v we_o in_o our_o resolution_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o firm_a conjunction_n with_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o papist_n yea_o that_o we_o will_v do_v so_o with_o our_o life_n at_o the_o stake_n if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n but_o ourselves_o but_o if_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a against_o popery_n but_o by_o debauch_v our_o conscience_n with_o that_o conformity_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n we_o be_v 〈…〉_z mind_n the_o preface_n a_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n and_o contest_v among_o profess_a christian_n about_o the_o nature_n power_n order_n rule_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o each_o dissent_v party_n therein_o have_v not_o only_o be_v great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n but_o have_v also_o so_o despise_v all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o allay_v or_o abatement_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o inflame_a every_o day_n and_o to_o threaten_v more_o pernicious_a consequent_n than_o any_o they_o have_v already_o produce_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n that_o the_o world_n for_o some_o age_n have_v groan_v
which_o have_v be_v various_a and_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n that_o some_o call_v on_o we_o or_o other_o to_o produce_v express_a testimony_n or_o institution_n for_o every_o circumstance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o on_o a_o suppose_a failure_n herein_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v power_n themselves_o to_o institute_n and_o ordain_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v circumstance_n of_o worship_n for_o as_o the_o directive_n light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o it_o make_v all_o state_v addition_n to_o be_v useless_a as_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v noxious_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o church_n assembly_n the_o order_n and_o decency_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o the_o bound_a of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n so_o as_o to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n exceed_v the_o proportion_n capable_a of_o edification_n in_o such_o society_n what_o especial_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v method_n in_o preach_v translation_n and_o tune_n of_o psalm_n in_o sing_v continuance_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o the_o like_a the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v divine_o institute_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o general_a direction_n in_o and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o may_v with_o ordinary_a christian_a prudence_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n apply_v unto_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forsake_v these_o direction_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o to_o invent_v way_n mode_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o own_o which_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o they_o be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o do_v no_o way_n call_v for_o require_v or_o own_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o humane_o invent_v state_v ceremony_n and_o thereon_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o determine_v their_o precise_a observation_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o such_o act_n and_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o edification_n be_v as_o indemonstrable_a as_o their_o necessity_n unto_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v annex_v be_v also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o warranty_n either_o from_o divine_a authority_n or_o christian_a prudence_n this_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v in_o his_o frequent_a appeal_n unto_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o church-order_n 1_o cor._n 7.29_o 33.7_o chap._n 9.7_o chap._n 11.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 14.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ver_fw-la 32_o 33._o ver_fw-la 40._o and_o the_o like_a be_v do_v in_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v evident_a 2._o but_o such_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o evangelical-church-state_n such_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o thing_n thereon_o depend_v such_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o especial_a honour_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n design_n unto_o himself_o therein_o thing_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v give_v no_o guidance_n unto_o nor_o direction_n about_o and_o moreover_o so_o different_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o that_o be_v before_o ordain_v in_o any_o other_o church-state_n be_v the_o way_n mean_n and_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n prescribe_v in_o it_o that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n of_o its_o own_o to_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o men._n the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 7.11_o it_o be_v perfection_n its_o consummation_n that_o perfect_a state_n which_o god_n design_v unto_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o he_o deny_v that_o it_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o state_n by_o the_o law_n or_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a institution_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o heb._n 7.19_o chap._n 9.9_o chap._n 10.1_o and_o we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel-church-state_n as_o unto_o its_o especial_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o a_o peculiar_a divine_a institution_n for_o it_o have_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o perfect_a consummate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bring_v it_o unto_o though_o itself_o its_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n its_o rule_n and_o policy_n be_v all_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o herein_o do_v its_o excellency_n and_o preference_n above_o the_o legal_a church-state_n consist_v as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v at_o large_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o it_o any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a authority_n in_o its_o institution_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n above_o those_o of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v the_o gospel-church-state_n a_o machine_n to_o be_v move_v up_o and_o down_o at_o pleasure_n to_o be_v new_o mould_v or_o shape_v according_a unto_o occasion_n or_o to_o be_v turn_v unto_o any_o interest_n like_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o mill_n unto_o the_o wind._n all_o the_o dignity_n honour_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n depend_v sole_o hereon_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a institution_n hence_o it_o be_v glorious_a that_o be_v very_o excellent_a as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 2._o cor._n 3._o and_o if_o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v not_o the_o same_o original_a it_o must_v be_v esteem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a glory_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o a_o great_a glory_n it_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v neither_o can_v any_o man_n nor_o dare_v any_o man_n alive_a to_o give_v any_o instance_n in_o particular_a wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o defect_n in_o the_o be_v constitution_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel-church-state_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a institution_n so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o supply_n thereof_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n but_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o full_o speak_v unto_o after_o we_o have_v declare_v who_o it_o be_v who_o have_v divine_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n 3._o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o threefold_a application_n or_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a notion_n as_o 1_o for_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n or_o society_n of_o elect_a believer_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n real_o relate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o mystical_a head_n 2_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o visible_a professor_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n who_o by_o baptism_n and_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o