the_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o his_o majesty_n by_o a_o publâ—que_a declaration_n some_o year_n ago_o whereby_o it_o shall_v seem_v the_o papist_n think_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n though_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o expectation_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o true_a case_n in_o reference_n thereto_o in_o point_n of_o law_n that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o scarce_o answer_v that_o loyalty_n and_o regard_n unto_o his_o majesty_n honour_n which_o some_o man_n profess_v when_o all_o his_o action_n be_v suit_v to_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v such_o outcry_n about_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o sole_a act_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n we_o do_v indeed_o thankful_o accept_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o royal_a favour_n and_o after_o that_o for_o so_o many_o year_n we_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n and_o penalty_n whereby_o multitude_n be_v ruin_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o some_o lose_v their_o life_n and_o that_o without_o hope_n of_o any_o remission_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o parliament_n that_o then_o sit_v by_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o alone_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v it_o we_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v a_o little_a breathe_a space_n from_o our_o trouble_n under_o his_o majesty_n royal_a protection_n design_v only_o as_o a_o expedient_a as_o be_v usual_a in_o former_a time_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n until_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v settle_v in_o parliament_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o crime_n habetis_fw-la confitentem_fw-la reum_fw-la as_o to_o my_o part_n but_o because_o i_o know_v myself_o herein_o peculiar_o reflect_v on_o i_o do_v avow_v that_o never_o any_o one_o person_n in_o authority_n dignity_n or_o power_n in_o the_o nation_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o public_a affair_n nor_o any_o from_o they_o papist_n or_o protestant_n do_v once_o speak_v one_o word_n to_o i_o or_o advise_v with_o i_o about_o any_o indulgence_n or_o toleration_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o papist_n i_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_a to_o intermit_v their_o service_n for_o a_o season_n unto_o the_o great_a false_a accuser_n and_o prove_v the_o contrary_a if_o they_o can_v the_o person_n be_v sufficient_o know_v of_o who_o they_o may_v make_v their_o enquiry_n but_o i_o can_v cast_v this_o also_o into_o the_o same_o heap_n or_o bundle_n of_o other_o false_a surmize_n and_o report_n concern_v i_o almost_o without_o number_n which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o some_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o divulge_v as_o they_o have_v do_v if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o their_o charity_n and_o prudence_n be_v proportionable_a unto_o their_o dignity_n and_o promotion_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v whilst_o interest_n with_o hope_n and_o fear_n vain_a love_n and_o hatred_n thence_o arise_v do_v steer_v the_o mind_n of_o men._n but_o what_o if_o we_o have_v not_o design_v the_o prevalence_n or_o introduction_n of_o popery_n yet_o be_v a_o company_n of_o silly_a fellow_n we_o have_v suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v wheadle_v by_o the_o jesuit_n to_o be_v active_a for_o the_o cut_n of_o our_o own_o throat_n for_o we_o be_v full_a well_o satisfy_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a first_o who_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o their_o fury_n can_v they_o ruin_v the_o protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o into_o such_o a_o unhappy_a posture_n of_o affair_n be_v we_o fall_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o popery_n but_o only_o pray_v against_o it_o preach_v against_o it_o write_v against_o it_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o principle_n of_o truth_n whereon_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o cordial_o join_v with_o all_o true_a protestant_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o wherein_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o excess_n that_o be_v like_a to_o spoil_v all_o yet_o these_o crafty_a blade_n know_v how_o to_o turn_v it_o all_o unto_o their_o advantage_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v therefore_o there_o remain_v nothing_o for_o nonconformist_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o to_o bind_v themselves_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o all_o they_o do_v against_o they_o do_v but_o promote_v their_o interest_n but_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v they_o will_v be_v great_o unwilling_a unto_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o their_o episcopal_a friend_n will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v for_o their_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n than_o yet_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o they_o will_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o teach_v a_o expedient_a by_o a_o eminent_a personage_n for_o the_o free_n myself_o from_o any_o inclination_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o popery_n and_o that_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o himself_o for_o be_v in_o ireland_n when_o there_o be_v in_o former_a day_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o reconciliation_n a_o person_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o degree_n in_o the_o court_n of_o england_n write_v unto_o he_o to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o report_n that_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o popery_n or_o a_o compliance_n on_o good_a term_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o withal_o desire_v he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o will_v communicate_v unto_o he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n but_o that_o great_a and_o wise_a personage_n understand_v full_a well_o whereunto_o these_o thing_n tend_v return_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o only_a that_o he_o know_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o such_o report_n for_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v antichrist_n which_o put_v a_o absolute_a period_n unto_o the_o intercourse_n and_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o the_o same_o defensative_a against_o forty_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v use_v to_o prove_v we_o compliant_a with_o the_o papal_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o believe_v can_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n subscribe_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o that_o most_o eminent_a champion_n of_o the_o ptotestant_a religion_n in_o england_n namely_o whitaker_n give_v unto_o his_o learned_a disputation_n about_o antichrist_n igitur_fw-la say_v he_o sequamur_fw-la praeeuntem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la &_o libere_fw-la dicamus_fw-la defendamus_fw-la clamemus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la vivit_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la juremus_fw-la pontificem_fw-la romanum_fw-la esse_fw-la antichristum_n if_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v we_o know_v better_o how_o to_o spend_v our_o remain_a hour_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n then_o in_o contend_v about_o impertinent_a story_n and_o surmize_n exhale_v by_o wit_n and_o invention_n out_o of_o the_o bog_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o shall_v therefore_o only_o assure_v those_o by_o who_o we_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o coffeehouse_n or_o from_o the_o press_n to_o countenance_v the_o promotion_n of_o the_o papal_a interest_n in_o the_o nation_n that_o as_o they_o deal_v unjust_o with_o we_o herein_o and_o weaken_v the_o protestant_a interest_n what_o lie_v in_o they_o so_o let_v they_o and_o other_o do_v and_o say_v what_o they_o please_v nothing_o shall_v ever_o shake_v we_o in_o our_o resolution_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o firm_a conjunction_n with_o all_o sincere_a protestant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o papist_n yea_o that_o we_o will_v do_v so_o with_o our_o life_n at_o the_o stake_n if_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n but_o ourselves_o but_o if_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o we_o to_o be_v serviceable_a against_o popery_n but_o by_o debauch_v our_o conscience_n with_o that_o conformity_n which_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o we_o beg_v their_o pardon_n we_o be_v 〈…〉_z mind_n the_o preface_n a_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n and_o contest_v among_o profess_a christian_n about_o the_o nature_n power_n order_n rule_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n with_o the_o interest_n of_o each_o dissent_v party_n therein_o have_v not_o only_o be_v great_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n but_o have_v also_o so_o despise_v all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o allay_v or_o abatement_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o inflame_a every_o day_n and_o to_o threaten_v more_o pernicious_a consequent_n than_o any_o they_o have_v already_o produce_v which_o yet_o have_v be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n that_o the_o world_n for_o some_o age_n have_v groan_v
instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o any_o kind_n give_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o whereas_o therefore_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n about_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v the_o first_o that_o fall_v out_o unto_o the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o care_n and_o diligence_n teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a liberty_n warn_v the_o disciple_n to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o and_o not_o submit_v their_o neck_n unto_o any_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n especial_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o what_o they_o teach_v in_o doctrine_n they_o establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o they_o have_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o leave_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a unto_o their_o original_a indifferency_n but_o whereas_o they_o have_v decree_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o necessary_a condescension_n in_o the_o gentile_a believer_n towards_o the_o jew_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n they_o do_v themselves_o make_v use_n of_o their_o liberty_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o same_o jew_n in_o some_o of_o their_o observance_n not_o yet_o unlawful_a hereon_o there_o ensue_v in_o several_a church_n different_a observation_n of_o some_o rite_n and_o custom_n which_o they_o apprehend_v be_v countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o least_o as_o it_o have_v be_v report_v unto_o they_o for_o immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n very_o many_o mistake_v and_o untruth_n be_v report_v concern_v what_o they_o say_v do_v and_o practise_v which_o some_o diligent_o collect_v from_o old_a man_n it_o may_v be_v almost_o delirant_fw-la as_o eusebius_n give_v a_o instance_n in_o papias_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 36._o and_o even_o the_o great_a irenaeus_n himself_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o matter_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n among_o those_o report_n be_v that_o of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n and_o for_o a_o while_o the_o church_n continue_v in_o these_o different_a observance_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n of_o their_o communion_n each_o one_o follow_v that_o which_o it_o think_v the_o most_o probable_a tradition_n for_o rule_n of_o scripture_n they_o pretend_v not_o unto_o but_o after_o a_o while_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o begin_v at_o laodicea_n which_o church_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o strive_v about_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o melito_n the_o bishop_n of_o sardis_n write_v two_o book_n about_o easter_n begin_v the_o first_o with_o a_o account_n that_o he_o write_v they_o when_o servilius_n paulus_n be_v proconsul_n there_o be_v then_o a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o at_o laodicea_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 25._o but_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o on_o such_o occasion_n much_o talk_n and_o dispute_v ensue_a thereon_o the_o difference_n be_v increase_v until_o one_o side_n or_o party_n at_o variance_n will_v make_v their_o opinion_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n but_o this_o be_v quick_o condemn_v by_o those_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a for_o as_o zozoman_n affirm_v they_o account_v it_o a_o frivolous_a or_o foolish_a thing_n to_o differ_v about_o a_o custom_n whereas_o they_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o thereon_o he_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o many_o church_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o communion_n among_o they_o add_v that_o beside_o those_o enumerate_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o city_n and_o village_n which_o they_o do_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n adhere_v unto_o hist._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 19_o at_o length_n this_o matter_n fall_v into_o the_o handle_n of_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n every_o where_o it_o have_v all_o along_o until_o his_o time_n be_v judge_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a wherein_o the_o church_n and_o all_o believer_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n he_o have_v no_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a institution_n make_v it_o necessary_a the_o writer_n of_o those_o day_n constant_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v no_o canon_n rule_n or_o law_n about_o such_o thing_n he_o have_v person_n of_o as_o great_a worth_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n as_o melito_n polycrates_n polycarpus_n that_o oppose_v he_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o imposition_n of_o his_o practice_n on_o other_o but_o as_o unto_o his_o error_n as_o they_o judge_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o right_n yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o father_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o imposition_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o communion_n declare_v they_o and_o their_o member_n excommunicate_a euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o the_o noise_n hereof_o come_v abroad_o unto_o other_o church_n great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o it_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o victor_n be_v roundly_o deal_v withal_o by_o sundry_a of_o they_o who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o practice_n but_o abhor_v his_o imposition_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n among_o those_o who_o so_o oppose_v and_o rebuke_v he_o irenaeus_n be_v the_o most_o eminent_a and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o fragment_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o euseb._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 23._o and_o 1._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o write_v unto_o victor_n in_o the_o name_n of_o those_o brethren_n in_o france_n who_o he_o do_v preside_v among_o the_o custom_n of_o consider_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n with_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o write_v their_o determination_n in_o their_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n though_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o now_o will_v be_v esteem_v novel_a and_o schismatical_a 2._o he_o tell_v victor_n that_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o this_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o fast_v which_o do_v not_o say_v he_o begin_z or_o arise_v in_o our_o day_n but_o long_o before_o be_v introduce_v by_o such_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n reject_v and_o change_v the_o common_a and_o simple_a custom_n which_o the_o church_n have_v before_o the_o dr._n therefore_o need_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o a_o alteration_n in_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n shall_v fall_v out_o in_o after_o age_n when_o long_o before_o irenaeus_n time_n such_o change_n be_v begin_v 3._o he_o give_v hereon_o that_o excellent_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o difference_n of_o fast_n and_o consequent_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n commend_v the_o concord_n or_o agreement_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o unity_n and_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n as_o hereby_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o public_a inroad_n that_o be_v make_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o reject_v man_n otherwise_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n from_o communion_n for_o nonconformity_n or_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o humane_a institution_n or_o tradition_n which_o have_v therein_o a_o unhappy_a consecration_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o notorious_a entrance_n into_o that_o usurpation_n of_o power_n in_o the_o roman_a bishop_n which_o they_o carry_v on_o by_o degree_n unto_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o pernicious_a maxim_n broach_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n nor_o which_o have_v a_o more_o effectual_a influence_n into_o the_o ruin_n
