that_o of_o thuanus_n before_o his_o history_n and_o the_o preface_n of_o casaubon_n in_o his_o edition_n of_o polybius_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o independent_a church_n to_o their_o confession_n which_o ought_v to_o follow_v but_o as_o they_o profess_v a_o perfect_a harmony_n among_o themselves_o so_o likewise_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o same_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o to_o that_o which_o concern_v discipline_n for_o except_v some_o few_o apostolical_a and_o perpetual_a rule_n which_o admit_v no_o change_n according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n concern_v the_o equality_n of_o pastor_n that_o choice_n that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o make_v of_o its_o pastor_n in_o which_o monsieur_n mestrezat_n and_o monsieur_n claude_n make_v the_o true_a ordination_n to_o consist_v the_o solemn_a benediction_n of_o that_o pastor_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o refusal_n they_o 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that_o of_o well_o order_n d_o republic_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v too_o exact_a for_o the_o regulate_v of_o manner_n but_o which_o have_v but_o very_o few_o law_n for_o that_o of_o polity_n they_o be_v far_o from_o that_o maxim_n in_fw-la pâ—ssima_fw-la republicà _fw-la pluri_fw-la ne_fw-la leges_fw-la but_o how_o â—ise_v soever_o their_o carriage_n and_o government_n be_v how_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n their_o doctrine_n and_o how_o exact_a and_o scrupulous_a their_o â—ives_n yet_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o tyranny_n of_o those_o little_a sincere_a judgement_n which_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o grave_a person_n have_v make_v of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o need_v be_v no_o surprise_n at_o all_o if_o the_o doctor_n of_o rome_n how_o illuminate_v soever_o and_o sincere_a they_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v have_v have_v for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o have_v still_o to_o this_o day_n so_o great_a a_o aversion_n for_o our_o religion_n how_o holy_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o have_v pass_v judgement_n so_o little_o favourable_a of_o it_o as_o to_o draw_v from_o our_o moral_n consequence_n that_o be_v as_o far_o from_o purity_n and_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v from_o our_o intention_n this_o i_o say_v need_v be_v no_o surprise_n at_o all_o to_o we_o since_o that_o amyrauld_n daillé_n and_o so_o many_o other_o of_o their_o gown_n have_v not_o pass_v any_o less_o sinister_a judgement_n of_o a_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o holy_a as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o independent_n no_o more_o than_o of_o their_o carriage_n government_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o carriage_n and_o government_n whether_o in_o private_a or_o in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o better_o regulate_v more_o wise_a more_o prudent_a more_o illuminate_v nor_o more_o religious_a as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n their_o confession_n of_o faith_n shall_v witness_v what_o it_o be_v since_o that_o of_o all_o those_o that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n the_o most_o perfect_a pure_a and_o orthodox_n and_o in_o which_o it_o may_v well_o nigh_o be_v say_v the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v find_v complete_a though_o there_o shall_v only_o be_v remain_v that_o single_a piece_n in_o all_o the_o bookseller_n shop_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a carriage_n of_o the_o independent_n and_o of_o their_o way_n to_o get_v further_o off_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o other_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o it_o and_o the_o church_n that_o hold_v any_o communion_n with_o rome_n that_o the_o endeavour_n to_o come_v near_o it_o be_v damnable_a and_o pernicious_a as_o be_v sufficient_o see_v in_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o england_n those_o who_o shall_v approve_v of_o the_o wise_a conduct_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o compose_n of_o a_o confession_n that_o have_v so_o much_o conformity_n with_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o neither_o wisdom_n nor_o prudence_n have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o when_o with_o that_o conformity_n of_o faith_n that_o there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o great_a distance_n from_o popery_n they_o have_v preserve_v to_o themselves_o their_o liberty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o do_v their_o business_n a_o part_n independant_o one_o on_o the_o other_o and_o on_o all_o other_o authority_n beside_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v use_n of_o that_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o conference_n and_o synod_n which_o have_v rather_o sharp'n_v and_o exasperate_v spirit_n and_o perpetuate_v quarrel_n than_o any_o way_n appease_v and_o hush_v they_o and_o whereof_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o can_v be_v hope_v be_v at_o most_o to_o make_v such_o a_o accord_n as_o it_o may_v be_v dissemble_v or_o disguise_n or_o else_o suppress_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o appear_v in_o the_o colloquy_n of_o poissy_n where_o the_o great_a defender_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o those_o who_o combat_v and_o oppose_v it_o as_o a_o vile_a monster_n of_o rome_n concur_v together_o upon_o the_o article_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o this_o be_v what_o appear_v also_o in_o the_o overture_n of_o reconciliation_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o year_n 1578._o in_o the_o synod_n of_o saint_n foy_n with_o the_o lutheran_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o formulary_a or_o precedent_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v be_v general_a and_o common_a with_o all_o church_n as_o they_o propose_v to_o draw_v up_o but_o that_o overture_n can_v only_o tend_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n as_o difficult_a as_o that_o of_o find_v a_o medium_fw-la between_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o certain_o our_o church_n be_v never_o able_a to_o draw_v back_o from_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o doctrine_n nor_o from_o the_o sincerity_n with_o which_o they_o express_v it_o without_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o great_a prevarication_n and_o moreover_o the_o lutheran_n will_v never_o have_v yield_v to_o go_v