i_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o colour_n for_o the_o people_n resume_v their_o right_n especial_o a_o small_a part_n against_o the_o whole_a in_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o which_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o those_o who_o daâ—e_n call_v they_o usurper_n who_o enjoy_v their_o place_n by_o the_o same_o law_n that_o any_o man_n do_v enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o they_o who_o assert_v that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v notwithstanding_o the_o law_n to_o adhere_v to_o their_o former_a pastor_n as_o mr._n a._n do_v who_o say_v preface_n they_o judge_v it_o their_o unquestionable_a duty_n to_o abide_v in_o that_o relation_n to_o their_o eject_v pastor_n do_v not_o only_o assert_v a_o power_n in_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n to_o act_v against_o establish_a law_n pass_v by_o general_a consent_n in_o parliament_n but_o overthrow_v the_o settlement_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o reformation_n for_o the_o papist_n then_o have_v the_o very_a same_o plea_n that_o these_o man_n have_v now_o uâ—z_n that_o the_o magistrate_n can_v not_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n between_o their_o former_a church_n guide_n and_o they_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o act_n of_o parliament_n they_o be_v still_o hound_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o for_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o real_a schism_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o guide_n just_a as_o mr._n a._n speak_v concern_v the_o eject_v minister_n so_o much_o do_v these_o man_n in_o pursue_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n overthrow_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o either_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n to_o silence_n some_o minister_n and_o to_o put_v other_o in_o their_o place_n or_o he_o have_v none_o if_o he_o have_v none_o then_o what_o become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o the_o popish_a bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v eject_v and_o other_o put_v into_o their_o place_n if_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o just_a power_n in_o some_o case_n but_o not_o in_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plea_n common_a to_o all_o for_o whoever_o think_v themselves_o just_o eject_v or_o that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o deserve_v so_o severe_a a_o punishment_n what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o man_n think_v themselves_o unjust_o cast_v out_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n say_v they_o ought_v to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o with_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o there_o be_v other_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_o although_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v by_o join_v in_o their_o private_a capacity_n in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o it_o by_o their_o example_n and_o encouragement_n have_v do_v more_o good_a both_o to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o this_o church_n than_o i_o fear_v their_o public_a preach_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n have_v do_v to_o either_o but_o if_o they_o go_v upon_o such_o principlesâ—s_v â—s_z these_o that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o rightful_a power_n to_o eject_v they_o that_o other_o be_v usurper_n who_o come_v in_o their_o place_n that_o the_o people_n be_v still_o bind_v to_o own_v they_o in_o their_o former_a relation_n notwithstanding_o the_o law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v schism_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o confess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v maintain_v and_o preach_v in_o our_o public_a assembly_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o determine_v how_o consistent_a such_o principle_n be_v with_o the_o submission_n man_n owe_v to_o government_n or_o that_o peaceable_a behaviour_n which_o become_v christian_n this_o i_o the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o because_o i_o find_v not_o only_a mr._n b._n and_o mr._n a._n assert_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v make_v the_o stand_a plea_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n among_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hold_v all_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n unlawful_a so_o the_o late_a of_o my_o answerer_n make_v a_o question_n whether_o they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o erect_v new_a church_n 26._o or_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n who_o be_v true_a minister_n and_o have_v their_o congregation_n before_o other_o come_v into_o their_o place_n if_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o ejection_n or_o exclusion_n from_o their_o ministry_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o still_o a_o right_a to_o exercise_v their_o function_n and_o consequent_o whether_o other_o may_v not_o as_o just_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v away_o their_o people_n from_o they_o as_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o same_o practice_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o all_o this_o plea_n but_o may_v have_v equal_o serve_v the_o papist_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o the_o law_n signify_v nothing_o with_o they_o in_o any_o case_n where_o themselves_o be_v concern_v if_o minister_n be_v eject_v without_o or_o against_o law_n they_o who_o come_v into_o their_o place_n be_v no_o usurper_n and_o if_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o law_n they_o that_o succeed_v they_o be_v usurper_n so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v always_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o their_o consideration_n second_o all_o those_o who_o come_v into_o any_o pastoral_n charge_n whether_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n nomination_n or_o other_o by_o the_o presentation_n of_o patron_n be_v usurper_n unless_o the_o people_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o free_a consent_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o they_o may_v lawful_o withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o say_v mr._n b._n the_o people_n have_v a_o antecedent_n right_o to_o consent_v 55._o which_o none_o can_v take_v from_o they_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o canon_n that_o he_o be_v no_o bishop_n that_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o people_n or_o come_v in_o without_o the_o people_n consent_n nay_o if_o they_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o some_o and_o not_o of_o the_o great_a part_n those_o who_o do_v not_o consent_v may_v proceed_v to_o choose_v another_o bishop_n if_o mr._n b._n say_v true_a for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n if_o a_o diocese_n have_v a_o thousand_o or_o 600_o or_o 300_o parish_n pastor_n 82._o and_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o or_o a_o million_o of_o people_n or_o 50000_o or_o 20000_o as_o you_o will_v suppose_v and_o if_o only_a a_o dozen_o or_o 20_o presbyter_n and_o a_o thousand_o people_n or_o none_o choose_v the_o bishop_n this_o be_v not_o the_o election_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o diocesan_n church_n nor_o be_v it_o schism_n for_o twenty_o thousand_o to_o go_v against_o the_o vote_n of_o two_o thousand_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o advantage_n in_o poll_n as_o mr._n a._n suggest_v there_o be_v nothing_o hinder_v they_o but_o that_o in_o spite_n of_o law_n they_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o new_a bishop_n and_o new_a