A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schism as it was…A brief vindication of the non-conformists from the charge of schisme as it was…

I speak not these things in opposition unto any other Church-state, which men may erect or establish out of an opinion of its usefulness and conveniency; much less against that Communion which ought to be among those particular Churches, or their Associations for their common Rule and Government in and by their Officers; but only to manifest, that those of the Non-conformists, which are supposed to adhere unto the Institution of particular Churches in a peculiar way; do not thereby deserve the Imputation of so great and intolerable a Guilt as they are here charged withal. And whereas I have hereby discharged all that I designed with respect unto the first sort of Non-conformists, as they are here distinguished, I might here give over the pursuit of this Argument. But because I seek after Truth and satisfaction alone in these things, I shall a little farther consider what is offered by this Reverend Author unto the same purpose with what we have passed through. So therefore he proceeds; pag. 26. to pag. 27. If that of which we read the clearest Instances in Scripture, must be the standard of all future Ages, much more might be said for limiting Churches to private Families, then to particular Congregations. For do we not read of the Church that was in the House of Priscilla and Aquila at Rome; of the Church that was of the House of Nymphas at Coloss; and in the House of Philemon at Laodicea? Why then should not Churches be reduced to particular Families, when by that means they may fully enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences, and avoid the Scandal of breaking the Laws? But if ⟨p. 44⟩notwithstanding such plain Examples, Men will extend Churches to Congregations of many Families; why may not others extend Churches to those Societies which consist of many Congregations?

I speak not these things in opposition unto any other Church-state, which men may erect or establish out of an opinion of its usefulness and conveniency; much less against that Communion which ought to be among those particular Churches, or their Associations for their common Rule and Government in and by their Officers; but only to manifest, that those of the Non-conformists, which are supposed to adhere unto the Institution of particular Churches in a peculiar way; do not thereby deserve the Imputation of so great and intolerable a Guilt as they are here charged withal. And whereas I have hereby discharged all that I designed with respect unto the first sort of Non-conformists, as they are here distinguished, I might here give over the pursuit of this Argument. But because I seek after Truth and satisfaction alone in these things, I shall a little farther consider what is offered by this Reverend Author unto the same purpose with what we have passed through. So therefore he proceeds; pag. 26. to pag. 27. If that of which we read the clearest Instances in Scripture, must be the standard of all future Ages, much more might be said for limiting Churches to private Families, then to particular Congregations. For do we not read of the Church that was in the House of Priscilla and Aquila at Rome; of the Church that was of the House of Nymphas at Colosse; and in the House of Philemon at Laodicea? Why then should not Churches be reduced to particular Families, when by that meanes they may fully enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences, and avoid the Scandal of breaking the Laws? But if