be_v exercise_v in_o they_o without_o they_o or_o their_o own_o consent_n as_o also_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o separation_n between_o they_o on_o that_o account_n 2._o when_o they_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o unsufferable_a condition_n of_o communion_n except_v against_o they_o may_v know_v more_o of_o my_o judgement_n if_o i_o be_o alive_a which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o unto_o separation_n though_o i_o have_v speak_v unto_o it_o plain_o enough_o already_o 3._o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v never_o here_o establish_v and_o each_o party_n take_v liberty_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n wherein_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n 4._o have_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v settle_v at_o the_o king_n restauration_n by_o the_o encouragement_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o a_o rigorous_a imposition_n of_o every_o thing_n suppose_v by_o any_o to_o belong_v thereunto_o or_o a_o mixture_n of_o humane_a constitution_n if_o there_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o schism_n or_o separation_n continue_v between_o the_o party_n i_o do_v judge_n they_o will_v have_v be_v both_o to_o blame_v for_o as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o they_o shall_v agree_v in_o all_o principle_n and_o practice_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o ever_o since_o among_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n so_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o church_n communion_n will_v have_v be_v so_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o between_o they_o and_o all_o offence_n in_o worship_n so_o remove_v as_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a art_n absolute_o to_o unite_v they_o or_o to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a communion_n among_o they_o no_o more_o then_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o they_o allow_v distinct_a communion_n upon_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n belong_v unto_o church_n order_n or_o worship_n all_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v then_o why_o do_v they_o not_o former_o agree_v in_o the_o assemby_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o can_v tell_v 2._o they_o do_v agree_v in_o my_o judgement_n well_o enough_o if_o they_o can_v have_v think_v so_o and_o far_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o difference_n it_o be_v therefore_o notorious_a that_o occasion_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o refrain_v free_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n by_o the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v both_o in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n nor_o be_v it_o candid_a in_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o his_o second_o exception_n be_v unto_o a_o say_n which_o i_o quote_v out_o of_o justice_n hobart_n report_v who_o say_v we_o know_v well_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o great_a purity_n be_v but_o voluntary_a congregation_n of_o believer_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o pastor_n to_o who_o they_o do_v minister_v of_o their_o temporal_n as_o god_n do_v move_v they_o hereunto_o with_o a_o reflection_n on_o a_o dead_a man_n i_o know_v not_o why_o he_o reply_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o rather_o quite_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n but_o why_o so_o he_o will_v prove_v it_o with_o two_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o those_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v be_v those_o of_o which_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o church_n which_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o call_v voluntary_a congregation_n answ._n 1._o whereas_o this_o argument_n seem_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o syllogism_n i_o can_v easy_o manifest_v how_o asyllogistical_a it_o be_v do_v i_o delight_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o or_o any_o else_o but_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o infer_v be_v direct_o what_o i_o plead_v for_o namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v voluntary_a congregation_n 3._o there_o be_v fallacy_n in_o that_o expression_n no_o limit_a congregation_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v pretend_v but_o particular_a church_n be_v congregation_n such_o be_v all_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v set_v and_o therefore_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v of_o they_o all_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v namely_o that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o the_o care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n as_o justice_n hobart_n affirm_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o close_a he_o seem_v to_o grant_v his_o second_o argument_n which_o be_v no_o less_o ambiguous_a no_o less_o a_o rope_n of_o sand_n than_o the_o former_a be_v this_o those_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n in_o one_o city_n but_o those_o of_o who_o justice_n hobart_n speak_v be_v such_o for_o he_o say_v they_o first_o submit_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o to_o other_o pastor_n what_o then_o why_o justice_n hobart_n can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o antiquity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n answ._n 1._o what_o this_o be_v design_v to_o prove_v or_o disprove_v or_o how_o it_o do_v either_o of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n the_o voluntary_a congregation_n over_o who_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v pastor_n be_v all_o of_o they_o particular_a congregation_n either_o in_o one_o city_n or_o more_o city_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 2._o not_o to_o engage_v justice_n hobart_n or_o his_o honour_n i_o do_v confess_v myself_o such_o a_o stranger_n unto_o antiquity_n if_o that_o may_v be_v esteem_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o congregation_n in_o a_o city_n and_o shall_v acknowledge_v myself_o behold_v to_o this_o reverend_a author_n if_o he_o will_v give_v i_o one_o undoubted_a instance_n where_o they_o so_o do_v only_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v that_o i_o intend_v not_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n with_o or_o without_o their_o elder_n which_o be_v frequent_a they_o meet_v in_o those_o day_n in_o field_n in_o mountain_n in_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o bury_v place_n in_o house_n hire_v or_o borrow_a in_o upper_a room_n or_o cellar_n whereof_o a_o large_a story_n may_v easy_o be_v give_v if_o it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n sum_n they_o up_o brief_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o field_n a_o desert_n a_o ship_n a_o inn_n a_o prison_n be_v place_n of_o our_o meeting_n euseb._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 22._o but_o i_o speak_v of_o state_v church_n with_o their_o worship_n power_n order_n and_o rule_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v more_o such_o church_n in_o any_o one_o city_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o shall_v be_v immediate_o inquire_v into_o all_o that_o i_o here_o assert_v and_o confirm_v from_o the_o word_n of_o justice_n hobart_n be_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a voluntary_a congregation_n and_o the_o dr._n will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o overthrow_v my_o hypothesis_n our_o author_n in_o the_o next_o place_n oppose_v what_o i_o affirm_v of_o the_o gradual_a deviation_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o have_v be_v already_o account_v for_o sect._n 4._o p._n 224._o upon_o a_o occasional_a expression_n of_o i_o about_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o cyprian_n time_n he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o
under_o for_o the_o communion_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o among_o church_n be_v almost_o come_v only_o unto_o a_o agreement_n and_o oneness_n in_o design_n for_o the_o mutual_a and_o forcible_a extermination_n of_o one_o another_o at_o least_o this_o be_v the_o profess_a principle_n of_o they_o who_o lie_v the_o loud_a claim_n to_o the_o name_n and_o title_n with_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v other_o far_a remote_a from_o the_o same_o design_n who_o adjudge_v all_o who_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o meet_v they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v that_o which_o animate_v this_o contest_v which_o give_v it_o life_n and_o fierceness_n be_v a_o suppose_a enclosure_n of_o certain_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a real_a or_o pretend_a unto_o the_o church-state_n contend_v about_o hence_o most_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o principal_a if_o not_o their_o only_a concernment_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o what_o church_n they_o be_v so_o as_o that_o a_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v so_o evil_a as_o that_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o that_o have_v any_o very_a considerable_a evil_n in_o it_o when_o this_o be_v once_o well_o rivet_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o they_o who_o secular_a advantage_n lie_v in_o the_o enclosure_n they_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o bear_v a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o avoidable_a ensue_v on_o such_o division_n by_o this_o mean_n among_o other_o be_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o unto_o its_o public_a profession_n become_v at_o this_o day_n so_o deplorable_a as_o can_v well_o be_v express_v what_o with_o the_o bloody_a and_o desolate_v war_n of_o prince_n and_o potentate_n and_o what_o with_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o love_n meekness_n self-denial_n holiness_n zeal_n the_o universal_a mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v but_o a_o sad_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o he_o who_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n neither_o do_v there_o seem_v at_o present_a to_o be_v any_o design_n or_o expectation_n in_o the_o most_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n about_o the_o church_n but_o force_v and_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n forbid_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_a time_n that_o a_o sober_a enquiry_n be_v make_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n state_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o those_o contend_v about_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v upon_o trial_n that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o but_o that_o all_o the_o fierce_a digladiation_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o doleful_a effect_n that_o attend_v they_o have_v proceed_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n in_o a_o adherence_n whereunto_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o their_o interest_n some_o advance_n may_v be_v make_v towards_o their_o abatement_n however_o if_o this_o may_v not_o be_v attain_v yet_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o concernment_n in_o these_o fruitless_a endless_a contest_v and_o to_o reduce_v their_o whole_a practice_n in_o religion_n unto_o the_o institution_n rule_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o where_o all_o hope_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n seem_v to_o fail_v it_o savour_v somewhat_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a severity_n to_o forbid_v they_o to_o reform_v themselves_o who_o be_v willing_a so_o to_o do_v provide_v they_o admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n carry_v it_o peaceable_o towards_o all_o man_n and_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n to_o make_v a_o entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v design_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n of_o the_o mannagement_n of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o diligent_a impartial_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n order_n power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n as_o institute_v determine_v and_o limit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o we_o depart_v from_o this_o rule_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o fact_n or_o plea_n of_o right_n that_o afterward_o fall_v out_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o confusion_n of_o various_a presumption_n suit_v unto_o the_o apprehension_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n impose_v on_o they_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o apostolical_a institution_n may_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o declare_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o but_o that_o after_o this_o the_o church_n do_v insensible_o depart_v in_o various_a degree_n from_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n must_v i_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o who_o groan_n under_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o that_o gradual_a degeneracy_n in_o the_o papal_a antichristian_a tyranny_n for_o rome_n be_v not_o build_v in_o a_o day_n nor_o be_v this_o change_n introduce_v at_o once_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o be_v the_o lesser_a alteration_n which_o begin_v this_o declension_n so_o prejudicial_a unto_o the_o be_v order_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o prove_v afterward_o through_o a_o continual_a additional_a increase_n in_o succeed_a age_n have_v affirm_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o reverend_a dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n do_v not_o only_o deny_v it_o but_o reflect_v with_o some_o severity_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o part_v 2._o sect._n 3._o pag._n 225_o 226_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v therefore_o on_o this_o occasion_n reassume_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o although_o it_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o also_o afterward_o the_o word_n he_o oppose_v be_v these_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o impartial_a account_n may_v ere_o long_o be_v give_v of_o the_o state_n and_o way_n of_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v how_o they_o do_v insensible_o deviate_v in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n so_o as_o that_o though_o their_o mistake_v be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o not_o prejudicial_a unto_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n yet_o occasion_n be_v administer_v unto_o succeed_a age_n to_o increase_v those_o deviation_n until_o they_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n i_o yet_o suppose_v these_o word_n inoffensive_a and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n for_o 1._o unto_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n i_o ascribe_v nothing_o but_o such_o small_a mistake_v as_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v their_o faith_n or_o order_n and_o that_o they_o do_v preserve_v the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v any_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o do_v hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n who_o confine_v the_o virgin_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o the_o great_a deviation_n which_o i_o intend_v begin_v not_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n but_o 2._o to_o evince_v the_o improbability_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n upon_o my_o own_o principle_n he_o intimate_v both_o here_o and_o afterward_o that_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v democratical_a and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o the_o people_n in_o distinction_n from_o its_o officer_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o never_o think_v i_o never_o write_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o authoritative_a rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o office-power_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o howbeit_o my_o judgement_n be_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n with_o force_n tyranny_n and_o corporal_a penalty_n or_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o there_o be_v also_o other_o mistake_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a discourse_n of_o dr._n still_o concern_v the_o first_o reformer_n and_o their_o reformation_n neither_o do_v we_o at_o all_o delight_n in_o reflect_v on_o any_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o desire_v only_o the_o liberty_n avow_v on_o protestant_a principle_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o own_o duty_n nor_o second_o be_v we_o any_o more_o concern_v in_o the_o long_a story_n that_o ensue_v about_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o mistake_v of_o some_o in_o principle_n and_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n who_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v separate_a for_o as_o in_o our_o refrain_v from_o total_a communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o proceed_v not_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n so_o we_o hope_v that_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n with_o they_o or_o any_o of_o a_o alike_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o after_o the_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v bâ—ought_v on_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n many_o of_o those_o who_o attempt_v a_o reformation_n fall_v into_o different_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o sundry_a thing_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v make_v many_o a_o long_a story_n about_o we_o undertake_v the_o defence_n only_o of_o our_o own_o principle_n and_o practice_n according_a unto_o they_o nor_o do_v we_o esteem_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o justify_v or_o reflect_v on_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o compose_v a_o story_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o difference_n that_o will_v have_v as_o ill_o a_o aspect_n as_o that_o which_o be_v here_o report_v shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o their_o unaccountable_a rigour_n and_o severity_n in_o that_o through_o so_o many_o year_n yea_o age_n they_o will_v never_o think_v of_o the_o least_o abatement_n of_o their_o imposition_n in_o any_o one_o instance_n though_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o esteem_v by_o other_o unlawful_a although_o they_o see_v what_o woeful_a detriment_n arise_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o yea_o how_o instead_o thereof_o they_o do_v to_o the_o last_o of_o their_o power_n make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o same_o course_n by_o attempt_v new_a canon_n to_o inflame_v the_o difference_n and_o increase_v in_o severity_n towards_o all_o dissenter_n shall_v a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o silencing_n depriving_n imprisoning_n by_o the_o high_a commission_n court_n and_o in_o most_o of_o the_o diocese_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o so_o great_a number_n of_o godly_a learned_a faithful_a painful_a minister_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n with_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n the_o representation_n of_o their_o name_n qualification_n evident_a usefulness_n in_o the_o ministry_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o suffering_n wherein_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o ceremony_n be_v open_o prefer_v before_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n will_v give_v as_o ill_o a_o demonstration_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n love_n moderation_n condescension_n zeal_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n do_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o the_o history_n before_o we_o it_o will_v not_o be_v omit_v on_o such_o a_o occasion_n to_o declare_v what_o multitude_n of_o pious_a peaceable_a protestant_n be_v drive_v by_o their_o severity_n to_o leave_v their_o native_a country_n to_o seek_v a_o refuge_n for_o their_o life_n and_o liberty_n with_o freedom_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o wilderness_n in_o the_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o some_o do_v herein_o they_o do_v in_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n i_o must_v say_v i_o shall_v hardly_o acknowledge_v that_o office_n to_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v so_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o according_a unto_o what_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v there_o be_v add_v hereunto_o a_o account_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o the_o court_n of_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o and_o the_o like_a as_o unto_o the_o authority_n and_o cause_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o woeful_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v thereby_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v i_o suppose_v it_o will_v as_o much_o conduce_v unto_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n among_o protestant_n as_o the_o story_n here_o give_v we_o by_o our_o author_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thing_n gather_v out_o of_o controversial_a write_n wherein_o few_o man_n do_v observe_v the_o due_a rule_n of_o moderation_n but_o indulge_v unto_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o severe_a censure_n and_o sharp_a reflection_n on_o they_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o sum_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n among_o they_o that_o joint_o forsake_v the_o papacy_n as_o unto_o its_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n about_o the_o state_n rule_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v unto_o its_o worship_n also_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v 2._o there_o do_v not_o remain_v any_o record_n of_o a_o due_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o compose_v these_o difference_n before_o one_o certain_a way_n be_v establish_v by_o those_o in_o power_n and_o whereas_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n from_o the_o confusion_n about_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o abroad_o and_o the_o pertinaciousness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o their_o old_a way_n and_o observance_n in_o religion_n with_o a_o great_a scarcity_n in_o able_a minister_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n dislike_a the_o whole_a reformation_n they_o find_v themselves_o as_o they_o judge_v necessitate_v to_o make_v as_o little_a alteration_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v possible_a so_o as_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v in_o former_a use_n on_o these_o ground_n the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o be_v before_o under_o the_o papacy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n only_o be_v exclude_v and_o the_o power_n of_o disposal_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n usurp_v by_o he_o declare_v to_o be_v in_o the_o king_n so_o also_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o book_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o people_n have_v be_v accustom_v unto_o another_o be_v establish_v with_o the_o ceremony_n most_o obvious_a unto_o popular_a observation_n 3._o this_o order_n be_v unsatisfactory_a unto_o great_a number_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o who_o yet_o consider_v what_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n do_v call_v for_o do_v outward_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o in_o several_a degree_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o far_a reformation_n in_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n nor_o do_v they_o cease_v to_o plead_v and_o press_v for_o it_o by_o all_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a mean_n abstain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o full_a compliance_n with_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n 4._o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v for_o the_o establishment_n have_v secure_v their_o interest_n therein_o and_o obtain_v power_n begin_v after_o a_o while_n to_o oppress_v excommunicate_a silence_n deprive_v and_o imprison_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o come_v up_o unto_o a_o full_a practical_a compliance_n with_o their_o institution_n and_o rule_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o so_o silence_v and_o deprive_v abide_v in_o privacy_n under_o their_o suffering_n hope_v for_o a_o reformation_n at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o without_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o any_o other_o course_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o people_n 5._o after_o sundry_a year_n some_o man_n partly_o silence_v and_o deprive_v as_o unto_o their_o ministry_n and_o partly_o pursue_v with_o other_o censure_n and_o penalty_n begin_v