pastor_n of_o church_n wherever_o they_o think_v they_o can_v make_v the_o majority_n for_o this_o be_v a_o inherent_a and_o unalterable_a right_n in_o the_o people_n say_v they_o to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n again_o say_v mr._n b._n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n in_o his_o plea_n ibid._n if_o bishop_n that_o have_v no_o better_o a_o foundation_n i.e._n that_o come_v in_o by_o the_o king_n nomination_n and_o not_o by_o the_o majority_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v impose_v inferior_a pastor_n or_o presbyter_n on_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o command_v the_o people_n acceptance_n and_o obeâ—â—â—nce_n i.e._n if_o they_o give_v they_o institution_n upon_o a_o patron_n presentation_n the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o accept_v and_o obey_v they_o by_o any_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o that_o command_n as_o such_o nor_o be_v it_o schism_n to_o disobey_v it_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v treason_n to_o reject_v the_o usurper_n of_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o all_o bishop_n of_o the_o king_n nomination_n all_o minister_n present_v by_o patron_n be_v mere_a usurper_n the_o people_n may_v give_v they_o a_o good_a title_n if_o they_o please_v but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o in_o they_o mr._n b._n say_v 49._o the_o chief_a power_n be_v and_o sometime_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_a however_o while_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v they_o be_v no_o church_n which_o they_o be_v set_v over_o 82._o and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n so_o to_o pronounce_v they_o nor_o to_o deny_v they_o communion_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n be_v not_o this_o a_o excellent_a plea_n for_o peace_n and_o the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n of_o concord_n which_o lay_v the_o foundation_n for_o all_o imaginable_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n only_o that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o pretence_n for_o their_o present_a separation_n sect._n 12._o 3._o
4._o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o private_a person_n to_o set_v up_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o will_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n 52._o and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 102._o nay_o they_o declare_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v high_o offend_v god_n giffard_n say_v that_o the_o fetter_n and_o chain_n can_v no_o fast_o bind_v the_o hand_n and_o foot_n of_o brownist_n than_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a man_n be_v bind_v with_o the_o band_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o public_a authority_n and_o if_o all_o the_o brownist_n in_o the_o land_n shall_v come_v together_o and_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o ordain_v he_o it_o will_v make_v he_o no_o more_o a_o minister_n before_o god_n then_o if_o all_o the_o apprentice_n in_o london_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v a_o lord_n mayor_n and_o minister_v a_o oath_n unto_o he_o shall_v make_v he_o a_o lord_n mayor_n but_o of_o this_o more_o afterward_o v._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n stand_v under_o as_o they_o speak_v a_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n to_o which_o they_o answer_v first_o 19_o they_o deny_v that_o our_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v antichristian_a since_o they_o do_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n ought_v to_o hold_v and_o teach_v all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v fundamental_a yea_o some_o of_o they_o have_v learned_o and_o sound_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o heretic_n that_o have_v gainsay_v it_o some_o have_v not_o only_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n convert_v many_o to_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n second_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a yoke_n which_o they_o deny_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o ministry_n under_o it_o since_o both_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n have_v frequent_o bear_v such_o a_o yoke_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n still_o three_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a in_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n if_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o king_n visitor_n and_o commissioner_n to_o see_v that_o the_o pastor_n do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o this_o can_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n to_o cast_v many_o particular_a church_n 1642._o under_o one_o provincial_a or_o diocesan_n government_n yea_o mr._n bradshaw_n undertake_v to_o prove_v this_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o think_v the_o magistrate_n can_v well_o discharge_v his_o duty_n as_o to_o the_o oversight_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n without_o it_o as_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o seven_o query_n he_o propound_v to_o fr._n johnson_n about_o it_o 49._o but_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o they_o this_o say_v he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n so_o long_o as_o under_o they_o they_o perform_v the_o main_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o true_a pastor_n which_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o our_o church-assembly_n do_v and_o by_o the_o law_n catch_v to_o do_v these_o particular_n i_o have_v lay_v together_o with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o clearness_n from_o the_o author_n of_o best_a reputation_n on_o both_o side_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o distinct_a view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o separation_n between_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n and_o the_o separatist_n of_o that_o time_n sect._n 12._o but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o our_o present_a time_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o alteration_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n by_o those_o who_o be_v call_v independent_o and_o pretend_v to_o come_v off_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o brownism_n or_o rigid_a separation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o course_n of_o separation_n or_o the_o step_v by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o settle_v in_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o what_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o how_o far_o the_o reason_n then_o use_v will_v hold_v against_o the_o present_a separation_n when_o those_o who_o be_v call_v brownist_n 39_o for_o the_o fâ—eer_a exercise_n of_o their_o new_a church_n way_n withdraw_v into_o the_o low-countries_n they_o immediate_o fall_v into_o strange_a faction_n and_o division_n among_o themselves_o a._n d._n 1582._o robert_n brown_n accompany_v with_o harrison_n a_o schoolmaster_n and_o about_o 50_o or_o 60_o person_n go_v over_o to_o middleburgh_n and_o there_o they_o choose_v harrison_n pastor_n and_o brown_a teacher_n they_o have_v not_o be_v there_o three_o month_n but_o upon_o the_o fall_n out_o between_o brown_a and_o harriâ—on_n brown_n forsake_v they_o and_o return_n for_o england_n and_o subscribe_v promise_v to_o the_o archbishop_n to_o live_v obedient_o to_o his_o command_n concern_v who_o harrison_n write_v to_o a_o friend_n in_o london_n in_o these_o word_n indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v a_o breach_n among_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o have_v make_v we_o unworthy_a to_o bear_v his_o great_a and_o