off_o from_o their_o engagement_n to_o luther_n and_o his_o consubstantiation_n if_o both_o have_v comply_v and_o meet_v at_o half_a way_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o most_o wretched_a peace_n quae_fw-la as_o saint_n austin_n speak_v fit_a dispenaio_fw-la veritatis_fw-la the_o present_a posture_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o england_n be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o convince_a proof_n that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o reconciler_n how_o good_a soever_o their_o design_n be_v be_v ruinous_a both_o to_o church_n and_o state_n there_o have_v be_v a_o attempt_n for_o above_o this_o last_o age_n to_o get_v into_o a_o neighbourhood_n and_o vicinity_n with_o rome_n think_v to_o sweeten_v the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o those_o of_o its_o communion_n to_o draw_v they_o over_o to_o we_o or_o at_o at_o least_o to_o make_v but_o one_o communion_n of_o two_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v several_a of_o the_o ceremony_n retain_v and_o fifty_o year_n afterward_o other_o of_o they_o be_v introduce_v they_o have_v attempt_v to_o bring_v in_o image_n and_o so_o to_o pass_v from_o thence_o to_o worship_v of_o they_o every_o where_o the_o altar_n be_v new_a set_v up_o on_o purpose_n no_o doubt_n to_o make_v there_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n to_o smoak_n which_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o bowing_n and_o cringing_n to_o those_o altar_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v set_v or_o as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o be_v to_o the_o east_n the_o ordination_n of_o romish_a pastor_n be_v hold_v for_o good_a and_o for_o that_o
to_o obey_v he_o reasonable_o without_o make_v use_n of_o our_o iwn_a illumination_n to_o know_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v whither_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n if_o he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o humane_a judgement_n submit_v to_o that_o which_o discover_v its_o infallibility_n with_o so_o much_o dazzle_v and_o lustre_n unless_o reason_n lead_v one_o to_o it_o by_o a_o argument_n à _fw-fr fortiori_fw-la will_v he_o approve_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o independent_n as_o reasonable_a when_o they_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o judgement_n that_o be_v humane_a and_o fallible_a but_o the_o true_a constitution_n of_o synod_n according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o divine_n and_o of_o faithful_a people_n and_o the_o true_a use_n they_o make_v of_o they_o and_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o ask_v and_o receive_v from_o they_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o one_o expect_v and_o as_o one_o ought_v to_o receive_v it_o from_o wise_a and_o experience_a man_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o impulse_n that_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o the_o great_a archbishop_n of_o armagh_n and_o mr._n baxter_n give_v they_o when_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o such_o and_o also_o the_o ecumenical_a synod_n which_o be_v hold_v under_o constantine_n and_o martian_a have_v no_o more_o before_o those_o emperor_n give_v to_o their_o conclusion_n the_o force_n and_o prevalence_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o sanction_n of_o imperial_a law_n they_o take_v the_o apostolical_a synod_n for_o the_o model_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o synod_n at_o least_o of_o that_o which_o they_o will_v attribute_v to_o themselves_o and_o although_o it_o be_v the_o only_a synod_n that_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o its_o authority_n be_v much_o more_o eminent_a otherwise_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o synodal_n assembly_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n yet_o it_o never_o go_v as_o the_o other_o have_v do_v since_o to_o throw_v out_o anathema_n at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o they_o but_o it_o only_o conclude_v with_o this_o exhortation_n if_o you_o keep_v these_o canon_n you_o will_v do_v well_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o power_n and_o call_n of_o pastor_n and_o of_o their_o ordination_n and_o according_a to_o the_o good_a maxim_n of_o monsieur_n mestrozat_n mounseur_fw-fr pajon_n and_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n and_o their_o doctor_n be_v the_o first_o who_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n as_o to_o what_o respect_v the_o power_n the_o authority_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o pastor_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o which_o be_v confine_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o which_o go_v not_o beyond_o persuasion_n or_o at_o the_o far_a a_o declaration_n that_o it_o make_v that_o it_o no_o long_o own_v such_o and_o such_o either_o for_o the_o pastor_n or_o member_n of_o its_o society_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o natural_a right_n and_o not_o in_o shoot_v out_o the_o thunderclap_n of_o excommunication_n or_o deposition_n against_o they_o for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o business_n that_o be_v much_o dispute_v of_o among_o they_o the_o heretic_n and_o the_o wicked_a be_v condemn_v by_o their_o own_o confession_n have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v because_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v of_o themselves_o as_o the_o bishop_n godean_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o paraphrase_n upon_o the_o eleven_o verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistile_a to_o titus_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v what_o he_o say_v after_o saint_n jerome_n if_o any_o one_o of_o their_o assembly_n practise_v excommunication_n it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o privation_n from_o the_o holy_a supper_n but_o a_o ejection_n of_o the_o body_n out_o of_o the_o assembly_n no_o long_o to_o be_v reckon_v any_o of_o their_o member_n chap._n vi_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o congregational_a way_n be_v incompatible_a with_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o it_o deprive_v the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o right_n he_o have_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v introductory_n of_o irreligion_n ignorance_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n condemn_v those_o who_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o person_n that_o despise_v superior_a power_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o their_o