bound_n of_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o and_o by_o these_o society_n this_o be_v a_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o which_o have_v be_v wrest_v into_o i_o know_v not_o what_o religious_a ceremony_n of_o man_n invention_n 3_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o divine_a revelation_n with_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o shall_v either_o appoint_v the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o prescribe_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o or_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o its_o performance_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o obedience_n therein_o this_o also_o be_v a_o clear_a unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o downright_a atheism_n further_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n fear_v god_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a benefit_n according_a unto_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o what_o concern_v the_o frame_n and_o fashion_v of_o church_n by_o arbitrary_a and_o artificial_a combination_n in_o province_n nation_n and_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o this_o be_v the_o assure_a foundation_n and_o general_a warranty_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o church_n whilst_o man_n be_v continue_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o especial_a regulation_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n be_v consider_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o in_o some_o such_o society_n live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o light_n in_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o 1._o whereas_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o and_o unto_o thing_n concern_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v general_a only_o so_o as_o that_o by_o they_o alone_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o erect_v a_o church-state_n in_o good_a and_o holy_a order_n god_n do_v always_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o especial_a revelation_n and_o institution_n ordain_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v perfect_v the_o conduct_n of_o that_o light_n unto_o such_o a_o complete_a order_n as_o be_v accept_v with_o himself_o so_o 1_o he_o appoint_v a_o church-state_n for_o man_n in_o innocency_n and_o complete_v its_o order_n by_o the_o sacramental_a addition_n of_o the_o two_o tree_n the_o one_o of_o life_n the_o other_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n 2._o that_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o state_n all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o house_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o as_o never_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o least_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o church-state_n as_o unto_o outward_a order_n rite_n of_o worship_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n sacred_a with_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_o change_v the_o most_o eminent_a change_n it_o receive_v be_v in_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n which_o fix_v its_o state_n unalterable_o unto_o the_o come_v of_o christ._n mal._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o alone_o who_o make_v all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n nor_o will_v he_o nor_o do_v he_o ever_o allow_v that_o the_o will_n wisdom_n or_o authority_n of_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v rule_n or_o measure_n unto_o his_o worship_n in_o any_o thing_n heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 4._o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o every_o church-state_n that_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o enter_v into_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o state_n a_o church_n not_o found_v in_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n but_o of_o men._n hereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o at_o large_a as_o i_o suppose_v afterward_o see_v it_o exemplify_v exod._n 24._o 5._o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o any_o church-state_n whatever_o unless_o we_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o observe_v it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n with_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o hence_o 6._o unless_o man_n by_o their_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o consent_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o institution_n do_v enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n they_o can_v by_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n be_v so_o frame_v into_o it_o as_o to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n therein_o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o and_o the_o interposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o custom_n tradition_n the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o man_n between_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v or_o will_v belong_v unto_o such_o a_o state_n and_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o god_n be_v high_o obstructive_a of_o this_o divine_a order_n 58._o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o man_n know_v neither_o how_o nor_o whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n but_o only_o on_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v where_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o be_v accept_v chap._n ii_o the_o especial_a original_a of_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n our_o principal_a concernment_n at_o present_a be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n church-state_n or_o the_o state_n of_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o this_o be_v that_o about_o which_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o fierce_a contest_v among_o christian_n and_o those_o attend_v with_o pernicious_a consequent_n and_o effect_n what_o be_v the_o original_a what_o be_v the_o nature_n what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o power_n what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o towards_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o various_a contest_v and_o the_o principal_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n and_o order_n about_o these_o thing_n have_v enterwoven_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n into_o such_o a_o church-state_n as_o be_v meet_v and_o suit_v to_o preserve_v and_o promote_v they_o suppose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v make_v a_o trade_n for_o outward_a advantage_n they_o do_v open_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n form_n and_o order_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o moreover_o from_o man_n various_a conception_n and_o suitable_a practice_n about_o this_o church-state_n be_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n take_v to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o schism_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o ensue_v thereon_o wherefore_o although_o i_o design_v all_o possible_a brevity_n and_o only_o to_o declare_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n wherein_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v the_o handle_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n with_o other_o yet_o somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o true_a state_v of_o this_o important_a concernment_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o be_v the_o special_a original_a and_o authoritative_a constitution_n of_o this_o church-state_n wherefore_o 1._o the_o church-state_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v not_o less_o relate_v unto_o and_o receive_v force_n from_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n than_o any_o other_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o herein_o as_o unto_o its_o general_a nature_n its_o foundation_n be_v lay_v what_o that_o direct_v unto_o may_v receive_v new_a enforcement_n by_o revelation_n but_o change_v or_o alter_v or_o abolish_v it_o can_v be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a express_a institution_n of_o what_o be_v require_v by_o that_o light_n and_o law_n in_o all_o church_n and_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n
much_o concern_v my_o word_n be_v vindic._n p._n 41._o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o our_o author_n apparent_o be_v can_v have_v deny_v the_o truth_n hereof_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o he_o only_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n cotton_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n herein_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v who_o do_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o people_n do_v meet_v together_o unto_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o readmission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v through_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o public_a offence_n and_o division_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n wherein_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o consent_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o hereon_o he_o ask_v where_o i_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o do_v nor_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o he_o add_v that_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o the_o appeal_n that_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n whereas_o my_o word_n be_v positive_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n such_o thing_n will_v partiality_n in_o a_o cause_n and_o aim_v at_o success_n in_o disputation_n produce_v m._n cotton_n affirm_v that_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o just_a representation_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n that_o be_v i_o presume_v diocesan_n because_o that_o alone_o be_v unto_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n state_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o three_o party_n dissent_v about_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n will_v attempt_v a_o agreement_n between_o themselves_o upon_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v some_o claim_n unto_o although_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o some_o of_o their_o pretension_n it_o may_v bring_v they_o all_o near_a together_o and_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o church_n but_o one_o in_o that_o city_n many_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o several_a place_n for_o divine_a exercise_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v but_o state_v church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o member_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o discipline_n among_o they_o such_o as_o our_o reverend_a author_n do_v afterward_o affirm_v and_o describe_v our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v 2._o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o rule_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o community_n of_o it_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n whether_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attend_v unto_o rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v many_o and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o peculiar_a relation_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o concur_v in_o common_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o cyprian_n himself_o 3._o that_o among_o those_o elder_n in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o call_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v constant_o preside_v among_o they_o in_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o without_o who_o ordinary_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o neither_o do_v he_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n who_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o and_o right_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o order_n that_o one_o do_v preside_v in_o their_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n who_o custom_n give_v some_o pre-eminence_n unto_o 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o cast_v out_o and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o lapse_v member_n have_v their_o suffrage_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n or_o any_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a acknowledge_v rule_n in_o discipline_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o from_o the_o first_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n yet_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difference_n among_o we_o then_o what_o will_v remain_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o state_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v congregational_a or_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v far_o plead_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n nor_o be_o i_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o sufficient_a answer_n unto_o what_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o vindication_n but_o have_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v most_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o word_n divert_v very_o much_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o yet_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n sect_n 5._o p._n 234_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n it_o seem_v evident_o exemplyfy_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o what_o be_v now_o again_o declare_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o that_o city_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v original_o more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n i_o do_v grant_v in_o the_o word_n next_o quote_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o any_o such_o church_n do_v divide_v itself_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n but_o this_o
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
negligence_n i_o comprise_v both_o the_o ignorance_n sloth_n worldliness_n decay_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n with_o superstition_n in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o people_n will_v forego_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n if_o ever_o they_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n without_o great_a noise_n and_o trouble_v for_o say_v he_o government_n be_v so_o nice_a and_o tender_a a_o thing_n that_o every_o one_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o share_n in_o it_o that_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o induce_v to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v democratical_a at_o first_o as_o dr._n o._n seem_v to_o do_v be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v wheadle_v out_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n so_o soon_o and_o make_v no_o noise_n about_o it_o pag._n 226._o his_o mistake_n about_o my_o judgement_n herein_o have_v be_v mark_v before_o no_o other_o interest_n or_o share_n in_o the_o government_n be_v ascribe_v by_o we_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n this_o interest_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v forego_v without_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o gild_n in_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o for_o any_o engagement_n on_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o government_n wherein_o their_o concern_v principal_o consist_v in_o a_o understanding_n voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o have_v nothing_o of_o it_o take_v also_o in_o general_n government_n to_o be_v as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o a_o duty_n labour_n and_o service_n without_o those_o advantage_n of_o power_n ease_n dignity_n and_o wealth_n which_o have_v be_v annex_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v such_o a_o nicety_n or_o sweetness_n in_o it_o as_o to_o oblige_v unto_o pertinacy_n in_o a_o adherence_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v apprehend_v to_o consist_v in_o man_n give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o watch_v continual_o over_o the_o flock_n in_o accurate_a carefulness_n to_o do_v and_o act_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o command_n with_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o domination_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o dignity_n secular_a honour_n and_o revenue_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n in_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v after_o as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o pertinency_n in_o his_o ensue_a supposal_n of_o a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o london_n in_o set_v up_o one_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o all_o and_o to_o appoint_v their_o several_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n p._n 227._o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o noise_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o fear_v it_o non_fw-la isto_fw-la vivimus_fw-la illic_fw-la quo_fw-la tu_fw-la veer_fw-la modo_fw-la and_o impertinent_a in_o this_o case_n to_o suppose_v it_o for_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o sudden_a total_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o church_n to_o be_v make_v at_o once_o whereas_o our_o discourse_n be_v of_o that_o which_o be_v gradual_a in_o many_o age_n by_o degree_n almost_o imperceptible_a but_o yet_o i_o can_v give_v no_o security_n that_o the_o church_n of_o our_o way_n shall_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n decline_v from_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o order_n either_o in_o their_o power_n and_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o in_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o continual_o watch_v against_o all_o beginning_n and_o occasion_n of_o such_o declension_n and_o frequent_o renew_v their_o reformation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v better_a success_n than_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o yet_o have_v even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o judgement_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n pass_v on_o they_o rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o people_n which_o issue_v in_o their_o unfitness_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o and_o rule_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n order_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o give_v occasion_n unto_o those_o lesser_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n which_o do_v not_o much_o prejudice_n the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o as_o it_o occasion_v great_a alteration_n in_o the_o ensue_a age_n and_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n excessive_a veneration_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n do_v probable_o occasion_n in_o they_o some_o neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n for_o they_o be_v easy_o induce_v hereon_o not_o only_o implicit_o to_o leave_v the_o mannagement_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n unto_o they_o but_o also_o zealous_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o holy_a polycarpus_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o ascend_v the_o pile_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v burn_v that_o he_o pull_v off_o his_o own_o clothes_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v before_o because_o the_o faithful_a strive_v among_o themselves_o who_o shall_v soon_o touch_v his_o body_n euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 15._o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o veneration_n due_a to_o a_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o unto_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a person_n but_o those_o who_o do_v so_o express_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o place_n too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o implicit_a compliance_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v so_o devote_v hence_o a_o negligence_n in_o themselves_o as_o unto_o their_o particular_a duty_n do_v ensue_v they_o be_v quick_o far_o from_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o say_v unto_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o colossian_n to_o say_v to_o archippus_n their_o pastor_n chap._n 4.17_o but_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o obsequious_a obedience_n be_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o hence_o do_v some_o of_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o ascribe_v unto_o one_o another_o great_a swell_a title_n of_o honour_n and_o name_n of_o dignity_n among_o which_o the_o blasphemous_a title_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v at_o length_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o open_o depart_v from_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o smyrna_n wherein_o no_o such_o title_n do_v appear_v 2._o many_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o first_o plantation_n increase_a great_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o member_n it_o be_v neither_o convenient_a nor_o safe_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n shall_v on_o all_o occasion_n come_v together_o as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o to_o consult_v about_o their_o common_a concern_v and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o by_o reason_n of_o danger_n from_o their_o numerous_a convention_n they_o meet_v in_o several_a parcel_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n herewith_o they_o be_v content_v unless_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o the_o like_a whereon_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o this_o make_v they_o leave_v the_o ordinary_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o not_o concern_v themselves_o further_o therein_o but_o still_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a what_o platina_n from_o damasus_n affirm_v in_o the_o life_n of_o evaristus_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n that_o he_o