worthy_a cause_n mr._n brown_n have_v cast_v we_o off_o and_o that_o with_o open_a manifest_a and_o notable_a treachery_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v declare_v they_o you_o can_v not_o believe_v i_o only_o this_o i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o be_o well_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o cain_n deal_v not_o so_o ill_a with_o his_o brother_n abel_n as_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o i_o some_o of_o the_o word_n of_o brown_n subscription_n 127._o be_v these_o i_o do_v humble_o submit_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o my_o lord_n of_o canterbury_n commandment_n who_o authority_n under_o her_o majesty_n i_o wâ—ll_n never_o resist_v or_o deprave_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o factious_a temper_n no_o promise_n or_o subscription_n can_v keep_v he_o within_o due_a bound_n as_o one_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n have_v full_o discover_v for_o although_o he_o promise_v to_o frequent_v our_o church_n 133._o and_o to_o come_v to_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o live_v schoolmaster_n at_o s._n olave_n in_o southwark_n for_o two_o year_n in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o never_o do_v it_o and_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v question_v for_o it_o he_o withdraw_v into_o another_o parish_n sometime_o he_o will_v go_v to_o hear_v sermon_n 135._o but_o that_o he_o account_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o declare_v to_o his_o friend_n 134._o that_o he_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a to_o hear_v our_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o persuade_v his_o follower_n in_o london_n so_o to_o do_v 140._o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o preach_v in_o private_a meeting_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o public_a assembly_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a which_o this_o author_n though_o a_o nonconformist_a and_o friend_n of_o t._n cs_n call_v a_o curse_a conventicle_n who_o set_v forth_o at_o large_a his_o strange_a juggle_n and_o jesuitical_a equivocation_n in_o his_o subscription_n 141._o by_o the_o bishop_n authority_n he_o say_v he_o mean_v only_o his_o civil_a authority_n by_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v the_o church_n of_o his_o own_o set_n up_o etc._n by_o frequent_v our_o assembly_n according_a to_o law_n he_o mean_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o land_n he_o declare_v his_o child_n be_v baptise_a according_o to_o law_n 122._o but_o then_o tell_v his_o follower_n it_o be_v do_v without_o his_o consent_n mr._n cotton_n of_o new_a england_n have_v this_o passage_n concern_v brown_n the_o first_o inventor_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v brownism_n from_o who_o the_o sect_n take_v its_o name_n fall_v back_o from_o his_o own_o way_n to_o take_v a_o parsonage_n call_v iâ—ourcâ—_n god_n so_o in_o a_o strange_a yet_o wise_a providence_n order_v it_o that_o he_o who_o have_v utter_o renounce_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n as_o no_o church_n shall_v afterward_o accept_v of_o one_o parish_n church_n among_o they_o and_o it_o call_v a_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o dissension_n at_o middleborough_n between_o brown_a and_o harrison_n that_o congregation_n soon_o break_v to_o piece_n ainsworth_n can_v deny_v the_o early_a dissension_n between_o brown_a and_o harrison_n brown_n and_o barrow_n barrow_n and_o fr._n johnson_n but_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o scripture_n from_o cain_n and_o abel_n downward_o to_o justify_v they_o notwithstanding_o 15._o as_o dr._n o._n well_o observe_v we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v
we_o from_o whence_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o which_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o our_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o do_v look_v upon_o separation_n from_o it_o to_o be_v sin_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o it_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v with_o so_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o forego_v discourse_n that_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o same_o metaphysic_n deny_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v 2._o that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n towards_o preserve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a this_o be_v not_o only_o assert_v by_o the_o nonformists_a but_o by_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n of_o former_a time_n and_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n themselves_o so_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n where_o communion_n be_v lawful_a and_o think_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o person_n who_o separate_a be_v one_o of_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o this_o age_n but_o what_o new_a reason_n they_o have_v for_o it_o beside_o noise_n and_o clamour_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o seek_v 3._o that_o bare_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v not_o justify_v separation_n although_o it_o may_v excuse_v non-communion_n in_o the_o particular_n which_o be_v scruple_v provide_v that_o they_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o a_o right_a information_n 4._o that_o where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a communion_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n blame_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o forbear_v ordinary_a communion_n with_o they_o for_o say_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n 5._o that_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o set_v up_o congregation_n for_o pure_a worship_n or_o under_o another_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o downright_a separation_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n sect._n 16._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o separation_n can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n principle_n nor_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o undeniable_a evidence_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v in_o effect_n confess_v by_o all_o my_o adversary_n 50._o for_o although_o they_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o blind_v the_o reader_n judgement_n with_o find_v out_o the_o disparity_n of_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o can_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o hold_v of_o separate_a congregation_n for_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o doctrine_n and_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v unlawful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n for_o which_o i_o produce_v their_o testimony_n in_o my_o sermon_n and_o it_o still_o stand_v good_a against_o they_o for_o their_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n but_o upon_o general_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v unity_n in_o church_n which_o must_v have_v equal_a force_n at_o all_o time_n although_o there_o happen_v a_o great_a variety_n as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n for_o whether_o the_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n be_v plead_v as_o to_o one_o circumstance_n or_o another_o the_o general_a case_n as_o to_o separation_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o scruple_n do_v relate_v to_o some_o ceremony_n require_v or_o to_o other_o imposition_n as_o to_o order_n and_o discipline_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n on_o their_o account_n it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o the_o same_o point_n be_v it_o unlawful_a to_o desire_v a_o liberty_n of_o