way_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v as_o mounseur_fw-fr daille_n believe_v pernicious_a and_o such_o as_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n or_o which_o over-throws_a the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o sovereign_n and_o their_o state_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o the_o world_n which_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o empire_n especial_o of_o monarchy_n and_o which_o ought_v less_o disquiet_v the_o crown_a head_n for_o fear_n lest_o they_o shall_v cause_v by_o it_o any_o commotion_n in_o the_o state_n than_o they_o for_o as_o they_o do_v not_o set_v up_o and_o establish_v any_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n which_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o the_o two_o three_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o the_o state_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v most_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o trouble_v make_v by_o league_n and_o confederation_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o as_o those_o practice_n it_o when_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o as_o oft_o time_n they_o have_v do_v a_o assembly_n of_o their_o deputy_n all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o these_o general_a and_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v be_v formidable_a to_o king_n and_o parliament_n because_o they_o be_v as_o a_o altar_n and_o a_o sovereign_n ecclesiastical_a power_n oppose_v to_o a_o sovereign_n and_o civil_a power_n of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v see_v pernicious_a effect_n in_o scotland_n and_o which_o france_n will_v have_v find_v if_o the_o reform_a religion_n have_v prevail_v over_o the_o romish_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o persuade_v that_o nothing_o so_o much_o divert_v henry_n the_o four_o from_o the_o thought_n he_o may_v have_v have_v to_o establish_v the_o reform_a religion_n in_o france_n as_o the_o apprehension_n he_o have_v that_o his_o action_n be_v somewhat_o free_a may_v be_v too_o far_o look_v into_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o consistory_n and_o that_o his_o person_n shall_v be_v bring_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n as_o therefore_o the_o independent_n do_v condemn_v these_o maxim_n and_o these_o practice_n which_o be_v absolute_o contrary_a to_o they_o how_o ill_o intend_v soever_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o set_v up_o in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o sovereign_n ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n than_o for_o all_o the_o company_n of_o merchant_n and_o tradesman_n or_o for_o all_o the_o family_n of_o france_n to_o erect_v a_o tribunal_n and_o a_o merchandize_v or_o ecumenical_a power_n which_o may_v be_v equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o congregational_a church_n do_v neither_o receive_v ordinance_n nor_o commandment_n from_o their_o synod_n but_o only_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o that_o they_o can_v assemble_v in_o a_o body_n by_o their_o deputy_n they_o give_v a_o great_a advantage_n unto_o magistrate_n to_o possess_v a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a sovereignty_n and_o to_o take_v for_o their_o motto_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la for_o those_o who_o deprive_v their_o synod_n of_o all_o authority_n and_o who_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o any_o other_o power_n than_o that_o of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o most_o remote_a of_o all_o from_o frame_v to_o themselves_o either_o a_o empire_n or_o one_o to_o be_v chief_a over_o they_o it_o be_v true_a their_o weakness_n be_v their_o subscribe_v to_o that_o maxim_n of_o cicero_n libr._n de_fw-fr officiis_n ut_fw-la tutela_fw-la sic_fw-la procuratio_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la ad_fw-la utilitatem_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la commissi_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la quibus_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la gerunda_fw-la est_fw-la and_o to_o that_o of_o salvian_n libr._n de_fw-fr providentia_fw-la infinitam_fw-la regiae_n majestatis_fw-la potestatem_fw-la isti_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la qui_fw-la infinitam_fw-la divini_fw-la numinis_fw-la
differ_v one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o discipline_n but_o that_o retain_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o who_o have_v for_o that_o point_n a_o great_a union_n and_o a_o strict_a correspondence_n with_o other_o church_n and_o this_o be_v so_o no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o schism_n when_o the_o congregationals_n be_v independent_a on_o other_o church_n and_o on_o their_o synod_n but_o when_o their_o church_n be_v so_o among_o themselves_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o schism_n among_o several_a particular_a church_n that_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o fame_n faith_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v those_o of_o metz_n and_o sedan_n but_o do_v their_o own_o business_n apart_o independant_o not_o only_o on_o one_o another_o but_o likewise_o on_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v with_o independent_a church_n or_o with_o several_a other_o particular_a church_n as_o with_o several_a family_n or_o neighbourhood_n or_o those_o that_o be_v pretty_a distant_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o who_o may_v all_o be_v good_a friend_n and_o live_v in_o good_a intelligence_n together_o without_o any_o thing_n of_o schism_n or_o rupture_n between_o they_o and_o yet_o every_o one_o do_v their_o own_o particular_a business_n by_o themselves_o 5._o the_o congregational_a man_n be_v no_o more_o guilty_a of_o schism_n when_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o congregation_n distinct_a from_o parish_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v a_o disobedience_n not_o to_o a_o national_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o institute_v much_o less_o invest_v with_o either_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n to_o make_v law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o to_o disobey_v be_v not_o schism_n but_o a_o crime_n of_o laesoe_n majestaetis_n or_o rebellion_n but_o yet_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v that_o too_o when_o it_o act_v only_o from_o this_o principle_n of_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n now_o this_o clear_n up_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o strong_o establish_v