the_o church_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o reformer_n or_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a that_o their_o work_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a like_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v nor_o aught_o take_v away_o wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v what_o they_o do_v and_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o what_o they_o judge_v meet_v as_o unto_o the_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o absolute_a rule_n from_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o sin_n to_o dissent_v or_o depart_v they_o never_o desire_v nor_o design_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v cast_v out_o one_o papacy_n and_o to_o have_v bring_v in_o another_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n for_o their_o absolute_a adherence_n unto_o the_o man_n of_o their_o veneration_n those_o who_o have_v be_v former_o of_o great_a reputation_n in_o their_o church_n for_o learning_n holiness_n and_o devotion_n be_v as_o forcible_a unto_o they_o as_o any_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o excuse_v in_o their_o error_n thereby_o have_v we_o receive_v a_o command_n from_o heaven_n to_o hear_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v alter_v the_o case_n but_o this_o we_o have_v receive_v only_o with_o respect_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n ultimate_o attend_v only_o unto_o what_o he_o speak_v and_o we_o have_v sundry_a consideration_n which_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a to_o inquire_v ourselves_o into_o our_o duty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o duty_n in_o they_o by_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v do_v by_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o 1._o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v they_o do_v not_o think_v meet_a to_o abide_v within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o that_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v before_o they_o by_o man_n wise_a learned_a and_o holy_a even_o in_o this_o nation_n such_o be_v that_o which_o be_v endeavour_v by_o wickliff_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o give_v testimony_n whereunto_o many_o suffer_a martyrdom_n and_o prepare_v the_o way_n unto_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o they_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v then_o do_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o yet_o esteem_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n in_o the_o same_o work_n which_o they_o do_v according_o sure_o such_o person_n never_o design_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v boundary_n unto_o all_o reformation_n for_o evermore_o or_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v vain_a but_o sinful_a to_o make_v any_o far_a inquiry_n about_o it_o some_o think_v they_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o navigation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o west-indies_n be_v find_v out_o and_o some_o man_n when_o in_o any_o kind_n they_o know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o our_o reformer_n 2._o they_o do_v not_o at_o once_o make_v what_o they_o have_v do_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o fix_a rule_n in_o these_o thing_n for_o themselves_o make_v many_o alteration_n in_o the_o service_n book_n which_o they_o first_o compose_v and_o if_o they_o judge_v not_o their_o first_o endeavour_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o themselves_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v their_o second_o shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n unto_o all_o future_a age_n nor_o do_v they_o so_o but_o frequent_o acknowledge_v the_o imperfection_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v 3._o the_o first_o reformer_n both_o bishop_n and_o other_o both_o those_o who_o undergo_v martyrdom_n at_o home_n and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o exile_n abroad_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o under_o concest_n whereas_o they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n the_o public_a record_n of_o these_o difference_n do_v so_o remain_v as_o that_o they_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v nor_o handsome_o cover_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o weaken_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o act_n only_o of_o the_o prevalent_a party_n among_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v in_o these_o thing_n from_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o who_o they_o do_v absolute_o agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o strict_a communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o their_o doctrine_n which_o they_o own_v and_o establish_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n abroad_o call_v particular_o reform_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o lutheran_n but_o as_o unto_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o i_o press_v not_o this_o consideration_n unto_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o what_o they_o attain_v unto_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n or_o in_o a_o way_n of_o prefer_v other_o church_n above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o esteem_v ourselves_o absolute_o oblige_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v and_o determine_v as_o unto_o all_o endeavour_n after_o any_o far_a reformation_n 5._o in_o their_o reformation_n they_o avowed_o propose_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n unto_o themselves_o which_o be_v both_o uncertain_a and_o in_o many_o thing_n apparent_o various_a from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o these_o thing_n give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n as_o our_o author_n confess_v this_o rule_n be_v uncertain_a for_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o just_a and_o full_a account_n of_o what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o any_o one_o emperor_n much_o less_o during_o the_o succession_n of_o many_o of_o they_o continual_a alteration_n in_o the_o state_n or_o order_n of_o the_o church_n follow_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v a_o prevalent_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o church_n order_n have_v be_v before_o declare_v we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o make_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n absolute_o who_o miss_v it_o so_o much_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o 6._o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o horrid_a darkness_n which_o they_o new_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o close_a adherence_n of_o some_o traditional_a prejudices_fw-la unto_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n the_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v withal_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a work_n their_o prudence_n as_o they_o judge_v it_o in_o a_o endeavour_n to_o accommodate_v all_o thing_n unto_o the_o inclination_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n extreme_o immerse_v in_o their_o old_a tradition_n which_o may_v not_o be_v destructive_a unto_o their_o salvation_n in_o heresy_n or_o idolatry_n all_o which_o can_v not_o but_o leave_v some_o mark_n of_o imperfection_n on_o their_o whole_a work_n of_o reformation_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o assert_v the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n light_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o inquire_v after_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o true_a original_a state_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n with_o our_o duty_n in_o reference_n thereunto_o and_o not_o to_o be_v absolute_o confine_v unto_o what_o be_v judge_v meet_a and_o practise_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o present_a interest_n and_o advantage_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o fix_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o church_n reformation_n in_o what_o be_v by_o they_o attain_v and_o establish_v they_o will_v think_v it_o themselves_o a_o papal_a bondage_n to_o be_v bind_v up_o absolute_o unto_o their_o apprehension_n from_o a_o confinement_n whereunto_o in_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n wherefore_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n
of_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o although_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n be_v condemn_v by_o many_o yet_o the_o principle_n he_o proceed_v on_o be_v afterward_o espouse_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n our_o reverend_a author_n will_v hardly_o find_v a_o instance_n before_o this_o of_o schism_n among_o any_o church_n that_o retain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o those_o division_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o some_o particular_a church_n among_o the_o member_n of_o they_o and_o this_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o general_a the_o case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n at_o this_o day_n for_o admit_v such_o variation_n as_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n must_v necessary_o infer_v and_o they_o be_v reject_v from_o communion_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o victor_n proceed_v on_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n neither_o will_v there_o be_v any_o end_n of_o difference_n whilst_o the_o same_o principle_n be_v retain_v before_o this_o schism_n be_v only_o esteem_v a_o defect_n in_o love_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o walk_v together_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o same_o church_n but_o this_o notion_n of_o schism_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n still_o pref._n p._n 46._o so_o mean_v so_o jejune_n so_o narrow_a a_o notion_n of_o it_o that_o i_o can_v say_v he_o but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o but_o in_o my_o judgement_n the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a understanding_n indeed_o i_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v of_o as_o one_o of_o abstruse_a speculation_n that_o do_v not_o advantage_n christian_a religion_n and_o one_o have_v publish_v in_o print_n that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o obscure_a writer_n that_o ever_o he_o read_v but_o never_o hear_v he_o before_o charge_v with_o mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n now_o this_o be_v st_n paul_n who_o express_o charge_v schism_n on_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n because_o of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o they_o namely_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o they_o can_v not_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n nor_o in_o all_o his_o write_n do_v he_o any_o where_o give_v we_o any_o other_o notion_n of_o schism_n but_o say_v he_o this_o be_v short_a of_o that_o care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o duty_n of_o his_o follower_n but_o if_o thâ—re_v be_v no_o other_o rule_n no_o other_o duty_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o only_o that_o no_o separation_n be_v make_v from_o it_o which_o be_v call_v schism_n we_o may_v have_v be_v all_o quiet_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v no_o man_n think_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o enjoin_v not_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v on_o victor_n penalty_n of_o be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n that_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n be_v keep_v and_o promote_v in_o the_o church_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v attend_v unto_o st._n paul_n mean_a and_o jejune_n notion_n of_o schism_n will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n also_o nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o schism_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n until_o that_o which_o be_v occasion_v by_o victor_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v the_o schism_n that_o follow_v afterward_o be_v six_o to_o one_o from_o the_o contention_n of_o bishop_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n so_o to_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v as_o clemens_n witness_v and_o make_v provision_n against_o it_o but_o that_o no_o bank_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o confine_v the_o overflow_a ambition_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o say_v the_o dr._n pref._n p._n 47._o the_o obligation_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o all_o lawful_a constitution_n in_o order_n â—o_o it_o therefore_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lawful_a order_n and_o constitution_n make_v to_o preserve_v it_o be_v direct_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n now_o schism_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o murder_n p._n 45._o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3_o 1â—_n so_o that_o all_o man_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v adjudge_v unto_o hell_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o who_o submit_v not_o unto_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n or_o canon_n god_n forbid_v that_o ever_o such_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v look_v on_o as_o to_o have_v the_o least_o affinity_n unto_o the_o gospel_n or_o such_o censure_n to_o have_v any_o savour_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o cast_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n into_o the_o arbitrary_a disposal_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n for_o conformity_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o upon_o the_o best_a use_n of_o mean_n for_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n can_v comply_v with_o and_o submit_v unto_o some_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o order_n however_o pretend_v to_o be_v make_v foâ—_n the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n principal_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o appointment_n nor_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o shall_v mistake_v herein_o and_o miss_v of_o his_o duty_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o sin_n than_o that_o of_o murder_n suppose_v of_o cain_n in_o kill_v his_o brother_n for_o all_o murder_n be_v from_o hatred_n and_o malice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o inflame_v the_o difference_n among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o person_n who_o in_o any_o thing_n dissent_v from_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n though_o otherwise_o sober_a honest_a pious_a and_o peaceable_a be_v look_v on_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o theives_n and_o murderer_n and_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o effectual_a to_o harden_v other_o in_o their_o immorality_n than_o to_o find_v themselves_o approve_v by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o comparison_n with_o such_o dissenter_n but_o 2._o who_o be_v it_o that_o shall_v make_v these_o order_n and_o constitution_n that_o must_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v by_o be_v uppermost_a in_o any_o place_n or_o time_n who_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a no_o doubt_v they_o that_o make_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v these_o constitution_n be_v about_o what_o shall_v they_o extend_v unto_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n one_o way_n or_o other_o what_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v now_o dissent_v from_o these_o constitution_n and_o not_o submit_v unto_o they_o why_o than_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n as_o great_a and_o dangerous_a a_o sin_n as_o that_o of_o murder_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v what_o if_o these_o constitution_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v no_o way_n needful_a or_o useful_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o if_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v so_o reflect_v dishonour_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n what_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a the_o lord_n christ_n not_o have_v give_v power_n and_o authority_n unto_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o make_v any_o such_o constitution_n what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o great_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o break_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n these_o and_o other_o inquiry_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n must_v be_v clear_o resolve_v not_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o man_n own_o mind_n and_o spirit_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n before_o this_o intimation_n can_v be_v comply_v withal_o but_o that_o which_o be_v fall_v out_o most_o beyond_o expectation_n in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v that_o the_o reverend_a author_n seek_v by_o all_o