separate_a congregation_n as_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v because_o of_o some_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o equal_o unlawful_a in_o other_o who_o have_v no_o more_o but_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n to_o plead_v although_o they_o relate_v to_o different_a thing_n i_o will_v put_v this_o case_n as_o plain_a as_o possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o subterfuge_n and_o slight_a evasion_n suppose_v five_o dissent_v brethren_n now_o shall_v plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o have_v separate_a congregation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o very_o different_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n one_o of_o they_o plead_v that_o his_o company_n scruple_n the_o use_n of_o a_o impose_v liturgy_n another_o say_v his_o people_n do_v not_o scruple_n that_o but_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n a_o three_o say_v if_o all_o these_o be_v away_o yet_o if_o their_o church_n be_v not_o right_o gather_v and_o constitute_v as_o to_o matter_n and_o form_n they_o must_v have_v a_o congregation_n of_o their_o own_o a_o four_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o say_v let_v their_o congregation_n be_v constitute_v how_o it_o will_v if_o they_o allow_v infant-baptism_n they_o can_v never_o join_v with_o they_o nor_o say_v a_o five_o can_v we_o as_o long_o as_o you_o allow_v preach_v by_o set_a form_n and_o your_o minister_n stint_v themselves_o by_o hour-glass_n and_o such_o like_a human_a invention_n here_o be_v now_o very_o different_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n but_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o bare_a difference_n of_o the_o scruple_n one_o congregation_n scruple_n any_o kind_n of_o order_n as_o a_o unreasonable_a imposition_n and_o restraint_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v separation_n on_o that_o account_n lawful_a no_o say_v all_o other_o party_n against_o the_o quaker_n because_o their_o scruple_n be_v unreasonable_a but_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o congregation_n to_o separate_v on_o the_o account_n of_o infant-baptism_n no_o say_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o that_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a scruple_n be_v it_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o separate_a to_o have_v great_a purity_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o church_n although_o they_o may_v occasional_o join_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n no_o say_v the_o presbyterian_o this_o make_v way_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n if_o mere_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n and_o if_o they_o can_v join_v occasional_o with_o we_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o constant_o or_o else_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n signify_v little_a no_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n can_v excuse_v he_o from_o schism_n if_o they_o allege_v ground_n to_o justify_v themselves_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la naturâ_fw-la rei_fw-la and_o not_o from_o the_o mere_a error_n or_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n but_o at_o last_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v require_v to_o join_v with_o their_o company_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o either_o they_o must_v desire_v a_o separate_a congregation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o scruple_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n and_o then_o the_o former_a argument_n unavoidable_o return_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v as_o much_o occasion_n to_o account_v those_o scruple_n unreasonable_a as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o the_o independent_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n or_o else_o they_o declare_v they_o can_v join_v occasional_o in_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n but_o yet_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o have_v separate_a congregation_n for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o then_o the_o obligation_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o force_n on_o they_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o church_n as_o ever_o they_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o for_o no_o disparity_n as_o to_o other_o circumstance_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o as_o far_o as_o man_n judge_v communion_n lawful_a it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o separation_n a_o sin_n under_o what_o denomination_n soever_o the_o person_n pass_v for_o the_o fault_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n because_o then_o separation_n appear_v most_o unreasonable_a when_o occasional_a communion_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v lawful_a as_o will_v full_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n those_o man_n therefore_o speak_v most_o
to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o critic_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v pity_n therefore_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o some_o consideration_n 7._o but_o i_o pass_v by_o the_o childish_a trifling_n about_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n viz._n that_o be_v not_o take_v in_o a_o military_a notion_n because_o great_a gun_n be_v not_o then_o invent_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n mount_v upon_o a_o platform_n of_o moderation_n which_o be_v thing_n fit_v only_o for_o boy_n in_o the_o school_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v design_v for_o a_o artillery-sermon_n on_o this_o text_n but_o however_o methinks_v they_o come_v not_o in_o very_o suitable_o in_o a_o weighty_a and_o serious_a debate_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o examine_v the_o new-light_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o controvert_v text._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o observe_v from_o grotius_n be_v leave_v out_o in_o one_o ms_n it_o may_v be_v the_o alexandrian_a but_o what_o be_v one_o ms._n to_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o greek_a copy_n not_o only_o the_o modern_a but_o those_o which_o st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n photius_n oecumenius_n and_o theophylact_v have_v who_o all_o keep_v it_o in_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v leave_v out_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o very_a same_o to_o my_o purpose_n no_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o antecedent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o what_o then_o then_o say_v he_o the_o sense_n be_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v let_v we_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o same_o which_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o unto_o whatsoever_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v reach_v let_v we_o walk_v suitable_o to_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n but_o of_o the_o union_n and_o conjunction_n of_o christian_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o next_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o such_o matter_n say_v mr._n a._n that_o phrase_n imply_v no_o more_o than_o to_o mind_v that_o thing_n or_o that_o very_a thing_n viz._n vers._n 14._o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n but_o if_o he_o have_v please_v to_o have_v read_v on_o but_o to_o phil_n 4._o 2._o he_o will_v have_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v unanimity_n and_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 25_o oppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n but_o that_o all_o the_o member_n