the_o independency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o altogether_o reasonable_a do_v not_o destroy_v the_o confederation_n of_o the_o church_n into_o one_o body_n even_o under_o a_o national_a synod_n when_o for_o the_o mutual_a preservation_n of_o these_o church_n against_o a_o common_a enemy_n that_o persecute_v they_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v but_o one_o body_n of_o state_n or_o of_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o confederation_n of_o our_o church_n in_o france_n but_o then_o that_o necessity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v independent_a it_o be_v a_o confederation_n establish_v with_o prudence_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o city_n of_o achaida_n and_o as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n that_o of_o the_o low-countries_n and_o of_o the_o switzer_n the_o conjunction_n of_o which_o into_o one_o body_n and_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o jurisdiction_n do_v not_o divest_v any_o town_n or_o province_n of_o their_o natural_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v independent_a on_o one_o another_o there_o be_v however_o this_o temper_n and_o menage_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o religious_a confederation_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o pastor_n or_o synod_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o confederated_a discipline_n which_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o magistrate_n also_o the_o council_n of_o monsieur_n amyraule_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o city_n of_o achaia_n observe_v before_o viz._n that_o nothing_o shall_v pass_v in_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o what_o have_v be_v first_o review_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o prudence_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n in_o france_n have_v be_v want_v when_o they_o sit_v up_o a_o discipline_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o from_o that_o which_o have_v its_o operation_n upon_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o a_o power_n fasten_v to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o that_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o power_n they_o depose_v and_o excommunicate_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n say_v they_o deliver_v up_o a_o person_n to_o the_o devil_n but_o they_o also_o deliver_v he_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o imagine_v this_o power_n to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o of_o the_o confederate_a discipline_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o power_n that_o he_o exercise_n over_o it_o and_o of_o which_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n be_v the_o depositer_n as_o to_o those_o who_o blame_v as_o much_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o independent_n as_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n the_o novatian_o and_o luciferian_o it_o be_v ill_o ground_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v in_o that_o they_o own_v no_o other_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o for_o they_o rebaptise_v those_o who_o come_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o they_o the_o independent_n be_v far_o from_o these_o thought_n and_o practice_n they_o do_v as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o their_o health_n withdraw_v into_o a_o better_a place_n and_o sound_a air_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v but_o that_o they_o may_v do_v very_o well_o in_o place_n where_o the_o air_n be_v not_o so_o good_a before_o i_o go_v to_o another_o chapter_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o result_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o congregationals_n their_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n do_v come_v to_o these_o two_o maxim_n 1._o that_o to_o establish_v peace_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o among_o christian_n we_o must_v go_v back_o to_o the_o materia_fw-la prima_fw-la of_o the_o congregational_a church_n which_o be_v that_o every_o person_n and_o every_o society_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o deliberate_v and_o consult_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o take_v upon_o that_o point_n the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a and_o sincere_a person_n provide_v that_o that_o counsel_n tend_v not_o to_o irreligion_n and_o to_o some_o establishment_n of_o such_o maxim_n which_o shock_n the_o natural_a notion_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n his_o providence_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a worship_n provide_v also_o that_o the_o manner_n which_o every_o person_n and_o every_o church_n have_v choose_v to_o govern_v itself_o by_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n in_o which_o one_o life_n unless_o that_o trouble_n happen_v by_o accident_n in_o the_o manner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o excite_v trouble_n and_o bring_v war_n and_o contention_n into_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o this_o maxim_n of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o every_o territory_n with_o a_o uniformity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a tribunal_n in_o jurisdiction_n and_o officer_n have_v introduce_v the_o pope_n into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o have_v be_v it_o be_v and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o there_o never_o will_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o its_o true_a purity_n unless_o almighty_a god_n reserve_v some_o among_o the_o congregational_a church_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o for_o above_o this_o four_o thousand_o year_n before_o jesus_n christ_n and_o even_o during_o the_o height_n of_o popery_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n god_n have_v always_o reserve_v some_o true_a worshipper_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o way_n of_o congregational_a assembly_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n during_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o arrian_n and_o when_o as_o st._n jerome_n say_v all_o the_o world_n be_v arrian_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v have_v independent_a church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n before_o the_o law_n and_o under_o the_o law_n in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o exos_fw-la the_o son_n of_o
