and_o privilege_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o church_n which_o be_v his_o spouse_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n by_o who_o they_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o steward_n so_o far_o as_o their_o office_n require_v that_o trust._n now_o this_o which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o more_o full_o confirm_v be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o commit_n of_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o one_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ordination_n by_o another_o nothing_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v do_v at_o all_o hinder_v or_o deny_v but_o that_o where_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v they_o ought_v in_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o order_n to_o be_v preserve_v by_o a_o successive_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n wherein_o those_o who_o actual_o preside_v in_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a interest_n in_o the_o orderly_a communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o they_o chap._n iu._n the_o especial_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church-state_n appoint_v by_o christ._n the_o principal_a enquiry_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o and_o whereon_o all_o that_o ensue_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v be_v concern_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o that_o church-state_n rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o gospel_n of_o what_o sort_n and_o kind_n it_o be_v and_o hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o i_o design_v not_o here_o to_o oppose_v nor_o any_o way_n to_o consider_v such_o addition_n as_o man_n may_v have_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v add_v unto_o that_o church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o render_v it_o in_o their_o apprehension_n more_o useful_a unto_o its_o end_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o a_o long_a season_n have_v be_v so_o but_o our_o present_a business_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o disprove_v the_o conceit_n of_o other_o man_n and_o so_o far_o as_o our_o cause_n be_v concern_v herein_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o itself_o so_o as_o not_o to_o interrupt_v we_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v great_a contest_v about_o communion_n with_o church_n or_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o mutual_a charge_n of_o imposition_n and_o schism_n thereon_o they_o must_v be_v all_o regulate_v by_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o be_v that_o church_n state_n which_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v herein_o alone_o be_v conscience_n concern_v as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n neither_o can_v a_o chaâ—ge_n of_o schism_n be_v manage_v against_o any_o but_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o sin_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o church-state_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o dissent_n from_o any_o thing_n else_o however_o pretend_v to_o be_v useful_a yea_o advantageous_a unto_o church_n end_v must_v come_v under_o other_o prudential_a consideration_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v full_o prove_v and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n st._n 3._o there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o the_o world_n several_a sort_n of_o church_n of_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n of_o several_a form_n and_o kind_n yet_o contribute_v aid_n to_o each_o other_o in_o their_o respective_a station_n as_o 1_o the_o papal_a church_n which_o pretend_v itself_o to_o be_v catholic_n or_o universal_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o true_a believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n unite_v in_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 2_o there_o be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o shadow_n of_o they_o be_v still_o remain_v church_n call_v patriarchal_a first_o 3_o then_z 4_o then_z 5_o of_o they_o whereinto_o all_o other_o church_n and_o profess_a christian_n in_o the_o roman_a world_n be_v distribute_v as_o unto_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o 5_o principal_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n who_o be_v thereon_o call_v patriarch_n 3_o various_a division_n under_o they_o of_o archiepiscopal_a or_o metropolitical_a church_n and_o under_o they_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o call_v diocesan_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v fix_v and_o alter_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n and_o occurrence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o have_v be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o church_n how_o from_o parochial_a assembly_n they_o grow_v up_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o descent_n now_o mention_v into_o the_o height_n and_o centre_n of_o papal_a omnipotency_n have_v be_v declare_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o plead_v for_o a_o national_a church-state_n arise_v from_o a_o association_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o several_a degree_n which_o they_o call_v classical_a and_o provincial_a until_o it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n that_o be_v one_o civil_a body_n depend_v as_o such_o on_o its_o own_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o law_n i_o shall_v neither_o examine_v nor_o oppose_v this_o opinion_n there_o have_v be_v enough_o if_o not_o too_o much_o already_o dispute_v about_o it_o but_o 5._o the_o visible_a church-state_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v in_o a_o especial_a society_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n join_v together_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n with_o their_o officer_n guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o do_v or_o may_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o profess_v and_o authoritative_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o thing_n observable_a in_o this_o description_n and_o for_o the_o far_a declaration_n of_o it_o be_v 1_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o this_o church_n or_o the_o matter_n whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v which_o be_v visible_a believer_n 2_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o a_o society_n or_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n 3_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v presential_a local_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o their_o own_o edification_n 4_o in_o particular_a these_o end_n be_v 1_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o 2_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o all_o the_o mystical_a appointment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 3_o the_o preservation_n and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n 4_o visible_o to_o profess_v their_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n 5_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o member_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o christ_n have_v command_v in_o due_a order_n nor_o yet_o so_o great_a as_o not_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o end_n of_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n before_o mention_v 6_o that_o this_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n consist_v of_o pastor_n or_o a_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o be_v its_o guide_n and_o ruler_n and_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a under_o their_o rule_n 7_o that_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v of_o right_a all_o the_o privilege_n promise_n and_o power_n that_o christ_n do_v give_v and_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n these_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o in_o their_o order_n according_a unto_o the_o method_n intend_v in_o the_o present_a discourse_n two_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o 1_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o church-state_n under_o the_o gospel_n namely_o of_o a_o particular_a or_o single_a congregation_n 2_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o other_o church_n state_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o much_o less_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o 1._o christ_n appoint_v that_o church-state_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o a_o church_n but_o such_o alone_a be_v that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o christ_n institution_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o end_n that_o some_o man_n may_v be_v thereby_o advance_v to_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