shall_v take_v care_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o for_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mind_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v very_o apt_o use_v against_o schism_n and_o division_n i_o shall_v think_v st._n chrysostom_n theodoret_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi all_o understand_v the_o importance_n of_o a_o greek_a phrase_n as_o well_o as_o our_o author_n and_o they_o all_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o interpret_n it_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o christian_n although_o st._n augustin_n do_v not_o understand_v much_o greek_a yet_o he_o know_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o this_o place_n and_o he_o particular_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o st._n cyprian_n case_n by_o this_o taste_n let_v any_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o that_o man_n learning_n or_o rather_o the_o height_n of_o his_o confidence_n who_o dare_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o universal_a current_n and_o stream_n of_o all_o expositor_n be_v against_o my_o sense_n of_o this_o text._n and_o for_o this_o universal_a stream_n and_o current_n beside_o grotius_n who_o speak_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o i_o viz._n that_o those_o who_o differ_v about_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n shall_v join_v with_o other_o christian_n in_o what_o they_o agree_v to_o be_v divine_a he_o mention_n only_a tirinus_n and_o zanchy_a and_o then_o cry_v in_o a_o word_n they_o all_o conspire_v against_o my_o interpretation_n if_o he_o be_v no_o better_o at_o poll_n nonconformist_n than_a expositor_n he_o will_v have_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o boast_v of_o his_o number_n have_v it_o not_o be_v fair_a deal_n in_o one_o word_n to_o have_v refer_v we_o to_o mr._n pool_n synopsis_n for_o if_o he_o have_v look_v into_o zanchy_a himself_o he_o will_v have_v find_v how_o he_o apply_v it_o sharp_o against_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n mr._n b._n say_v 〈…〉_z that_o the_o text_n speak_v for_o unity_n and_o concord_n be_v past_a question_n and_o that_o to_o all_o christian_n though_o of_o different_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o concord_n that_o be_v christian_n notwithstanding_o other_o difference_n and_o if_o he_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n lawful_a for_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v no_o far_a difference_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a communion_n will_v be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n who_o allow_v some_o kind_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a sect._n 21._o ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n against_o those_o who_o though_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n yet_o deny_v any_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o improper_a 〈…〉_z communion_n 14._o which_o dr._n o._n call_v commâ—â—â—â—_n faith_n and_o love_n this_o they_o do_v allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v orthodox_n christian_n yet_o he_o seem_v to_o go_v far_o as_o to_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n no_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v but_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o do_v this_o kindness_n only_o belong_v to_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a to_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n receive_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o if_o no_o such_o error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o idolatrous_a prace_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o every_o parochial_a church_n which_o be_v constitute_v according_a to_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o call_v a_o metaphysical_a truth_n for_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o be_v church_n with_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o have_v communion_n and_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v separate_a congregation_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o separate_n from_o our_o communion_n although_o the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o bare_a want_n of_o a_o right_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o set_v up_o new_a church_n or_o for_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o parochial_a church_n and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o dr._n be_v of_o another_o mind_n now_o but_o however_o i_o shall_v take_v thing_n as_o i_o find_v they_o and_o he_o insist_o on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o necessity_n of_o separation_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n be_v of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o sign_v children_n baptise_a with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n observation_n of_o holiday_n constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n renounce_v other_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n neglect_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n submit_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o can_v apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o short_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o
14._o 22._o which_o be_v again_o a_o argument_n on_o our_o side_n for_o if_o we_o compare_v act._n 14._o 22._o with_o titus_n 1._o 5._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o ordain_v elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o same_o importance_n with_o ordain_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n inhabit_v in_o one_o city_n as_o the_o '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n be_v the_o whole_a corporation_n here_o and_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o like_o the_o several_a company_n all_o which_o together_o make_v up_o but_o one_o city_n sect._n 6._o 3._o dr._n o._n say_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n may_v not_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n although_o they_o have_v a_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o they_o and_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o some_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n then_o say_v i_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n for_o if_o occasional_a assembly_n be_v allow_v for_o some_o act_n of_o worship_n why_o not_o for_o other_o if_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o one_o of_o these_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o all_o together_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n to_o which_o if_o he_o have_v but_o allow_v a_o single_a bishop_n over_o these_o he_o have_v make_v up_o that_o representation_n of_o a_o church_n which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n 3._o and_o so_o origen_n compare_v the_o church_n of_o athens_n corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o corporation_n in_o those_o city_n the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n with_o the_o senate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o at_o last_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o magistrate_n but_o dr._n o._n add_v that_o when_o they_o do_v begin_v to_o exceed_v in_o number_n beyond_o a_o just_a proportion_n for_o edification_n they_o do_v immediate_o erect_v other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o near_o they_o name_v any_o one_o new_a church_n erect_v in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o i_o yield_v and_o what_o need_v a_o new_a church_n when_o himself_o allow_v occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o great_a edification_n but_o he_o name_v the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v a_o port_n