for_o such_o a_o state_n as_o wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o he_o appoint_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o power_n which_o he_o give_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o discipline_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n under_o these_o distinct_a notion_n with_o our_o relation_n unto_o either_o or_o all_o of_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o thereon_o i_o have_v treat_v full_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o evangelical_n love_n and_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n and_o thither_o i_o must_v remit_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n alone_o who_o original_a we_o now_o inquire_v after_o and_o i_o say_v 4._o the_o original_a of_o this_o church-state_n be_v direct_o immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o alone_o be_v the_o author_n contriver_n and_o institutor_n of_o it_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v immediate_o and_o sole_o from_o he_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o in_o and_o by_o his_o own_o person_n or_o in_o his_o personal_a ministry_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n he_o do_v absolute_o and_o complete_o finish_v this_o state_n exclusive_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
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
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
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
sovereignty_n over_o their_o conscience_n be_v reserve_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o their_o obedience_n be_v require_v by_o they_o only_o unto_o his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o will_v be_v at_o to_o presume_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n at_o least_o the_o only_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o avow_v a_o power_n to_o impose_v what_o they_o please_v on_o all_o church_n pretend_v to_o be_v under_o their_o command_n so_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o lawful_a be_v it_o never_o so_o useless_a or_o trifle_a if_o it_o have_v no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o then_o assert_v that_o all_o christian_a people_n must_v without_o further_a examination_n submit_v quiet_o unto_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v damn_a schismatic_n but_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o advance_v such_o principle_n a_o second_o time_n he_o add_v from_o my_o paper_n or_o as_o my_o sense_n the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n viz._n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n rom._n 14._o but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o whatever_o difference_n happen_v among_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v no_o determination_n either_o way_n but_o this_o be_v direst_o contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o they_o be_v not_o my_o word_n which_o he_o report_v i_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rule_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o determine_a rule_n but_o with_o such_o a_o rule_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v that_o be_v whilst_o difference_n about_o they_o do_v continue_v as_o he_o contend_v for_o and_o 1._o notwithstanding_o this_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n express_o rom._n 14._o yet_o as_o unto_o the_o right_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o man_n be_v at_o difference_n every_o private_a believer_n be_v to_o determine_v of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n every_o one_o be_v to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v concern_v 2._o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n do_v fall_v out_o may_v doctrinal_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n as_o that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o determination_n but_o every_o one_o may_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o liberty_n there_o be_v difference_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n some_o of_o they_o in_o my_o judgement_n of_o more_o importance_n than_o those_o between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v any_o determination_n of_o they_o no_o not_o doctrinal_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n wherein_o such_o difference_n fall_v out_o be_v not_o able_a in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o make_v a_o doctrinal_a determination_n of_o such_o difference_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n whereof_o a_o account_n be_v give_v we_o act._n 15._o the_o determination_n or_o decree_n there_o make_v concern_v the_o necessary_a observance_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n by_o the_o gentile_n convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n give_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o make_n and_o impose_v such_o a_o rule_n on_o all_o church_n and_o their_o member_n as_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a determination_n without_o imposition_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o determination_n against_o imposition_n direct_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n contrary_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n which_o show_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o forbearance_n where_o conscience_n be_v allege_v both_o way_n be_v no_o stand_a rule_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o nor_o be_v their_o practice_n concern_v in_o that_o erroneous_a judgement_n they_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o not_o do_v whereof_o do_v reflect_v on_o their_o own_o conscience_n wherefore_o the_o whole_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a determination_n make_v be_v that_o no_o imposition_n be_v make_v on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n they_o add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gentile_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n aught_o to_o use_v it_o without_o offence_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o to_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o wherein_o they_o have_v or_o think_v they_o have_v a_o natural_a liberty_n in_o case_n they_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o at_o that_o season_n be_v to_o be_v so_o forbear_v and_o whereas_o this_o determination_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o obligatory_a on_o the_o whole_a case_n unto_o all_o church_n namely_o whether_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o church_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n who_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o practice_n also_o who_o judge_v it_o not_o to_o oblige_v they_o both_o side_n or_o party_n be_v bind_v to_o continue_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o be_v herein_o a_o perpetual_a establishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n nothing_o be_v condemn_v but_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o nothing_o commend_v but_o a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o offence_n i_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o false_a apostle_n be_v the_o only_a imposer_n that_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n and_o if_o the_o author_n insinuate_v that_o the_o true_a apostle_n be_v such_o imposer_n also_o because_o of_o the_o determination_n they_o make_v of_o this_o difference_n he_o will_v fail_v in_o his_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o impose_v on_o or_o charge_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o other_o thing_n none_o at_o all_o the_o last_o thing_n which_o he_o endeavour_v a_o answer_n unto_o on_o this_o occasion_n lie_v in_o those_o word_n the_o jewish_a christian_n be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n provide_v they_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o the_o dissenter_n at_o this_o day_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o the_o gentile_a church_n do_v viz._n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o so_o be_v my_o sense_n in_o the_o place_n refer_v unto_o report_v nor_o shall_v i_o contend_v about_o it_o so_o as_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v change_n for_o my_o word_n be_v not_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v this_o respect_v the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o other_o only_o their_o imposition_n and_o one_o reason_n against_o the_o imposition_n oppose_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v we_o observe_v because_o not_o appoint_v by_o himself_o but_o hereunto_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v agree_v