(35') according unto what was,judged to be their `kight and Li- berty in thofe dayes. I thóught no manwho is fo Converfant in the Writ- ings of Cyprian as our Author apparently is, couldhave denied theTruth hereof, nor do I fzy it is fo done by him ; only he takes occafion from hence to difcourfe at large concerning the .hate of the Church at Carthage in thofe dayes in Oppofition to Mr. Cotton, who affirms that there was found in that Church the exprefi and lively lineaments of the very body of congregational D f ipline. Herein I amnot concern'd, who do grant that at that time there were manyAlterations introduced into the Order and Rule ofthe Church ; but that the 'People did meet together unto the Determination of things of their common Intereft, fùch as were the choice oftheir Officers, and the readmiffion of them into the Fellowfhip of the Church who had fallen through infirmity in time ofPer- fecution, or publickoffences and divifions, is fo evident in the Writings of Cyprian, wherein he afcribes unto them the right ofchoofing Worthy,and ofrejeéting Un- worthy Officers, and tells them that in filch Cafes he will do nothing without their confint, that it cannot be gain-laid. But hereon he asketh, where I had any Reafon to appeal toSt. Cyprian for the Democratical Go- vernment of the Church ; which-indeed I did not do, nor any thing which look'd like unto it; And he addes that they have this Advantage from the appeal, that we do notfippofeany Deviation then from the Primitive In- flitution, whereas mywords are Pofitive,. that before that time there were many Alterations introduced into the Rule andOrder ofthe Church ; fuch things will partiallity in aCaufe, and aiming, at Succefs..in Difputation, produce:. Mr.
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