to_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o mighty_a increase_n of_o believer_n at_o corinth_n act._n 18._o 10._o with_o rom._n 16._o 1._o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o increase_n at_o corinth_n as_o make_v they_o plant_v a_o distinct_a church_n and_o yet_o at_o ephesus_n where_o saint_n paul_n use_v extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o have_v great_a success_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a and_o distinct_a church_n and_o at_o corinth_n he_o stay_v but_o a_o year_n and_o six_o month_n 11._o but_o at_o ephesus_n three_o year_n 31._o as_o the_o time_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o acts._n do_v not_o this_o look_n very_o improbable_o 2._o stephanus_n byzant_n reckon_v cenchrea_n as_o a_o city_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o place_v it_o in_o the_o way_n from_o tegea_n to_o argos_n through_o the_o parthenian_a mountain_n and_o it_o be_v several_a time_n mention_v by_o thucydides_n as_o distinct_a from_o corinth_n 8._o and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a be_v a_o church_n original_o plant_v there_o and_o not_o form_v from_o the_o too_o great_a fullness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 41._o he_o say_v that_o the_o 5000_o convert_v be_v so_o dispose_v of_o or_o so_o disperse_v that_o some_o year_n after_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n there_o as_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v even_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n nor_o be_v their_o number_n great_a when_o they_o go_v unto_o pella_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o 5000_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 4._o before_o any_o dispersion_n or_o persecution_n in_o which_o time_n we_o must_v suppose_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v form_v and_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o 5000_o person_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n make_v one_o state_v and_o fix_v congregation_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o church-communion_n what_o place_n be_v there_o large_a enough_o to_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o meet_v for_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n dr._n o._n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o inconvenience_n and_o therefore_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o these_o be_v disperse_v but_o my_o question_n be_v about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v together_o be_v they_o not_o a_o church_n then_o do_v they_o not_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o can_v 5000_o then_o do_v all_o this_o together_o therefore_o a_o church_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n 2._o a_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n may_v upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n assemble_v together_o as_o the_o several_a company_n in_o a_o common-hall_n for_o matter_n of_o general_a concernment_n which_o yet_o manage_v their_o particular_a interest_n apart_o so_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o christian_a communion_n particular_a congregation_n may_v meet_v by_o themselves_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n happen_v of_o great_a concernment_n they_o may_v occasional_o assemble_v together_o â—_o as_o in_o the_o two_o debate_n mention_v act._n 15._o 4._o and_o 21._o 22._o so_o the_o several_a tribe_n in_o athens_n do_v 5._o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n which_o strabo_n and_o eustathius_n say_v be_v 174._o 3._o there_o be_v no_o number_n mention_v of_o the_o christian_n that_o go_v to_o pella_n 29._o neither_o by_o eusebius_n nor_o epiphanius_n who_o relate_v the_o story_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v but_o if_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o his_o calling_n pella_n a_o village_n i_o be_o sure_a eusebius_n call_v it_o a_o city_n of_o peraea_n beyond_o jordan_n and_o epiphanius_n add_v that_o they_o spread_v themselves_o from_o thence_o to_o coelesyria_n and_o decapolis_n and_o basanitis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o this_o put_v together_o make_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v limit_v to_o single_a congregation_n sect._n 7._o 4._o he_o answer_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o necessity_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n in_o this_o matter_n 42._o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n do_v indispensable_o require_v it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n 59_o be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a be_v all_o these_o rule_n now_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o dr._n o._n that_o say_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n be_v of_o spiritual_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o 65._o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o this_o overthrow_n any_o other_o order_n or_o union_n among_o christian_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o such_o a_o constitution_n of_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v therein_o but_o whether_o church-power_n be_v limit_v to_o these_o exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o union_n of_o christian_n whether_o every_o single_a congregation_n have_v all_o church-power_n whole_o in_o itself_o and_o unaccountable_o as_o to_o subordination_n to_o any_o other_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christian_n i_o grant_v the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o i_o think_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o edification_n lie_v in_o the_o orderly_a disposal_n of_o thing_n whatever_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n in_o my_o judgement_n tend_v to_o edification_n now_o i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o government_n in_o every_o congregation_n tend_v to_o the_o preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n much_o less_o how_o it_o follow_v so_o clear_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o take_v away_o
and_o confusion_n will_v follow_v if_o every_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o several_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n without_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o account_n to_o any_o superior_a church_n authority_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o every_o family_n may_v govern_v itself_o because_o a_o kingdom_n be_v make_v up_o of_o family_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o kingdom_n no_o 17._o say_v dr._n o._n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o god_n never_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o government_n but_o that_o of_o family_n and_o where_o have_v he_o appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n but_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o say_v i_o that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n by_o express_a institution_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o many_o church_n do_v declare_v that_o he_o do_v appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o church_n government_n beside_o that_o of_o particular_a congregation_n for_o if_o god_n upon_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o nation_n after_o the_o flood_n have_v appoint_v twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v rule_v the_o people_n in_o their_o several_a dispersion_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o several_a family_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v according_a to_o their_o appointment_n so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n since_o christ_n do_v appoint_v twelve_o apostle_n to_o plant_v settle_v and_o govern_v church_n