word_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o so_o many_o various_a and_o opposite_a opinion_n about_o they_o and_o those_o debate_v in_o such_o long_a and_o operous_a discourse_n that_o some_o will_v take_v a_o argument_n from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v direct_o prove_v from_o they_o nor_o any_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o state_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thence_o collect_v but_o nothing_o can_v be_v insinuate_v more_o false_a and_o absurd_a nor_o which_o more_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o when_o man_n be_v seduce_v by_o their_o interest_n or_o otherwise_o to_o multiply_v false_a exposition_n of_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o about_o they_o that_o thereon_o as_o unto_o we_o they_o lose_v their_o instructive_a power_n and_o certain_a determination_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v quick_o have_v no_o bottom_n or_o foundation_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o most_o important_a article_n of_o religion_n nor_o can_v have_v so_o at_o this_o day_n but_o all_o the_o various_a pretence_n of_o man_n some_o whereof_o will_v have_v the_o pope_n other_o a_o general_n council_n some_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n some_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n some_o a_o company_n of_o arbitrator_n be_v nothing_o but_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o what_o interest_n prejudice_n corrupt_a lust_n ambitious_a design_n with_o a_o dislike_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v bring_v forth_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o impartial_a man_n read_v this_o context_n can_v take_v the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o for_o such_o a_o society_n as_o whereunto_o a_o offend_a and_o offend_a brother_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n might_n and_o ought_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n whereof_o they_o may_v address_v themselves_o for_o relief_n and_o remedy_n or_o the_o removal_n of_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v a_o endless_a task_n and_o unsuit_v unto_o our_o present_a design_n to_o examine_v the_o various_a pretension_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n enough_o also_o if_o not_o too_o much_o have_v be_v write_v already_o about_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v only_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o the_o context_n which_o will_v sufficient_o evidence_n what_o sort_n of_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o intend_a 1._o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n unto_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o concern_v civil_a injury_n as_o such_o but_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o they_o either_o cause_v other_o man_n to_o sin_n or_o give_v they_o grief_n and_o offence_n for_o sin_n whereby_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n in_o mutual_a communion_n may_v be_v impede_v private_a injury_n may_v be_v respect_v herein_o but_o not_o as_o injury_n but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v and_o this_o appear_v 1_o from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o do_v of_o a_o injury_n be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v injure_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 6.8_o 9_o that_o be_v to_o be_v wrong_v to_o be_v deal_v unjust_o withal_o and_o to_o be_v defraud_v or_o deprive_v of_o our_o right_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o so_o use_v but_o only_o so_o to_o sin_n as_o to_o give_v scandal_n unto_o they_o against_o who_o that_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o context_n our_o saviour_n be_v treat_v direct_o about_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n or_o sin_n as_o occasion_n of_o fall_v stumble_a and_o sin_v and_o so_o of_o perish_v unto_o other_o give_v rule_n and_o direction_n about_o they_o from_o 8_o verse_n unto_o these_o word_n wherein_o direction_n be_v give_v about_o their_o cure_n and_o removal_n and_o two_o thing_n he_o ascribe_v unto_o these_o scandal_n 1._o that_o weak_a christian_n be_v despise_v in_o they_o ver_fw-la 10._o 2._o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v destroy_v or_o lose_v for_o ever_o by_o they_o ver_fw-la 14._o which_o give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o sin_n be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o to_o give_v offence_n by_o a_o scandalous_a miscarriage_n 3._o where_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v again_o record_v the_o word_n use_v enforce_v this_o application_n of_o they_o luk._n 17.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o scandal_n and_o offence_n will_v arise_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o they_o v_o 1._o and_o because_o that_o they_o obtain_v their_o pernicious_a effect_n most_o on_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a he_o give_v caution_n against_o they_o with_o especial_a respect_n unto_o such_o among_o his_o disciple_n better_o any_o one_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o that_o he_o shall_v give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n unto_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o what_o he_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 2._o he_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 3._o sin_n against_o thou_o and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o thâ—_n direction_n which_o he_o give_v hereon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rebuke_v he_o the_o word_n be_v never_o use_v with_o respect_n unto_o private_a injury_n but_o as_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o fault_n so_o be_v it_o join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 4.2_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a word_n use_v for_o the_o rebuke_v give_v or_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 4_o another_o rule_n be_v give_v in_o case_n of_o private_a injury_n that_o be_v only_o such_o and_o that_o be_v that_o we_o immediate_o forgive_v they_o 5._o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o direction_n suit_v unto_o that_o intense_a love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o all_o his_o disciple_n one_o towards_o another_o nor_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o love_n in_o its_o exercise_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v 1_o cor._n 13._o that_o for_o a_o private_a injury_n do_v unto_o any_o man_n without_o respect_n unto_o sin_n against_o god_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o scandal_n he_o shall_v follow_v his_o brother_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v he_o cast_v â—ut_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o believer_n which_o yet_o in_o case_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 2_o the_o rule_n here_o prescribe_v and_o the_o direction_n give_v be_v so_o prescribe_v and_o give_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v unto_o any_o present_a case_n or_o the_o present_a season_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o such_o case_n at_o present_a no_o mutual_a offence_n among_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v require_v this_o determination_n of_o it_o only_a respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o may_v afterward_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o direction_n at_o that_o time_n because_o christ_n himself_o be_v then_o constant_o present_a with_o they_o in_o who_o all_o church_n power_n do_v reside_v both_o eminent_o and_o formal_o according_o when_o any_o of_o they_o do_v offend_v unto_o scandal_n he_o do_v himself_o rebuke_v they_o matth._n 16.22_o 23._o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o mutual_a offence_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o he_o instruct_v they_o and_o direct_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o love_n do_v what_o any_o church_n can_v do_v and_o much_o more_o also_o mat._n 20_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27.28_o 3_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o our_o saviour_n foreknow_v and_o foretell_v that_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n in_o future_a generation_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v so_o every_o day_n and_o will_v do_v so_o whilst_o man_n be_v in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n here_o below_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o order_n â—urity_n and_o edification_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o they_o be_v preserve_v without_o a_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o cure_n and_o heal_n of_o offence_n nor_o be_v so_o in_o any_o church_n where_o such_o a_o rule_n be_v
not_o or_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v therefore_o fond_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o rule_n for_o that_o season_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o not_o for_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n can_v not_o subsist_v in_o order_n without_o it_o 3_o the_o church_n here_o direct_v unto_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v it_o concern_v the_o time_n to_o come_v afterward_o there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n nothing_o that_o can_v pretend_v unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n have_v a_o utter_a end_n put_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o a_o address_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o unlawful_a and_o as_o unto_o magistrate_n or_o arbitrator_n to_o have_v they_o call_v the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o after_o the_o interposition_n of_o their_o authority_n or_o advice_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v mutual_o require_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n for_o 2_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v exercise_v authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o voice_n judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v their_o power_n of_o spiritual_a bind_n and_o looâ—ing_v which_o be_v comit_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o and_o so_o he_o add_v immediatley_n ver_fw-la 18._o whatever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v loose_v on_o earth_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n only_o 4thly_a it_o be_v a_o visible_a particular_a congregation_n alone_o that_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o as_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o other_o acceptation_n of_o that_o name_n either_o for_o the_o catholics_n invisible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o profess_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o this_o dâ—ty_n shall_v be_v observe_v towards_o it_o as_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o 2._o we_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n be_v of_o a_o single_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o for_o its_o duty_n and_o enjoyment_n where_o ever_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v mention_v without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o circumstance_n that_o may_v lead_v unto_o another_o signification_n it_o must_v be_v interpret_v of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n 3._o the_o person_n intend_v offend_v and_o offend_v must_v belong_v unto_o the_o same_o society_n unto_o who_o the_o address_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o else_o the_o one_o party_n may_v just_o decline_v the_o judicatory_a apply_v unto_o and_o so_o frustrate_a the_o process_n and_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v know_v in_o their_o circumstance_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o sundry_a case_n can_v be_v make_v in_o point_n of_o offence_n 4_o it_o be_v a_o church_n of_o a_o easy_a address_n go_v tell_v the_o church_n which_o suppose_v that_o free_a and_o immediate_a access_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v unto_o that_o whole_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n wherefore_o 5_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tell_v the_o church_n not_o a_o church_n but_o the_o church_n namely_o whereunto_o thou_o and_o thy_o brother_n do_v belong_v 6_o one_o end_n of_o this_o direction_n be_v that_o the_o offend_a and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v continue_v together_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n which_o thing_n belong_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n 7_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o tell_v the_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o whatever_o church_n he_o may_v have_v under_o his_o rule_n yet_o be_v not_o he_o himself_o a_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o 8_o the_o chancellor_n court_n that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v a_o disparagement_n unto_o all_o church_n to_o have_v that_o name_n apply_v thereunto_o nor_o last_o be_v it_o a_o presbytery_n or_o association_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o power_n claim_v in_o such_o associate_v presbytery_n be_v with_o respect_n unto_o what_o be_v already_o in_o or_o before_o particular_a congregation_n which_o they_o have_v not_o either_o wisdom_n or_o authority_n as_o be_v suppose_v final_o to_o order_n and_o determine_v but_o this_o suppose_v that_o the_o address_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o therefore_o be_v first_o and_o proper_o here_o intend_v all_o thing_n be_v plain_a familiar_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o believer_n who_o mind_n be_v any_o way_n exercise_v about_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ._n argument_n pretend_o deep_o and_o learned_a real_o obscure_a and_o perplex_a with_o logical_a notion_n and_o distinction_n apply_v unto_o thing_n thus_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o do_v serve_v only_o to_o involve_v and_o darken_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o place_n 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church-state_n for_o christian_n then_o design_v by_o christ_n which_o afterward_o he_o will_v institute_v and_o settle_v 2_o that_o all_o true_a disciple_n be_v to_o join_v and_o unite_v themselves_o in_o some_o such_o church_n as_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o their_o love_n order_n peace_n and_o edification_n 3_o that_o among_o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n offence_n will_v or_o may_v arise_v which_o in_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o pernicious_a event_n 4_o that_o if_o these_o offence_n can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o take_v away_o so_o as_o that_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n may_v be_v continue_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o account_n of_o they_o at_o last_o be_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n or_o society_n whereunto_o the_o party_n concern_v do_v belong_v as_o member_n of_o it_o 5_o that_o this_o church_n shall_v hear_v determine_v and_o give_v judgement_n with_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n so_o bring_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o take_v away_o and_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n 6_o that_o this_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v rest_v in_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 7_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o authority_n in_o they_o all_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o which_o alone_o can_v cast_v one_o that_o be_v a_o profess_a christian_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n these_o thing_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o expose_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v wherein_o their_o daily_a practice_n be_v concern_v but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v express_v into_o what_o horrible_a perplexity_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v be_v wrest_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o how_o those_o who_o depart_v from_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o love_v not_o the_o practice_n they_o direct_v unto_o do_v lead_v themselves_o and_o other_o into_o way_n and_o path_n that_o have_v neither_o use_n nor_o end_n from_o the_o corrupt_a abuse_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o intend_v so_o many_o power_n faculty_n court_n jurisdiction_n legal_a process_n with_o litigious_a vexatious_a oppressive_a course_n of_o action_n and_o trial_n who_o very_a name_n be_v uncouth_a horrid_a foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o unintelligible_a without_o cunning_a in_o a_o artificial_a barbarous_a science_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n have_v proceed_v as_o be_v enough_o to_o fill_v a_o sober_a rational_a man_n with_o astonishment_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o relation_n unto_o this_o divine_a institution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o blind_v with_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o also_o stranger_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o require_v will_v hardly_o
it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
their_o state_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o those_o great_a alteration_n which_o not_o long_o after_o ensue_v for_o they_o be_v not_o introduce_v until_o through_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v they_o be_v increase_v into_o that_o multitude_n for_o number_n of_o member_n and_o be_v so_o diffuse_v as_o unto_o their_o habitation_n as_o make_v a_o appearance_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o another_o constitution_n of_o church_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n than_o what_o be_v of_o original_a appointment_n justin_n martyr_n write_v his_o second_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n unto_o the_o roman_a emperor_n about_o the_o year_n 150._o it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o consider_v how_o ignorant_a not_o only_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n but_o the_o philosopher_n also_o and_o governor_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n celebrate_v in_o they_o but_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v even_o unto_o this_o day_n not_o a_o few_o be_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o assembly_n or_o what_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o they_o false_o hence_o be_v all_o the_o report_n and_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a concern_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a conventicle_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o most_o abominable_a villainy_n that_o be_v ever_o act_v by_o mankind_n even_o thâ—se_a who_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a enquiry_n into_o what_o they_o be_v and_o do_v attain_v unto_o very_o little_a knowledge_n or_o certainty_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o mystery_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o trajan_n and_o pliny_n with_o the_o rescript_n of_o adrian_n unto_o minucius_n fundanus_n about_o they_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n this_o our_o great_a and_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o afterward_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n 160_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o antoninus_n pius_fw-la and_o lucius_n who_o then_o rule_v the_o roman_a empire_n of_o the_o nature_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a manner_n as_o that_o i_o know_v nothing_o material_a that_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o alike_a person_n at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v touch_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o head_n of_o it_o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o church-order_n and_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o as_o be_v persuade_v and_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v and_o speak_v by_o we_o and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o seek_v of_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n the_o pardon_n of_o their_o foregoing_a sin_n and_o we_o also_o do_v join_v together_o with_o they_o in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o heâ—ein_o 1._o the_o only_a mean_n of_o conversion_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o especial_o insist_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n and_o officeâ—_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v throughout_o his_o whole_a apology_n 2._o this_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v do_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o especial_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o â—e_n do_v afterward_o that_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n but_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o the_o work_n of_o all_o christian_n that_o be_v able_a for_o it_o as_o do_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o those_o who_o be_v convert_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n or_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dotcrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o they_o take_v it_o on_o themselves_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o appoint_v they_o shall_v math._n 28.18_o 19_o 4._o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a foundation_n of_o their_o future_a profession_n they_o be_v teach_v to_o confess_v their_o former_a sin_n and_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n with_o fasting_n to_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o and_o 5._o herein_o such_o be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n join_v with_o they_o for_o their_o comfort_n and_o edification_n it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o this_o whole_a process_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o what_o account_v it_o be_v discontinue_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v so_o unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v well_o worth_a a_o strict_a enquiry_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o declare_v how_o those_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v be_v conduct_v unto_o baptism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v initiate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n thereby_o 3._o when_o any_o be_v so_o baptise_a they_o bring_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v join_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d him_n who_o be_v thus_o baptiâ—ed_v who_o believe_v and_o be_v receive_v by_o consent_n among_o 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o be_v of_o our_o number_n we_o bring_v he_o unto_o those_o call_v the_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v or_o gather_v together_o for_o joint_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o themselves_o and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v now_o illuminate_v and_o all_o other_o with_o intention_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o another_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o enstate_v profess_v believer_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v make_v their_o public_a confession_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v and_o the_o brethren_n here_o mention_v be_v the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o justin_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o declare_v by_o what_o name_n they_o call_v one_o another_o among_o themselves_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a though_o it_o be_v now_o a_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n among_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n 4._o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o church-meeting_n or_o assembly_n with_o the_o duty_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o they_o have_v frequent_a meeting_n among_o themselves_o they_o that_o have_v any_o wealth_n say_v he_o do_v help_v the_o poor_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o be_v continual_o together_o that_o be_v in_o the_o lesser_a occasional_a assembly_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o add_v immediate_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o day_n call_v sunday_n there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n and_o field_n or_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n whence_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n who_o member_n live_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n or_o field_n adjacent_a do_v constant_o all_o of_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n 5._o in_o this_o church_n he_o mention_n only_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n â—e_v mention_n but_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n the_o ruler_n the_o bishop_n to_o who_o belong_v the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mystery_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n unto_o any_o pre-eminence_n over_o other_o minister_n or_o elder_n like_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n he_o term_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n now_o certain_o that_o church_n wherein_o one_o precedent_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n do_v administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o one_o