shall_v endeavour_v to_o cheat_v his_o conscience_n by_o distinction_n and_o mental_a reservation_n in_o any_o concernment_n of_o religious_a worship_n i_o fear_v he_o have_v little_a of_o it_o if_o any_o at_o all_o that_o be_v good_a for_o aught_o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o say_v the_o imposition_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o often_o contend_v about_o on_o the_o conscience_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_n as_o namely_o the_o constant_a sole_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o canonical_a ceremony_n the_o religious_a observation_n of_o state_v holiday_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v any_o sober_a peaceable_a disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o refrain_v the_o communion_n require_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o conformity_n unless_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o all_o that_o it_o require_v be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o it_o forbid_v be_v disapprove_v by_o he_o and_o whereas_o the_o whole_a entire_a matter_n of_o all_o these_o imposition_n be_v thing_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n know_v nothing_o at_o all_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o rumour_n of_o they_o to_o be_v impose_v in_o or_o on_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n i_o can_v but_o pity_v poor_a man_n who_o must_v bear_v the_o charge_n and_o penalty_n of_o schism_n for_o dissent_v from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o admire_v the_o fertility_n of_o their_o invention_n who_o can_v find_v out_o argument_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o charge_n on_o their_o account_n but_o whereas_o the_o dissent_n declare_v from_o that_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v that_o whereon_o we_o be_v so_o fierce_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o so_o frequent_o call_v schismatic_n i_o shall_v divert_v a_o little_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o true_a notion_n of_o schism_n itself_o and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o find_v the_o author_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n omit_v any_o enquiry_n thereinto_o that_o he_o may_v not_o loose_v the_o advantage_n of_o any_o pretend_a description_n or_o aggravation_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o of_o schism_n although_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o present_a design_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n yet_o with_o respect_n unto_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v and_o to_o manifest_v our_o inconcernment_n in_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v as_o be_v say_v divert_v to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o and_o in_o our_o enquiry_n i_o must_v declare_v myself_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o discord_n division_n and_o sedition_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o christian_n in_o the_o latter_a age_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n schism_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o christian_a love_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o deportment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o communion_n in_o they_o as_o for_o contention_n division_n or_o separation_n among_o man_n about_o that_o order_n agreement_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o appointment_n whatever_o moral_a evil_n they_o have_v have_v in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n schism_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o such_o have_v be_v the_o horrid_a division_n and_o fight_n that_o have_v prevail_v at_o season_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n a_o departure_n from_o who_o self-constituted_n state_n order_n and_o rule_n have_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o schism_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v admit_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o note_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o some_o church_n state_n order_n rule_n unity_n or_o uniformity_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n there_o be_v three_o notion_n of_o schism_n that_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o division_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n all_o of_o they_o abide_v still_o in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n without_o any_o separation_n into_o distinct_a party_n and_o unto_o schism_n in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o want_v of_o that_o mutual_a love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o moral_a evil_n of_o whisper_n backbiting_n and_o evil_a surmize_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o 2._o a_o undue_a adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n officer_n above_o other_o cause_v dispute_n and_o jangle_n 3._o disorder_n in_o the_o attendance_n unto_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n assembly_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n perform_v in_o they_o this_o be_v the_o only_a notion_n of_o schism_n that_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o only_a evil_n that_o be_v condemn_v under_o that_o name_n this_o will_v appear_v unto_o any_o who_o shall_v with_o heedfulness_n read_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n wherein_o alone_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v state_v and_o exemplify_v but_o this_o consideration_n of_o schism_n have_v be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v for_o many_o age_n whatever_o man_n do_v in_o church_n so_o that_o they_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o outward_a communion_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a to_o esteem_v they_o schismatic_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v to_o regard_v if_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v say_v be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o nor_o any_o way_n subservient_fw-fr to_o secure_a the_o invention_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o most_o be_v on_o the_o matter_n lose_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o instance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n afterward_o a_o account_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o they_o about_o it_o the_o most_o eminent_a monument_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v schism_n in_o that_o church_n he_o call_v also_o strife_n contention_n sedition_n tumult_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v concern_v that_o schism_n as_o all_o the_o ancient_n call_v it_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n continue_v its_o state_n and_o outward_a communion_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o that_o constitute_v a_o new_a church_n only_o in_o the_o same_o church_n they_o agree_v not_o but_o be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o want_v of_o love_n and_o forbearance_n attend_v with_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o outward_a communion_n be_v the_o schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o schism_n be_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o member_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o some_o few_o disorderly_a person_n have_v depose_v their_o elder_n and_o ruler_n from_o their_o office_n and_o probable_o have_v choose_v other_o in_o their_o place_n though_o that_o be_v not_o mention_v express_o in_o the_o epistle_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o blame_v for_o assume_v a_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o depose_v their_o elder_n much_o less_o that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o consent_n advice_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o bishop_n or_o other_o church_n but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v deal_v unjust_o with_o those_o who_o they_o have_v depose_v who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o advice_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o such_o as_o have_v laudable_o and_o profitable_o discharge_v their_o office_n whereon_o the_o whole_a blame_n be_v cast_v on_o those_o who_o have_v instigate_v the_o church_n unto_o this_o proceedure_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o yet_o nor_o in_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o least_o mention_n or_o intimation_n of_o any_o schism_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o any_o humane_o invent_v rule_n or_o canon_n for_o order_n government_n or_o worship_n in_o any_o church_n or_o religious_a ceremony_n impose_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o in_o divine_a service_n that_o be_v on_o any_o church_n or_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o rumour_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o primitive_a antiquity_n no_o instance_n
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
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
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
themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v withal_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptise_a in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptise_a person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o nation_n the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n
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
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