commend_v what_o i_o do_v not_o approve_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o heart_n since_o i_o do_v not_o join_v myself_o to_o it_o they_o will_v say_v likewise_o that_o i_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o gain_v my_o own_o sentiment_n credit_v with_o which_o they_o say_v i_o be_o most_o fond_o in_o love_n in_o adjust_v they_o to_o those_o of_o the_o independent_n and_o because_o i_o condemn_v ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o so_o they_o shall_v banish_v the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o i_o shall_v join_v myself_o to_o their_o assembly_n it_o will_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v approve_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o all_o they_o believe_v as_o they_o can_v conclude_v by_o my_o not_o join_v to_o their_o congregation_n that_o i_o have_v not_o the_o congregational_a way_n in_o great_a and_o high_a esteem_n than_o any_o other_o as_o i_o be_o a_o frenchman_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o my_o own_o nation_n to_o which_o i_o be_o so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o invite_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o our_o excellent_a pastor_n mounseur_fw-fr mussard_n and_o mounseur_fw-fr primrose_n and_o because_o they_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v it_o with_o his_o disciple_n not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v i_o offence_n in_o their_o conduct_n unless_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o undeceive_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o pastor_n in_o france_n of_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o interpose_v the_o same_o sacred_a name_n and_o the_o same_o sacred_a authority_n to_o excommunicate_a as_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n over_o to_o satan_n though_o they_o can_v find_v this_o authority_n of_o excommunicate_v in_o all_o the_o bible_n nor_o justify_v it_o unless_o they_o elude_v that_o harshness_n of_o expression_n by_o this_o way_n of_o sweeten_v that_o their_o only_a intention_n be_v to_o declare_v that_o those_o sinner_n of_o who_o they_o make_v the_o number_n take_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o their_o condemnation_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v beforehand_o as_o for_o other_o accusation_n although_o i_o believe_v that_o of_o all_o establishment_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o independent_a church_n be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a yet_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a and_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o all_o they_o say_v nor_o all_o they_o practise_v concern_v discipline_n nor_o concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n though_o this_o usage_n be_v not_o in_o all_o the_o same_o nor_o in_o all_o the_o church_n because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v retain_v it_o jure_fw-la societatis_fw-la &_o vi_o &_o virtute_fw-la paoti_fw-la &_o federis_fw-la eniti_fw-la however_o it_o be_v both_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n very_o innocent_o for_o they_o do_v not_o set_v up_o a_o national_a tribunal_n independent_a on_o the_o magistrate_n and_o they_o attribute_v to_o their_o synod_n no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o persuasion_n both_o from_o wise_a and_o experience_a person_n moreover_o from_o the_o manner_n that_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o the_o vii_o article_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o beside_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o work_v upon_o heart_n by_o the_o word_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o be_v take_v by_o a_o natural_a right_n and_o that_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o they_o by_o their_o have_v in_o a_o joint_a consent_n agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o perpetual_a right_n but_o in_o not_o have_v establish_v any_o thing_n determinative_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a rule_n upon_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o changeable_a matter_n and_o of_o humane_a right_n as_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n in_o their_o conduct_n and_o government_n but_o although_o they_o shall_v have_v retain_v some_o usage_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v so_o many_o relic_n of_o rome_n that_o have_v accomplish_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o bring_v the_o pope_n into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v be_v no_o less_o privilege_v than_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o they_o yet_o they_o always_o retain_v some_o leven_a of_o affection_n to_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n if_o the_o christian_n that_o come_v from_o paganism_n have_v always_o keep_v some_o pollution_n of_o it_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o great_a surprise_n to_o see_v the_o pure_a church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o thorough_o cleanse_v from_o all_o the_o impurity_n of_o rome_n for_o these_o consideration_n i_o feed_v myself_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o independent_a church_n who_o be_v too_o much_o illuminate_v long_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o belief_n and_o use_n of_o this_o illusion_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o have_v bring_v episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n of_o ascension_n to_o the_o papacy_n and_o after_o that_o excommunication_n and_o infallibility_n and_o that_o they_o will_v put_v in_o practice_n instead_o of_o excommunication_n that_o denunciation_n which_o s._n paul_n recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o son_n timothy_n it_o be_v that_o in_o case_n any_o disorderly_a or_o wicked_a person_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o change_v his_o opinion_n and_o life_n and_o voluntary_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v publish_v aloud_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o faithful_a shall_v be_v exhort_v to_o shun_v his_o company_n and_o in_o case_n that_o he_o persevere_v in_o such_o refractoriness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v expel_v by_o force_n as_o well_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o from_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v what_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o natural_a right_n &_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la societatis_fw-la without_o any_o need_n of_o make_v such_o expulsion_n of_o credit_n by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o short_a i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o benefit_n which_o