place_n unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n 6._o the_o thing_n that_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o this_o leader_n to_o be_v do_v at_o this_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n be_v 1._o that_o he_o pray_v 2._o that_o after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o preach_v 3._o that_o he_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n the_o element_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n unto_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o he_o close_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n 7._o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacramental_a element_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o precedent_n pray_v at_o large_a giving_z thanks_o to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o vain_a be_v the_o pretence_n of_o some_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o consecrate_v the_o element_n by_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n only_o after_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o eucharist_n there_o be_v a_o collection_n make_v for_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o describe_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v so_o gather_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n who_o take_v care_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o poor_a belong_v unto_o the_o church_n hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o tertullian_n observe_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o their_o assembly_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o the_o close_a of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n justin_n give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n again_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n or_o power_n pour_v forth_o or_o send_v up_o prayer_n the_o people_n all_o joyful_o cry_v amen_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o origen_n expound_v the_o phrase_n often_o use_v by_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lib._n 8._o ad_fw-la cels._n according_a unto_o the_o present_a ability_n give_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o state_n the_o order_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o method_n in_o the_o day_n of_o justin_n martyr_n this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o unto_o these_o time_n belong_v the_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o brethren_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n record_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n hist._n lib._n 5._o cap_n 1._o their_o design_n in_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o persecution_n under_o marcus_n antoninus_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o state_n irenaeus_n be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o lion_n whereon_o after_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n he_o be_v send_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o chap._n 4._o he_o be_v indeed_o in_o that_o epistle_n call_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n although_o as_o some_o suppose_v it_o be_v sundry_a year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o pothinus_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n of_o lion_n into_o who_o room_n he_o immediate_o succeed_v and_o eusebius_n himself_o cap._n 8._o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o place_n produce_v those_o of_o irenaeus_n but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_n contest_v the_o epistle_n we_o intend_v be_v write_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o those_o church_n and_o it_o be_v write_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v or_o intend_v in_o all_o such_o epistle_n from_o they_o be_v this_o epistle_n and_o unto_o those_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n be_v it_o write_v not_o from_o one_o bishop_n unto_o another_o and_o as_o this_o manifest_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o brotherhood_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n so_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n it_o evidence_v that_o those_o church_n be_v particular_a or_o congregational_a only_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n that_o shall_v give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church_n state_n knowâ—_n unto_o they_o this_o epistle_n as_o record_v by_o eusebius_n give_v we_o as_o noble_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n that_o be_v then_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o gravity_n and_o remote_a from_o those_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o affect_v swell_a word_n which_o the_o feign_a write_n of_o that_o age_n and_o some_o that_o be_v genuine_a in_o those_o that_o follow_v be_v stuff_v withal_o tertullâ—an_n who_o live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n give_v we_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v give_v beâ—ore_o by_o justin_n martyr_n apol._n ad_fw-la gen._n cap._n 39_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n he_o first_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n corpâ—s_fw-la sumus_fw-la de_fw-fr conscientia_fw-la religionis_fw-la &_o disciplinae_fw-la unitate_fw-la &_o spei_fw-la foedere_fw-la we_o be_v a_o body_n unite_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o agreement_n in_o discipline_n whereby_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o ancient_n to_o express_v universal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n for_o whereas_o such_o a_o body_n or_o religious_a society_n can_v not_o be_v unite_v but_o by_o a_o covenant_n he_o call_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o hope_n because_o the_o principal_a respect_n be_v have_v therein_o unto_o the_o thing_n hope_v foâ—_n they_o covenant_v together_o so_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n or_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v together_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n this_o religious_a body_n or_o society_n thus_o unite_v by_o covenant_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n corpus_fw-la suâ—us_fw-la â—oâ—mus_fw-la in_o coeâ—um_fw-la &_o congregationem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasi_fw-la manu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la and_o cogimur_fw-la ad_fw-la divinarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la commemorationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n design_v to_o declare_v as_o he_o do_v in_o particular_a negotia_fw-la christianae_n factionis_fw-la as_o he_o call_v they_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o in_o their_o church_n they_o do_v attend_v unto_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n in_o their_o meeting_n in_o the_o saâ—â—_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n in_o these_o assembly_n there_o preside_v the_o elder_n that_o upon_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o meetness_n unto_o that_o office_n be_v choose_v thereunto_o precedent_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretty_a sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la and_o in_o the_o church_n thus_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n assembly_n or_o congregation_n under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o elder_n among_o other_o thing_n they_o exercise_v discipline_n that_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la no_o &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judâ—cii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la sâ—_n quis_fw-la ita_fw-la deliquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la communicatione_n oratinis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o this_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v origen_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gather_n and_o establish_v church_n under_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n and_o although_o in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a in_o the_o three_o century_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o church_n eminent_o so_o call_v and_o those_o who_o be_v only_a presbyter_n with_o their_o imparity_n and_o not_o only_o the_o precedency_n but_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o other_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o his_o epistle_n that_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o do_v preside_v be_v so_o far_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v admit_v unto_o all_o advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o allow_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o
themselves_o concern_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o concession_n when_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v very_o little_o grant_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v intend_v in_o these_o concession_n when_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o issue_n where_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o church_n he_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o infancy_n there_o all_o choice_n be_v prevent_v and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n he_o be_v to_o abide_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v esteem_v and_o deal_v withal_o as_o a_o schismatic_a in_o what_o national_a church_n any_o person_n be_v baptise_a in_o that_o national_a church_n he_o be_v to_o continue_v or_o answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o his_o peril_n and_o in_o the_o precinct_n of_o what_o parish_n his_o habitation_n fall_v to_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a parish_n church_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n i_o say_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o whatever_o be_v pretend_v of_o man_n join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a church_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n leave_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n propose_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o orderly_a evangelical_n profession_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n be_v great_o concern_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o one_o proposition_n wherein_o it_o be_v assert_v in_o the_o sense_n i_o intend_v and_o then_o full_o confirm_v it_o the_o proposition_n itself_o be_v this_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n voluntary_o and_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christ_n institution_n for_o his_o own_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o command_n 1._o this_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v 1._o unto_o they_o only_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n that_o call_v jesus_n lord_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o first_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o be_v make_v disciple_n or_o be_v bring_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o then_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2.41_o 42_o 46_o 47._o man_n must_v first_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n or_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o before_o they_o can_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o concern_v at_o present_a as_o unto_o they_o who_o either_o not_o at_o all_o profess_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v destroy_v or_o utter_o render_v useless_a that_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o such_o person_n that_o be_v their_o immediate_a duty_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n to_o refuse_v they_o their_o communion_n whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o that_o state_n there_o be_v other_o duty_n to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n press_v on_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_v for_o this_o so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n although_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a conversion_n unto_o christianity_n that_o be_v make_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o before_o belong_v unto_o god_n covenant_n they_o be_v all_o immediate_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n the_o church_n do_v not_o immediate_o admit_v they_o into_o complete_a communion_n but_o keep_v they_o as_o catechumener_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o profession_n until_o they_o be_v judge_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v who_o receive_v not_o such_o into_o complete_a communion_n with_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o present_a duty_n to_o desire_v that_o communion_n yea_o the_o admission_n of_o such_o person_n into_o church-society_n much_o more_o the_o compel_a of_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n almost_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o a_o great_a expedient_a to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v therefore_o avow_v that_o we_o can_v admit_v any_o into_o our_o church_n society_n as_o to_o complete_a membership_n and_o actual_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n no_o way_n contradict_v by_o sin_n of_o life_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o any_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o injure_v any_o baptise_a person_n hereby_o or_o oppose_v any_o of_o their_o right_n unto_o and_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o as_o they_o do_v universal_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o direct_v they_o into_o that_o way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o we_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o we_o will_v never_o deny_v that_o communion_n unto_o any_o person_n high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a old_a or_o young_a male_a or_o female_a who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o desire_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o subject_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n many_o there_o be_v who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n who_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v the_o word_n willing_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o yet_o do_v not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n into_o and_o a_o precise_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o it_o be_v such_o who_o we_o intend_v who_o constant_o fix_v their_o mind_n on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o their_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a end_n who_o thereon_o due_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o apply_v themselves_o thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o great_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n from_o some_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o number_n such_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o be_v it_o foretell_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v number_n be_v never_o yet_o esteem_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v yet_o at_o present_a absolute_o in_o these_o nation_n the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v not_o small_a 3._o of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o may_v do_v as_o a_o convenience_n or_o a_o advantage_n not_o that_o which_o other_o may_v do_v for_o they_o but_o which_o they_o must_v do_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o obediential_a act_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n whereunto_o be_v require_v subjection_n of_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n faith_n in_o his_o promise_n as_o also_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o appearance_n before_o his_o judgment-throne_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o compel_v man_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o by_o fire_n and_o faggot_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n of_o external_a force_n derive_v more_o from_o the_o alcoran_n than_o the_o gospel_n neither_o do_v it_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n end_v and_o order_n of_o church-society_n that_o man_n shall_v become_v member_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o partly_o by_o what_o their_o will_n be_v regulate_v in_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v as_o be_v say_v common_o esteem_v that_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a in_o such_o a_o nation_n be_v thereby_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