and_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o they_o but_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o these_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o settle_v with_o a_o entire_a power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o we_o suppose_v those_o twelve_o prince_n to_o have_v lead_v out_o their_o several_a division_n and_o to_o have_v place_v they_o in_o convenient_a seat_n and_o give_v they_o general_a rule_n for_o govern_v themselves_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n under_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v and_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o decay_v shall_v nominate_v so_o many_o successor_n as_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o roll_a the_o several_a colony_n be_v they_o not_o then_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n without_o break_v in_o piece_n into_o so_o many_o family_n every_o master_n govern_v his_o family_n by_o himself_o which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o all_o because_o they_o can_v not_o have_v strength_n and_o union_n to_o defend_v themselves_o so_o it_o be_v again_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church_n the_o apostle_n plant_v they_o and_o settle_v such_o officer_n in_o they_o as_o be_v then_o fit_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v they_o still_o reserve_v the_o main_a care_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o but_o give_v excellent_a rule_n of_o charity_n peace_n obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o governor_n and_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o particular_a church_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n as_o crete_n be_v they_o appoint_v some_o who_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o those_o church_n and_o to_o constitute_v inferior_a officer_n to_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n here_o be_v no_o more_o independency_n in_o particular_a congregation_n than_o in_o the_o other_o as_o to_o private_a family_n which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o mutual_a preservation_n and_o defence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n in_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o civil_a government_n to_o be_v from_o god_n although_o no_o monarch_n can_v now_o derive_v his_o title_n from_o such_o prince_n at_o the_o first_o dispersion_n and_o will_v it_o not_o then_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o early_o know_v honest_a and_o impartial_a witness_n last_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n several_a of_o those_o lesser_a prince_n may_v unite_v themselves_o together_o by_o joynt-consent_n for_o their_o common_a interest_n and_o security_n and_o become_v one_o kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a case_n several_a bishop_n with_o the_o church_n under_o they_o may_v for_o promote_a the_o common_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o their_o church_n join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o common_a bond_n and_o become_v one_o national_a church_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o unite_v and_o no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o not_o usurp_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o nor_o assume_v more_o than_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o universal_a pastor_n must_v do_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o any_o particular_a command_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o pope_n challenge_n of_o universal_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n be_v which_o i_o therefore_o mention_v that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_v will_v never_o justify_v the_o papal_a usurpation_n but_o say_v dr._n o._n national_a provincial_a church_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v of_o christ_n institution_n 17._o before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o yet_o in_o the_o case_n of_o congregational_a church_n he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o positive_a rule_n or_o direction_n 42._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o church_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o we_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o national_a church_n viz._n what_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o do_v require_v for_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n to_o the_o prevent_v dangerous_a error_n and_o endless_a confusion_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n become_v a_o duty_n for_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o government_n lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o end_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o take_v for_o grant_v among_o all_o christian_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n or_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o that_o he_o design_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o the_o best_a way_n of_o its_o preservation_n be_v by_o a_o union_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o provide_v the_o union_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o whatever_o tend_v to_o promote_v this_o union_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o notable_a inconvenience_n or_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o it_o be_v within_o the_o design_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n although_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n sect._n 19_o we_o be_v now_o therefore_o to_o consider_v whether_o single_a congregation_n disperse_v and_o disunite_v over_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o under_o some_o common_a bond_n as_o to_o faith_n government_n and_o worship_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o a_o church_n let_v we_o then_o compare_v these_o two_o hypothesis_n together_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o these_o end_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o church_n i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o we_o be_v argue_v now_o upon_o what_o may_v be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v then_o every_o congregation_n to_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o itself_o what_o hinder_v but_o of_o ten_o congregation_n one_o may_v be_v of_o socinian_o another_o of_o papist_n another_o of_o arian_n another_o of_o quaker_n another_o of_o anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n and_o good_a hap_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o have_v any_o more_o
than_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o each_o other_o let_v now_o any_o rational_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o appear_v probable_a that_o so_o loose_a and_o shatter_v a_o government_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v answer_v the_o obligation_n among_o christian_n to_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o uphold_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o suppose_v all_o these_o several_a congregation_n unite_v together_o under_o such_o common_a bond_n that_o the_o preacher_n be_v accountable_a to_o superior_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o own_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o promise_v obedience_n that_o public_a legal_a censure_n take_v hold_v upon_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n here_o we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o effectual_a mean_n according_a to_o reason_n for_o uphold_v true_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a theory_n appear_v by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o nation_n when_o upon_o the_o break_n the_o bond_n of_o our_o national_a church-government_n there_o come_v such_o a_o overpower_a