come_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o excommunication_n will_v never_o recompense_v the_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o they_o have_v produce_v now_o i_o believe_v that_o these_o three_o consideration_n that_o i_o be_o a_o physician_n that_o i_o be_o a_o frenchman_n and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o join_v to_o any_o one_o certain_a congregational_a assembly_n as_o a_o member_n of_o it_o will_v give_v more_o authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o relation_n i_o have_v make_v of_o their_o government_n and_o conduct_n and_o make_v it_o less_o the_o suspect_a than_o if_o i_o be_v of_o their_o number_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o a_o divine_a by_o profession_n for_o if_o i_o be_v qualify_v in_o three_o way_n i_o can_v not_o speak_v as_o a_o person_n disinterest_v but_o as_o have_v a_o personal_a inclination_n to_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v have_v espouse_v and_o that_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o all_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o cause_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o s._n austin_n and_o optatus_n milevitanus_fw-la who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o sincere_a pagan_a or_o heathen_a whether_o a_o physician_n a_o sophister_n a_o philosopher_n or_o belong_v to_o the_o magistracy_n be_v more_o competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o difference_n among_o christian_n than_o person_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o sacerdotal_a function_n as_o s._n paul_n can_v not_o elect_v a_o more_o disinterest_v person_n to_o gain_v the_o christian_a religion_n credit_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o write_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o s._n luke_n the_o physician_n to_o who_o the_o world_n be_v more_o oblige_v than_o to_o a_o thousand_o s._n chrysostom_n and_o s._n augustine_n and_o to_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o sacred_a order_n without_o so_o much_o as_o except_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o same_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o i_o and_o that_o my_o quality_n of_o a_o physician_n ought_v to_o give_v strong_a
in_o his_o catechism_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o from_o the_o second_o age_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o name_n and_o office_n that_o the_o first_o priest_n or_o bishop_n attend_v more_o peculiarly_a upon_o preach_v in_o public_a and_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o function_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n as_o almsgiving_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v so_o often_o of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o such_o a_o one_o create_v so_o many_o priest_n so_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o hyggen_n in_o the_o year_n 141._o create_v fifteen_o priest_n fifteen_o deacon_n and_o six_o bishop_n that_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o the_o year_n 184_o ordain_v 12_o priest_n 8_o deacon_n and_o 15_o bishop_n not_o to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o in_o other_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v ordain_v they_o be_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o preach_n in_o public_a and_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o other_o function_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n for_o their_o ministry_n be_v less_o fix_v they_o go_v to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n they_o instruct_v they_o comfort_v they_o confirm_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o they_o call_v fideles_fw-la in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o draw_v over_o jew_n and_o gentile_n to_o they_o and_o they_o baptize_v they_o add_v every_o day_n some_o or_o other_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v save_v in_o a_o word_n they_o form_v almost_o as_o many_o independent_a church_n as_o there_o be_v family_n but_o which_o then_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o communion_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o same_o fideles_fw-la in_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a assembly_n and_o where_o they_o assist_v not_o only_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o at_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n and_o all_o the_o sacred_a 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abandon_v the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o bishop_n without_o quit_v the_o office_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o without_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o it_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o deposition_n they_o do_v deprive_v themselves_o then_o of_o a_o humane_a arbitrary_a and_o mutable_a order_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v call_v by_o man_n but_o they_o can_v not_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n in_o the_o year_n 314._o which_o have_v depose_v some_o person_n from_o the_o episcopacy_n jest_n they_o in_o the_o presbytry_n this_o be_v what_o the_o six_o ecumenical_a council_n do_v canon_n twenty_o which_o depose_v a_o bishop_n but_o do_v not_o take_v from_o he_o the_o presbytry_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v then_o a_o indelible_a character_n it_o be_v not_o that_o of_o bishop_n but_o that_o of_o tresbyter_n and_o this_o be_v the_o far_o confirm_v and_o more_o strong_o by_o this_o consideration_n that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n or_o at_o least_o a_o right_n pure_o humane_a when_o one_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytry_n who_o be_v call_v bishop_n attribute_v to_o himself_o alone_o the_o right_n and_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v in_o public_a and_o not_o of_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o but_o only_o as_o far_o as_o he_o please_v the_o same_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o intendance_n over_o priest_n and_o this_o prerogative_n to_o ordain_v and_o to_o conclude_v that_o neither_o episcopacy_n nor_o the_o power_n to_o ordain_v nor_o that_o to_o preach_v in_o public_a which_o one_o person_n reserve_v peculiar_o to_o himself_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n this_o be_v if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v a_o observation_n which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o by_o any_o be_v think_v on_o but_o which_o be_v the_o unravel_v of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o those_o great_a man_n mounsieur_fw-fr daille_n