can_v have_v that_o respect_n and_o devotion_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o will_v have_v unto_o hereditary_a ruler_n long_a succession_n in_o ruler_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o veneration_n in_o the_o people_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v a_o succession_n one_o unto_o another_o by_o a_o natural_a descent_n through_o divine_a appointment_n as_o the_o priest_n have_v under_o the_o law_n or_o as_o unto_o those_o who_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o worth_n ability_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n among_o they_o they_o do_v choose_v themselves_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o be_v concern_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o maintain_v a_o reputation_n and_o interest_n by_o secular_a grandeur_n pomp_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n in_o church_n matter_n by_o external_a force_n with_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n do_v all_o proceed_v from_o this_o order_n of_o thing_n or_o rather_o disorder_n in_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n therein_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a free_a society_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ruler_n in_o it_o and_o over_o they_o neither_o by_o a_o natural_a right_n of_o their_o own_o as_o in_o paternal_a government_n nor_o by_o hereditary_a succession_n nor_o by_o election_n nor_o by_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n wherein_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v include_v but_o be_v under_o a_o yoke_n of_o a_o imposition_n of_o ruler_n on_o they_o above_o any_o society_n on_o the_o earth_n whatever_o beside_o there_o be_v that_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o its_o guide_n that_o no_o law_n order_n or_o constitution_n can_v create_v without_o their_o mutual_a voluntary_a consent_n and_o therefore_o this_o right_a and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n preserve_v sacred_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o hereof_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n sundry_a person_n as_o patron_n and_o ordinary_n have_v a_o concur_v interest_n into_o the_o impose_v of_o a_o minister_n or_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v so_o upon_o any_o such_o church_n without_o the_o knowledge_n consent_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n either_o desire_v or_o accept_v if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o constitution_n of_o thing_n relate_v unto_o the_o ministry_n because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v in_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o real_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o avow_a subjection_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v no_o way_n obnoxious_a unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o schism_n that_o consist_v in_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v disciple_n free_a be_v that_o who_o gild_n no_o man_n need_v to_o fear_v 5._o what_o remain_v of_o those_o reason_n whereon_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o conformity_n under_o consideration_n be_v clear_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n from_o any_o obligation_n thereunto_o and_o so_o from_o all_o gild_n of_o schism_n whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o head_n of_o imposition_n on_o their_o conscience_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o must_v submit_v unto_o these_o be_v such_o as_o many_o whole_a book_n have_v be_v write_v about_o the_o chief_a whereof_o have_v no_o way_n be_v answer_v unless_a rail_n and_o scoffing_n with_o contempt_n and_o fierce_a reproach_n with_o false_a accusation_n may_v pass_v for_o answer_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o insist_v upon_o they_o some_o few_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o this_o dispute_n 1._o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o minister_n consist_v in_o a_o public_a assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n with_o the_o rubric_n in_o it_o which_o contain_v all_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o command_n and_o prohibition_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o whole_a entire_a state_n order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n whoever_o give_v solemn_o this_o assent_n and_o consent_n unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o enter_v his_o protestation_n against_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o dislike_v and_o of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o he_o do_v so_o assent_v and_o consent_n which_o by_o law_n be_v allow_v unto_o none_o the_o say_a assent_n and_o consent_n be_v his_o public_a profession_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o all_o contain_v in_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o order_v of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v part_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o his_o gospel_n bless_a be_v god_n most_o minister_n be_v too_o wise_a and_o honest_a to_o delude_v their_o conscience_n with_o distinction_n equivocation_n and_o reservation_n and_o do_v thereon_o rather_o choose_v to_o suffer_v penury_n and_o penalty_n then_o to_o make_v the_o least_o entrenchment_n upon_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o profession_n what_o they_o do_v and_o declare_v of_o this_o nature_n they_o must_v do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o approve_v what_o they_o do_v not_o only_o as_o pardonable_a effect_n of_o necessity_n but_o as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a they_o have_v or_o can_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o a_o solemn_a renunciation_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o they_o do_v so_o approve_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o meet_a imposition_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o great_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o a_o various_a composition_n unto_o thing_n almost_o without_o number_n wherein_o exception_n have_v be_v give_v of_o old_a and_o late_o not_o answer_v nor_o answerable_a with_o rule_n law_n order_n not_o pretend_v to_o be_v scriptural_a prescription_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o who_o have_v due_a thought_n of_o their_o approach_a account_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o the_o conformity_n that_o be_v require_v of_o other_o be_v precise_o and_o without_o power_n of_o dispensation_n in_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v require_v to_o answer_v the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o it_o before_o declare_v every_o man_n by_o his_o so_o conform_v do_v thereby_o take_v it_o on_o his_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o part_v of_o his_o christian_a profession_n that_o all_o which_o he_o so_o conform_v unto_o be_v not_o only_o what_o he_o may_v do_v but_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v both_o in_o matter_n and_o manner_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o do_v determine_v or_o enjoin_v they_o no_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o make_v either_o distinction_n or_o protestation_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v interpretable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o a_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a sincerity_n and_o openness_n in_o profession_n be_v indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n unto_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o to_o instruct_v man_n as_o unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o only_o hope_v they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o that_o performance_n of_o it_o which_o either_o they_o approve_v not_o of_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o whole_a or_o not_o lawful_a or_o approvable_a in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v to_o instruct_v they_o unto_o the_o debauch_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o ruin_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v every_o one_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o what_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n 3._o there_o be_v in_o this_o conformity_n require_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o other_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n or_o mean_n of_o edification_n that_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o they_o be_v all_o express_o forbid_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o conformity_n no_o man_n therefore_o can_v comply_v with_o that_o rule_n but_o that_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o other_o public_a way_n of_o edification_n as_o unlawful_a be_v part_n of_o the_o visible_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la deteriora_fw-la sequor_fw-la be_v no_o good_a plea_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v uprightness_n and_o integrity_n that_o will_v preserve_v man_n and_o nothing_o else_o he_o that_o
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
world_n according_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o they_o and_o when_o on_o any_o occasion_n any_o division_n or_o schism_n fall_v out_o among_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o this_o church_n state_n it_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n to_o obey_v their_o guide_n to_o honour_n and_o reverence_n they_o and_o by_o their_o voluntary_a contribution_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o honourable_a subsistence_n and_o maintenance_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n other_o church_n state_n neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o full_o manifest_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n know_v then_o to_o be_v schism_n or_o so_o esteem_v but_o a_o division_n fall_v out_o in_o some_o one_o of_o these_o church_n which_o happen_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o only_o by_o some_o of_o their_o teacher_n fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o or_o by_o various_a opinion_n about_o their_o guide_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o or_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o in_o seek_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o office_n among_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o thing_n among_o those_o church_n wherein_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o schism_n be_v concern_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a there_o be_v then_o no_o such_o subordination_n of_o church_n of_o many_o unto_o one_o as_o be_v now_o plead_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o officer_n into_o those_o who_o have_v a_o plenary_a and_o those_o who_o have_v a_o partiary_a power_n only_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n no_o church_n with_o a_o single_a officer_n over_o it_o comprehend_v in_o a_o subjection_n unto_o its_o jurisdiction_n a_o multitude_n of_o other_o church_n no_o invention_n no_o imposition_n of_o any_o order_n formâ—_n of_o prayer_n or_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n be_v once_o think_v of_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v first_o attempt_v it_o cause_v great_a trouble_n among_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o noncompliance_n wherewithal_o we_o be_v vehement_o charge_v with_o schism_n be_v then_o neither_o lay_v nor_o hatch_v neither_o thought_n of_o nor_o invent_v to_o erect_v new_a kind_n of_o church_n to_o introduce_v into_o they_o new_a order_n new_a rule_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o impose_v their_o observation_n on_o all_o church_n and_o all_o member_n of_o they_o and_o to_o charge_v their_o dissent_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n that_o schism_n which_o be_v prohibit_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v much_o of_o a_o assume_v authority_n and_o severity_n in_o it_o nothing_o of_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o after_o that_o church_n begin_v to_o depart_v from_o this_o original_a constitution_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v before_o declare_v every_o alteration_n produce_v a_o new_a supposition_n of_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n whereto_o every_o church_n of_o a_o new_a constitution_n lay_v claim_v new_a sort_n of_o schism_n be_v also_o coin_a and_o frame_v for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n find_v out_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereby_o those_o meek_a holy_a humble_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christ_n institution_n who_o as_o such_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n in_o power_n authority_n dignity_n jurisdiction_n or_o wealth_n in_o some_o instance_n wherein_o they_o get_v the_o advantage_n one_o of_o another_o become_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o equal_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n yea_o one_o of_o they_o to_o claim_v a_o monarchy_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n during_o the_o progression_n of_o this_o apostasy_n church_n unity_n and_o schism_n decline_v from_o their_o centre_n and_o vary_v their_o state_n according_a unto_o the_o present_a interest_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v whoever_o have_v get_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o prevail_a reputation_n though_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o corrupt_a make_v it_o bite_v and_o devour_v all_o that_o dislike_v it_o and_o will_v swear_v that_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v church-unity_n and_o to_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v schism_n unto_o that_o state_n all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o thing_n be_v come_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n howbeit_o what_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o or_o contend_v for_o of_o power_n privilege_n authority_n pre-eminence_n jurisdiction_n catholicism_n way_n of_o worship_n rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o a_o noise_n about_o and_o in_o the_o dispute_n whereof_o so_o many_o various_a hypothesis_n be_v advance_v that_o can_v be_v accommodate_v unto_o such_o christian_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o prudence_n or_o imprudence_n of_o man_n and_o what_o it_o will_v prove_v the_o event_n will_v show_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v once_o well_o understand_v will_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o innumerable_a fruitless_a endless_a contest_v sovereign_a prince_n from_o all_o disturbance_n on_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n and_o private_a person_n from_o the_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o entrust_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o another_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o at_o this_o time_n to_o expect_v the_o reduction_n of_o christian_a religion_n unto_o its_o primitive_a power_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n nor_o do_v i_o reflect_v blame_n on_o they_o who_o walk_v conscientious_o in_o such_o a_o church_n state_n and_o order_n as_o they_o approve_v of_o or_o suppose_v it_o the_o best_a they_o can_v attain_v unto_o only_o i_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o all_o christ_n disciple_n at_o all_o time_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n in_o what_o he_o have_v not_o enjoin_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_v book_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n the_o precede_a discourse_n be_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n before_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n stillingfleet_n entitle_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o so_o without_o a_o prospect_n at_o least_o a_o probable_a conjecture_n that_o something_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o tendency_n with_o the_o doctor_n book_n will_v be_v publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o i_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v both_o finish_v and_o communicate_v unto_o public_a view_n before_o any_o thing_n far_o be_v attempt_v against_o our_o cause_n whereby_o many_o mistake_v may_v have_v be_v prevent_v for_o as_o i_o be_v willing_a yea_o very_a desirous_a if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v see_v before_o my_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o cause_n of_o conformity_n as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n plead_v with_o judgement_n moderation_n and_o learning_n with_o the_o best_a of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n be_v oppose_v so_o consider_v on_o what_o hand_n that_o work_n be_v now_o like_a to_o fall_v i_o think_v si_fw-la pergania_fw-la dextra_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o be_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o but_o my_o expectation_n be_v frustrate_a of_o represent_v our_o whole_a cause_n true_o state_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o mistake_v by_o the_o come_n out_o of_o this_o book_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o publish_v this_o first_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v design_v and_o to_o annex_v unto_o it_o the_o ensue_a defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n for_o although_o i_o do_v know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o sepaeration_n but_o what_o be_v obviate_v or_o answer_v before_o hand_n in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n so_o as_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o they_o contain_v therein_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v unto_o all_o the_o reason_n exception_n and_o plea_n in_o and_o of_o that_o book_n to_o render_v they_o useless_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v which_o be_v to_o reinforce_v a_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o show_v how_o unsuccessful_a from_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o doctor_n have_v be_v
thing_n not_o corruptive_a or_o destructive_a of_o this_o rule_n do_v differ_v from_o we_o but_o say_v our_o author_n the_o sense_n according_a to_o dr._n o._n be_v this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n shall_v go_v on_o and_o do_v their_o duty_n without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n abate_v that_o expression_n of_o without_o regard_v lesser_a difference_n which_o be_v not_o i_o and_o supply_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o mutual_o forbear_v each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v my_o sense_n at_o first_o view_v it_o look_v as_o like_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_n but_o say_v the_o doctor_n this_o sense_n be_v uncertain_a because_o it_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o difference_n and_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o such_o difference_n among_o they_o which_o he_o design_v to_o prevent_v by_o persuade_v they_o so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n beside_o the_o difference_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v none_o of_o the_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o that_o which_o they_o differ_v about_o be_v urge_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o oppose_v on_o the_o other_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a unto_o it_o and_o again_o pag._n 169._o let_v dr._n o._n name_n any_o other_o small_a difference_n of_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o the_o sense_n be_v very_o certain_a because_o it_o give_v the_o due_a bound_n unto_o the_o difference_n suppose_v namely_o such_o as_o concern_v not_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n 2._o it_o do_v suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o these_o difference_n because_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v the_o same_o if_o any_o one_o be_v yet_o otherwise_o mind_a which_o hinder_v no_o kind_n of_o endeavour_n to_o compose_v or_o remove_v they_o 3._o the_o difference_n intend_v be_v not_o those_o between_o they_o who_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v oppose_v for_o the_o apostle_n give_v no_o such_o rule_n as_o this_o in_o that_o case_n 4._o i_o do_v express_o assign_v those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o the_o direction_n here_o be_v applicable_a unto_o namely_o those_o between_o the_o blind_a sort_n of_o jew_n mention_v before_o and_o the_o gentile_a believer_n which_o the_o apostle_n state_n and_o apply_v the_o same_o rule_n unto_o rom._n 14._o what_o remain_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o second_o enquiry_n do_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v supposition_n and_o concern_v not_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n pag._n 170._o he_o proceed_v unto_o his_o last_o enquiry_n which_o indeed_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a unto_o his_o purpose_n namely_o how_o this_o rule_n have_v a_o influence_n on_o our_o case_n what_o this_o rule_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o enquiry_n be_v make_v he_o do_v not_o declare_v either_o the_o precise_a signification_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o this_o place_n or_o the_o direction_n give_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o rule_n may_v be_v intend_v that_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o our_o walk_n in_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o especial_a rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o respect_n thereunto_o in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n may_v be_v so_o intend_v if_o by_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o understand_v a_o rule_n canon_n or_o command_v establish_v a_o church_n state_n with_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o ceremony_n order_n and_o government_n no_o where_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v open_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n then_o that_o no_o such_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o that_o only_o whereunto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v annex_v as_o gal._n 6.16_o which_o be_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o a_o direction_n that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n