inundation_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o that_o this_o age_n be_v like_a to_o smart_v under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o in_o new-england_n two_o or_o three_o man_n as_o williams_n gorton_n and_o clark_n discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v very_o material_a to_o this_o business_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o to_o one_o of_o they_o mr._n roger_n williams_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n at_o salem_n and_o a_o man_n in_o very_o good_a esteem_n as_o appear_v by_o mr._n cotton_n letter_n to_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o new-england_n church_n but_o be_v a_o think_v man_n he_o pursue_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o way_n far_o than_o they_o think_v fit_a for_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o prayer_n or_o take_v a_o oath_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o unlimited_a toleration_n of_o opinion_n etc._n etc._n these_o doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o his_o not_o take_v he_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o give_v such_o a_o disturbance_n to_o they_o that_o the_o magistrate_n send_v for_o he_o and_o the_o minister_n reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o ground_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o blame_v he_o mr._n cotton_n tell_v he_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v who_o make_v separation_n among_o they_o mr._n williams_n reply_v this_o will_v return_v upon_o themselves_o for_o have_v not_o they_o do_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o old-england_n in_o short_a 57_o after_o their_o debate_n and_o mr._n william_n continue_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o church_n a_o sentence_n of_o banishment_n be_v decree_v against_o he_o by_o the_o magistrate_n and_o this_o sentence_n approve_v and_o justify_v by_o their_o church_n for_o these_o be_v mr._n cotton_n word_n that_o the_o increase_n of_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o he_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o private_a to_o a_o neglect_n or_o desert_v of_o public_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o leaven_n of_o his_o corrupt_a imagination_n provoke_v the_o magistrate_n rather_o than_o to_o breed_v a_o winter_n spiritual_a plague_n in_o the_o country_n to_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o winter_n journey_n out_o of_o the_o country_n this_o mr._n williams_n tell_v they_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o national_a church_n way_n which_o they_o disown_v or_o else_o say_v he_o why_o must_v he_o that_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o one_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o have_v suppress_v church_n set_v up_o after_o the_o parochial_a way_n 46._o and_o although_o the_o person_n be_v otherwise_o allow_v to_o be_v godly_a to_o live_v in_o the_o same_o air_n with_o they_o if_o they_o set_v up_o any_o other_o church_n or_o worship_n than_o what_o themselves_o practise_v which_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o new_a england_n mention_v before_o and_o mr._n cobbet_n one_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n confess_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n 47._o none_o be_v to_o be_v free_a man_n but_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o church_n i_o now_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o these_o proceed_n and_o these_o law_n do_v not_o manifest_o discover_v the_o apparent_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v destructive_a to_o their_o church_n why_o have_v not_o mr._n william_n his_o liberty_n of_o separation_n as_o well_o as_o they_o why_o be_v no_o anabaptist_n or_o quaker_n permit_v among_o they_o because_o these_o way_n will_v disturb_v their_o peace_n and_o distract_v their_o people_n and_o in_o time_n overthrow_v their_o church_n very_o well_o but_o where_o be_v the_o entireness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o every_o single_a congregation_n the_o mean_a while_n why_o may_v not_o the_o people_n at_o salem_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n as_o those_o at_o boston_n or_o plymouth_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o find_v by_o experience_n this_o congregational_a way_n will_v not_o do_v alone_o without_o civil_a sanction_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n for_o when_o williams_n and_o gorton_n and_o clark_n have_v begin_v to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o their_o people_n they_o bestir_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o have_v their_o mouth_n stop_v and_o their_o person_n banish_v this_o i_o do_v only_o mention_v to_o show_v that_o where_o this_o way_n have_v prevail_v most_o they_o have_v find_v it_o very_o insufficient_a to_o carry_v on_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o judge_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o synod_n at_o boston_n 1662._o the_o new-england_n church_n be_v come_v to_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o conâ—eciation_n of_o church_n in_o case_n of_o division_n and_o contention_n and_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o male-administrations_a and_o heal_v of_o error_n and_o scandal_n 1â—2_n that_o be_v unhealed_a among_o themselves_o for_o christ_n care_n say_v they_o be_v for_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o consociation_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mr._n cotton_n draw_v a_o platform_n before_o his_o death_n be_v such_o a_o consociation_n of_o church_n a_o duty_n or_o not_o in_o such_o case_n if_o not_o why_o do_v they_o do_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o church_n government_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o command_n in_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n above_o congregational_a church_n it_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a evasion_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o call_v these_o only_a voluntary_a combination_n for_o what_o be_v all_o church_n else_o only_o the_o antecedent_n obligation_n on_o man_n to_o join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v enter_v into_o other_o church_n a_o duty_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o church-officer_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v division_n will_v make_v such_o consociation_n a_o duty_n too_o and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v a_o union_n and_o conjunction_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v then_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n when_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n join_v together_o who_o agree_v together_o upon_o article_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v the_o national_a church_n representative_a and_o these_o be_v own_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o person_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o in_o the_o several_a congregation_n for_o worship_n these_o congregation_n so_o unite_v in_o these_o common_a bond_n of_o religion_n make_v up_o the_o complete_a national_a church_n sect._n 20._o and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o consider_v mr._n baxter_n subtlety_n about_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v spread_v abroad_o in_o abundance_n of_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o follow_a head_n wherein_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v 1._o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o national_a church_n and_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n 2._o concern_v the_o govern_n power_n of_o this_o national_a church_n which_o he_o call_v the_o constitutive_a regent_n part_n 3._o