the_o father_n mounsieur_fw-fr larroque_n etc._n etc._n on_o one_o side_n and_o mounsieur_fw-fr pearson_n bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o other_o have_v form_v concern_v either_o the_o establishment_n or_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o here_o now_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n jerome_n which_o have_v put_v so_o many_o people_n on_o the_o rack_n and_o have_v spend_v both_o so_o much_o precious_a time_n and_o paper_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la presbyter_n except_o ordinatione_n which_o word_n marsillus_n de_fw-fr padoüa_n understand_v of_o the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n reserve_v alone_o to_o himself_o by_o a_o right_n pure_o humane_a to_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o absurd_a to_o make_v saint_n jerome_n say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o all_o thing_n equal_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o bishop_n except_o the_o power_n to_o ordain_v and_o now_o also_o you_o may_v see_v by_o all_o these_o declaration_n and_o discovery_n a_o very_a strong_a establishment_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n but_o i_o now_o will_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n to_o pursue_v the_o subject_n i_o leave_v off_o for_o it_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_n under_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o before_o that_o of_o constantine_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o manner_n which_o be_v observe_v when_o the_o emperor_n be_v christian_n and_o when_o they_o assemble_v together_o both_o more_o public_o and_o in_o great_a number_n enjoy_v their_o full_a liberty_n as_o a_o rigorous_a discipline_n under_o those_o christian_a emperor_n can_v not_o be_v practise_v but_o upon_o a_o small_a number_n in_o great_a town_n as_o rome_n antioch_n alexandria_n canstantinople_n etc._n etc._n most_o of_o the_o person_n who_o can_v not_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o crowd_n and_o multitude_n and_o on_o who_o they_o can_v lay_v nothing_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n either_o enter_v into_o no_o discipline_n and_o be_v neither_o poenitentes_fw-la nor_o catechumeni_fw-la or_o else_o they_o pass_v for_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fideles_fw-la and_o who_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o question_v whether_o they_o be_v baptize_v or_o not_o for_o saint_n ambrose_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o very_a good_a man_n and_o one_o of_o the_o fideles_fw-la that_o frequent_v the_o religious_a assembly_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a be_v neither_o in_o order_n nor_o baptize_v when_o the_o people_n of_o milan_n take_v he_o and_o carry_v he_o away_o as_o a_o holy_a body_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n will_v they_o say_v that_o after_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n he_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o discipline_n or_o penitence_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o catechumen_n and_o afterward_o a_o fidelis_fw-la which_o name_n be_v give_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v lay_v or_o secular_a person_n and_o the_o example_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o be_v baptize_v at_o the_o very_a point_n and_o moment_n of_o his_o death_n and_o that_o of_o satyrus_n the_o brother_n of_o ambrose_n and_o of_o valentinian_n who_o that_o father_n so_o high_o commend_v and_o who_o die_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n and_o argument_n for_o that_o which_o i_o here_o maintain_v now_o those_o of_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v so_o rather_o in_o reality_n than_o the_o name_n do_v not_o under_o those_o christian_a emperor_n quit_v their_o good_a custom_n of_o convert_v their_o house_n and_o their_o family_n into_o so_o many_o little_a church_n they_o perform_v there_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o piety_n both_o during_o their_o repast_n and_o out_o of_o they_o but_o i_o must_v here_o make_v one_o remark_n by_o the_o way_n upon_o the_o passage_n of_o
fourteen_o remark_n upon_o the_o fault_n that_o some_o may_v find_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v finish_v these_o conderation_n by_o the_o discussion_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o some_o have_v except_v because_o they_o find_v there_o be_v not_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n even_o of_o those_o which_o differ_v most_o from_o one_o another_o that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o conformity_n as_o indeed_o they_o have_v either_o more_o or_o less_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o no_o not_o even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o that_o have_v but_o very_o little_a agreement_n one_o with_o the_o other_o there_o be_v not_o one_o i_o say_v but_o what_o have_v in_o something_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o every_o way_n of_o government_n boast_v of_o their_o retain_v this_o conformity_n with_o the_o ancient_a christian_n i_o myself_o pretend_v to_o this_o glory_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n not_o long_o since_o a_o learned_a minister_n of_o roüen_o publish_v a_o book_n entitle_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n beside_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o any_o agreement_n with_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o discipline_n so_o disagree_v to_o each_o other_o shall_v have_v both_o of_o they_o much_o conformity_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o famous_a divine_a in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o novelty_n of_o popery_n maintain_v very_o zealous_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o mounseur_fw-fr larroque_n have_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o of_o france_n if_o i_o be_v say_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o frenchman_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o full_o that_o we_o retain_v in_o england_n more_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a government_n than_o all_o the_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n dr._n floyd_n and_o dr._n tillotson_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o i_o believe_v that_o this_o conformity_n be_v much_o what_o like_v to_o that_o which_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o st._n francis_n for_o i_o do_v open_o maintain_v that_o of_o all_o the_o establishment_n of_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v wide_a from_o the_o