not_o break_v in_o on_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n accompany_v with_o different_a practice_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a from_o those_o different_a apprehension_n the_o major_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o the_o difference_n be_v shall_v compel_v the_o minor_a to_o forbear_v their_o practice_n according_a unto_o their_o apprehension_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n on_o all_o sort_n of_o penalty_n if_o they_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v such_o a_o direction_n in_o these_o word_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o this_o the_o directionâ—hat_n â—hat_z can_v give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o doctor_n be_v cause_v but_o if_o by_o this_o rule_n the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v intend_v and_o the_o direction_n be_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o with_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o love_n as_o unto_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n than_o this_o rule_n have_v little_a advantageous_a influence_n into_o it_o but_o than_o say_v the_o doctor_n so_o far_o as_o man_n agree_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o as_o to_o opinion_n or_o communion_n i_o grant_v it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n where_o such_o a_o communion_n be_v require_v of_o they_o regular_o and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o 2_o say_v he_o that_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o unite_v with_o other_o though_o of_o low_a attainment_n and_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o same_o rule_n no_o doubt_n howbeit_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o we_o have_v all_o attain_v yea_o but_o 3_o this_o rule_n take_v in_o all_o such_o order_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o judge_v necessary_a to_o hold_v the_o member_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n together_o what_o rule_n do_v this_o who_o shall_v appoint_v the_o order_n intend_v who_o shall_v judge_v of_o their_o necessity_n be_v they_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n be_v they_o determine_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o so_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o if_o by_o these_o order_n he_o intend_v such_o as_o man_n do_v or_o may_v at_o any_o time_n under_o pretence_n of_o church_n authority_n invent_v and_o impose_v as_o necessary_a make_v alteration_n in_o the_o original_a state_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o châ—rch_n as_o also_o in_o its_o worship_n and_o discipline_n it_o will_v be_v strange_a to_o i_o if_o he_o can_v find_v they_o out_o either_o in_o the_o rule_n here_o mention_v or_o the_o dirâ—â—tion_n give_v with_o reference_n unto_o it_o see_v such_o a_o practice_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o rule_n or_o canon_n make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o at_o length_n ruin_v all_o church_n in_o their_o state_n order_n and_o worship_n if_o such_o a_o ruin_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o the_o roman_a apostasy_n he_o therefore_o object_n out_o of_o my_o discourse_n pag._n 171._o let_v the_o apostle_n rule_v be_v produce_v with_o any_o probability_n of_o proof_n to_o be_v his_o and_o we_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o subscribe_v and_o conform_v unto_o it_o to_o which_o he_o reply_v this_o be_v the_o apostle_n rule_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o to_o sit_v down_o quiet_o and_o wait_v for_o further_a instruction_n and_o not_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o present_a dissatisfaction_n nor_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n out_o of_o other_o upon_o supposition_n of_o high_a attainment_n answ._n 1._o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o those_o who_o make_v and_o impose_v these_o new_a unscriptual_a order_n be_v the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o the_o church_n they_o have_v authority_n so_o to_o make_v and_o impose_v they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o believe_v some_o man_n judge_v it_o ought_v so_o to_o have_v be_v but_o 2._o the_o apostle_n rule_n be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o dispute_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v we_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n 3._o he_o do_v not_o intimate_v any_o thing_n about_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o what_o will_v do_v so_o by_o a_o imposition_n on_o one_o another_o in_o
be_v that_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v which_o be_v repugnant_a unto_o it_o in_o its_o general_a rule_n or_o especial_a prohibition_n nothing_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o refuse_v and_o reject_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n this_o they_o all_o contend_v for_o and_o confirm_v their_o assertion_n by_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o prove_v this_o to_o have_v be_v their_o principle_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o light_n as_o they_o say_v a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o testimony_n of_o it_o after_o a_o while_n this_o principle_n begin_v to_o be_v weaken_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n make_v they_o except_v from_o this_o rule_n thing_n of_o outward_a order_n with_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n the_o ordain_v whereof_o they_o plead_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o church_n as_o they_o see_v good_n hereby_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v great_o weaken_v for_o no_o certain_a bound_n can_v ever_o be_v assign_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o plea_n may_v be_v manage_v for_o many_o of_o the_o popish_a order_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v reject_v as_o forcible_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v retain_v and_o whereas_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n agree_v to_o abide_v by_o this_o principle_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o fall_v out_o a_o admirable_a harmony_n in_o their_o confession_n thereof_o but_o leave_v the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v unto_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o order_n ceremony_n rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o polity_n those_o difference_n and_o division_n ensue_v among_o they_o which_o continue_v unto_o this_o day_n but_o this_o persuasion_n in_o some_o place_n make_v a_o far_a progress_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n in_o religious_a worship_n provide_v that_o they_o concern_v outward_a order_n rite_n rule_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o on_o severe_a penalty_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a this_o almost_o utter_o destroy_v the_o great_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o first_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v suppose_v the_o right_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o imposer_n to_o determine_v what_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o head_n mention_v they_o may_v under_o that_o pretence_n impose_v what_o they_o please_v and_o refuse_v those_o who_o they_o impose_v they_o on_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a principle_n namely_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o impose_v that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o have_v prove_v the_o rise_n of_o all_o endless_a difference_n and_o schism_n among_o we_o nor_o will_v they_o be_v heal_v until_o all_o christian_n be_v restore_v unto_o their_o liberty_n of_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n only_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o mr._n chillingsworth_n unto_o this_o purpose_n be_v emphatical_a which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o transcribe_v though_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o very_o averse_a from_o require_v say_v he_o of_o christian_n only_a to_o believe_v christ_n and_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o he_o only_o let_v those_o leave_n claim_v of_o infallibility_n who_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o let_v they_o that_o in_o their_o word_n disclaim_v it_o disclaim_v it_o likewise_o in_o their_o action_n in_o a_o word_n take_v away_o tyranny_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o support_v error_n and_o superstition_n and_o impiety_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o long_o withstand_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v take_v away_o tyranny_n and_o restore_v christian_n to_o their_o just_a and_o full_a liberty_n of_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o scripture_n only_o that_o universal_a liberty_n thus_o moderate_v may_n quick_o reduce_v christendom_n to_o truth_n and_o unity_n part_v 1._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 16._o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o first_o reformation_n we_o do_v not_o only_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o reject_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n whereby_o its_o force_n be_v weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o also_o do_v willing_o suffer_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v befall_v we_o in_o give_v our_o testimony_n thereunto_o neither_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v peace_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n until_o it_o be_v admit_v in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n especial_o in_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o it_o exclude_v all_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o person_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v apply_v to_o weaken_v this_o principle_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n all_o man_n can_v easy_o see_v this_o that_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n they_o have_v to_o rest_v and_o build_v upon_o they_o do_v see_v actual_o that_o where_o man_n go_v about_o to_o prescribe_v thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o divine_a worship_n not_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o no_o two_o church_n have_v agree_v therein_o but_o endless_a contention_n have_v ensue_v that_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o particular_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hereon_o be_v ready_a to_o resolve_v to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o christ_n and_o to_o admit_v of_o nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v warrant_v by_o his_o word_n second_o the_o second_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n whereon_o the_o reformer_n justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o christian_a people_n be_v not_o tie_v up_o unto_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o church_n guide_n but_o be_v not_o only_o at_o liberty_n but_o also_o oblige_v to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v in_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o papacy_n do_v stand_v on_o this_o basis_n or_o dunghill_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v cement_v by_o this_o device_n namely_o that_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o ignorance_n be_v oblige_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o a_o implicit_a obedience_n unto_o their_o pretend_a guide_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o fit_a for_o any_o other_o condition_n they_o take_v from_o they_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o their_o instruction_n unto_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o first_o reformer_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v their_o right_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v carry_v on_o their_o work_n that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o multitude_n of_o they_o quick_o manifest_v how_o meet_a and_o worthy_a they_o be_v to_o have_v this_o right_o restore_v unto_o they_o in_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n suffer_v as_o martyr_n under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o bishop_n this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v in_o no_o small_a degree_n weaken_v by_o many_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o dr._n still_o himself_o pag._n 127_o 128._o deny_v unto_o the_o people_n all_o liberty_n or_o ability_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v for_o their_o own_o edification_n what_o be_v heresy_n or_o a_o pernicious_a error_n and_o what_o be_v not_o or_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n concern_v they_o who_o admire_v and_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 7.49_o this_o rabble_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n yet_o be_v it_o this_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n direct_v
be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v only_o particular_a congregation_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v the_o christian_n about_o in_o a_o province_n or_o diocese_n to_o be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v first_o erect_v in_o any_o town_n or_o city_n but_o they_o found_v new_a church_n with_o new_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o in_o all_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o believer_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n and_o this_o i_o prove_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v first_o plant_v but_o quick_o after_o there_o be_v church_n gather_v and_o settle_v in_o judea_n gallilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o plant_v church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n as_o clemens_n speak_v but_o what_o say_v he_o be_v this_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n this_o it_o be_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o of_o they_o congregational_a not_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a but_o say_v he_o the_o thing_n i_o desire_v be_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n he_o may_v desire_v it_o of_o they_o who_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v multiply_v in_o one_o city_n into_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o which_o i_o deny_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n although_o they_o may_v and_o do_v occasional_o meet_v especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n in_o distinct_a assembly_n neither_o will_v their_o multiplication_n into_o more_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a officer_n at_o all_o help_n the_o cause_n he_o plead_v for_o for_o his_o diocesan_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o distinct_a church_n with_o their_o distinct_a officer_n order_n and_o power_n as_o he_o afterward_o describe_v our_o parish_n to_o do_v under_o one_o bishop_n yet_o such_o be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v twenty_o time_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o speak_v of_o one_o city_n the_o scripture_n still_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n but_o speak_v of_o a_o province_n as_o judea_n galilee_n samaria_n galatia_n macedonia_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o they_o which_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o know_v nothing_o of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_a or_o national_a church_n he_o produce_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o because_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a theâ—ne_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v there_o be_v indeed_o then_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.28_o and_o afterward_o when_o one_o church_n have_v one_o bishop_n only_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o require_v two_o church_n as_o epiphanus_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d haeres_fw-la 68_o s._n 6._o for_o alexandria_n never_o have_v two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v whether_o he_o intend_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n or_o two_o church_n in_o one_o city_n all_o be_v one_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o dr._n i_o presume_v make_v this_o observation_n rather_o artificial_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n against_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n then_o with_o any_o design_n to_o strengthen_v it_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v but_o know_v how_o frequent_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o national_a church_n state_n as_o unto_o its_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o essex_n suffolk_z hartfordshire_n and_o so_o of_o other_o county_n without_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o general_a church_n unto_o which_o they_o shall_v belong_v will_v be_v judge_v to_o speak_v rather_o the_o independent_a than_o the_o episcopal_a dialect_n but_o say_v he_o p._n 236._o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v what_o dr._n o._n mean_n when_o after_o he_o have_v produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o province_n he_o call_v this_o plain_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o erect_v particular_a distinct_a congregation_n who_o deny_v that_o i_o say_v then_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o cause_n that_o they_o erect_v church_n of_o another_o sort_n kind_a and_o order_n also_o but_o say_v he_o i_o see_v nothing_o like_o a_o proof_n of_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o city_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v be_v prudent_o let_v alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o propose_v it_o to_o confirmation_n nor_o assert_v it_o but_o have_v prove_v the_o contrary_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n this_o only_a i_o assert_v that_o every_o church_n in_o one_o city_n be_v only_o one_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o the_o contrary_a yea_o he_o affirm_v the_o same_o but_o say_v he_o sect_n 6._o p._n 237._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 no_o 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 but_o then_o say_v he_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o a_o single_a congregation_n why_o so_o for_o say_v he_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 i_o say_v because_o they_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o so_o can_v be_v observe_v in_o occasional_a meeting_n do_v this_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o say_v he_o the_o number_n of_o elder_n be_v unlimited_a than_o every_o of_o those_o may_v attend_v the_o occasional_a distinct_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o yet_o altogether_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o one_o church_n and_o so_o say_v i_o they_o may_v and_o yet_o be_v one_o church_n still_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o the_o meeting_n intend_v be_v occasional_a so_o also_o be_v the_o attendance_n of_o the_o elder_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o may_v be_v the_o dr._n be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o think_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a unto_o they_o but_o those_o of_o that_o way_n do_v maintain_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o the_o compleatness_n of_o it_o many_o elder_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v increase_v as_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v occasional_o in_o distinct_a assembly_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o prayer_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o mutual_a exhortation_n so_o when_o peter_n be_v in_o prison_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n many_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n to_o pray_o act_v 12.12_o which_o be_v not_o a_o meeting_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o private_a meeting_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o multiplication_n of_o instance_n but_o still_o they_o continue_v one_o church_n and_o join_v together_o in_o all_o act_n of_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a every_o lordsday_n as_o justin_n martyr_n declare_v that_o the_o church_n do_v in_o his_o time_n for_o all_o the_o christian_n say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o city_n and_o village_n about_o gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o end_v mention_v but_o still_o these_o distinct_a occasional_a assembly_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o distinct_a society_n or_o corporation_n as_o the_o distinct_a company_n do_v in_o a_o city_n but_o say_v he_o grant_v one_o single_a bishop_n over_o all_o these_o elder_n and_o they_o 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 i_o say_v we_o will_v quick_o grant_v it_o can_v we_o see_v any_o warrant_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o so_o it_o be_v