discipline_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n have_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n england_n be_v full_a of_o book_n upon_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o hierarchy_n and_o of_o its_o episcopal_a government_n to_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n the_o bishop_n bilson_n andrews_n hall_n morton_n and_o pearson_n find_v it_o in_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o in_o ignatius_n some_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o rome_n meet_v with_o it_o in_o denis_n the_o areopagite_n but_o unless_o this_o conformity_n be_v restrain_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o which_o i_o find_v more_o footstep_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n than_o in_o any_o other_o i_o believe_v we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n above_o all_o the_o disagreement_n be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n which_o be_v heretofore_o much_o more_o exact_a and_o exemplary_a than_o in_o these_o last_o time_n it_o be_v the_o devotion_n of_o our_o day_n be_v but_o cold_a and_o languish_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o it_o be_v in_o that_o that_o their_o glory_n do_v consist_v whereas_o we_o be_v in_o have_v a_o great_a knowledge_n and_o a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a illumination_n into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o first_o christian_n have_v also_o to_o be_v better_o verse_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o apostolical_a conduct_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o its_o authority_n and_o of_o that_o of_o its_o pastor_n who_o be_v the_o christian_n that_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n i_o will_v finish_v where_o i_o begin_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la wherewith_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o protestant_n as_o papist_n be_v anticipate_v and_o prepossess_v when_o they_o general_o imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v more_o orthodox_n and_o pure_a in_o doctrine_n than_o that_o of_o the_o follow_a age_n because_o of_o their_o nearness_n with_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o i_o be_o as_o much_o persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a as_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n never_o build_v a_o temple_n near_o to_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v not_o build_v a_o chapel_n but_o than_o it_o be_v a_o chapel_n both_o great_a and_o more_o spacious_a than_o the_o temple_n itself_o for_o during_o the_o time_n while_o god_n build_v a_o little_a temple_n wherein_o he_o have_v circumscribe_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o a_o small_a flock_n of_o faithful_a people_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o purity_n their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n a_o number_n incomparable_o great_a of_o false_a apostle_n false_a doctor_n and_o false_a brethren_n separate_v from_o they_o for_o even_o in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n of_o christianity_n all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o sincere_a person_n and_o also_o of_o father_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o false_a allay_n mix_v among_o their_o gold_n this_o be_v what_o we_o learn_v from_o eutychius_n who_o live_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n from_o who_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o arabyck_n publish_v by_o mr._n selden_n and_o mr._n pocock_n and_o who_o they_o recommend_v for_o a_o author_n of_o a_o irreprochable_a fidelity_n there_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o constantine_n the_o great_a send_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o empire_n letter_n to_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o most_o religious_a bishop_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o learned_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o they_o then_o immediate_o set_v themselves_o to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o that_o two_o thousand_o and_o forty_o eight_o bishop_n come_v to_o the_o town_n of_o nice_a whereof_o near_o two_o thousand_o how_o pious_a and_o sincere_a soever_o otherwise_o they_o be_v be_v either_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o erroneous_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o they_o be_v either_o manichee_n or_o murcionite_n or_o montanist_n or_o valentinian_o or_o samosatenian_o or_o arrian_n and_o in_o that_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n there_o be_v but_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o have_v a_o affection_n for_o and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n which_o be_v that_o of_o alexander_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n this_o relation_n according_a to_o eutychius_n be_v much_o more_o probable_a than_o after_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v report_v by_o eusebius_n by_o socrates_n by_o baronius_n and_o by_o mounseur_fw-fr claude_n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o that_o number_n of_o bishop_n convoke_v from_o all_o place_n of_o europe_n a_o great_a part_n of_o africa_n and_o also_o of_o asia_n phoenicia_n greece_n maceaonia_n thessalia_n palestine_n arabia_n pamphilia_n bythinia_n capadocia_n thrace_n cilicia_n pontus_n persia_n and_o scythia_n shall_v amount_v but_o to_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n there_o be_v also_o less_o likelihood_n that_o those_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n shall_v appear_v so_o sharp_a and_o so_o divide_v among_o themselves_o as_o to_o put_v out_o libel_n of_o accusation_n one_o against_o another_o and_o that_o during_o their_o session_n they_o make_v a_o cruel_a war_n within_o themselves_o these_o accusation_n may_v be_v true_a as_o to_o the_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v as_o much_o divide_v in_o affection_n as_o in_o judgement_n but_o not_o of_o these_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o who_o because_o they_o be_v all_o orthodox_n and_o child_n of_o peace_n and_o well_o unite_v in_o their_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v alexander_n spiridion_n and_o paphnutius_fw-la be_v choose_v by_o constantine_n and_o alexander_n out_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n factious_a and_o contentious_a person_n beside_o the_o unanimity_n of_o these_o three_o hundred_o and_o eighteen_o bishop_n in_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o council_n have_v but_o four_o bishop_n that_o refuse_v subscribe_v to_o it_o plain_o show_v