that_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o she_o may_v not_o lawful_o throw_v off_o and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o owe_v any_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o have_v just_a power_n without_o ask_v his_o leave_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o consent_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o withal_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ought_v to_o have_v reform_v herself_o as_o we_o have_v do_v since_o there_o be_v most_o necessary_a cause_n for_o so_o do_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v defile_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o those_o damnable_a error_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o we_o have_v do_v away_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o challenge_v those_o of_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n their_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o abomination_n whereof_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n when_o we_o reform_v ourselves_o but_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o this_o church_n owe_v no_o subjection_n to_o that_o but_o withal_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o we_o pretend_v they_o to_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o communion_n that_o ensue_v upon_o our_o be_v and_o their_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v be_v on_o our_o side_n just_a and_o necessary_a upon_o that_o account_n also_o and_o therefore_o not_o schismatical_a so_o that_o our_o answer_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o right_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a or_o any_o foreign_a bishop_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o foreigner_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o this_o we_o say_v will_v have_v clear_v she_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v if_o before_o the_o reformation_n there_o have_v be_v no_o unlawful_a condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v have_v be_v find_v in_o they_o have_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o bare_a inconvenience_n and_o imprudence_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discipline_n or_o in_o order_v the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n it_o have_v yet_o be_v free_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o have_v reform_v those_o lesser_a fault_n within_o herself_o though_o no_o other_o church_n will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a and_o though_o for_o such_o defect_n remain_v in_o other_o church_n abroad_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v separate_v from_o their_o communion_n yet_o she_o may_v very_o just_o and_o commendable_o free_v herself_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o if_o a_o foreign_a church_n suppose_v that_o of_o rome_n shall_v hereupon_o have_v abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n till_o we_o have_v return_v to_o the_o former_a inconvenient_a though_o lawful_a rite_n and_o custom_n that_o foreign_a church_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o so_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o her_o liberty_n and_o to_o prostitute_v her_o authority_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n shall_v have_v adhere_v to_o her_o own_o reformation_n she_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o communion_n follow_v that_o her_o resolution_n because_o she_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o her_o just_a power_n to_o do_v and_o in_o which_o she_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v control_v by_o any_o other_o church_n we_o say_v with_o st._n cyprian_n that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o 52._o spread_v abroad_o among_o bishop_n many_o in_o number_n but_o hearty_o agree_v together_o but_o with_o the_o same_o excellent_a man_n we_o say_v too_o that_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o 55._o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o management_n to_o god_n which_o he_o say_v in_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o african_a church_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a this_o we_o think_v be_v just_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n once_o indeed_o under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o at_o length_n rescue_v from_o that_o servitude_n we_o be_v at_o present_a united_n together_o by_o common_a rule_n for_o government_n and_o worship_n consult_v upon_o and_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o convocation_n and_o then_o make_v law_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sovereign_n these_o law_n show_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o do_v not_o want_v any_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n upon_o who_o we_o have_v neither_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o civil_a dependence_n for_o if_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n of_o the_o african_a church_n may_v determine_v cause_n and_o judge_v matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cognisance_n which_o yet_o be_v seldom_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o moment_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o colleague_n when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n and_o this_o without_o allow_v appeal_n to_o rome_n much_o more_o may_v the_o bishop_n of_o a_o who_o christian_a kingdom_n confederate_a together_o to_o order_v church_n matter_n independent_o upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n especial_o be_v require_v thereunto_o by_o their_o christian_a sovereign_a to_o who_o they_o all_o owe_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n save_v their_o common_a christianity_n so_o that_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o weighty_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n thereupon_o ensue_v be_v whole_o guiltless_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v necessary_a unless_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannous_a claim_n of_o a_o foreign_a bishop_n 2._o to_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n lay_v against_o we_o by_o the_o romanist_n we_o answer_v also_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v many_o of_o they_o unlawful_a to_o be_v submit_v unto_o since_o we_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o without_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n nor_o without_o do_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o particular_o forbid_v by_o it_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o adherent_n upon_o those_o term_n but_o because_o catholic_n communion_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v away_o those_o scandal_n from_o among_o themselves_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o do_v though_o the_o separation_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o the_o schism_n be_v not_o we_o but_o they_o only_o and_o therefore_o we_o far_o say_v that_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o god_n forbid_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n again_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o have_v abolish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o that_o case_n we_o have_v that_o reverence_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o determination_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n but_o if_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o determination_n and_o to_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n we_o have_v that_o sense_n also_o of_o the_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o maintain_v church-communion_n that_o if_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v but_o observe_v we_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o comply_v
itself_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o as_o i_o say_v think_v themselves_o clear_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n as_o have_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n for_o they_o take_v a_o independent_a congregation_n only_o to_o be_v such_o but_o yet_o these_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o with_o the_o other_o dissenter_n for_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o next_o ground_n of_o separation_n upon_o which_o all_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v hope_v to_o find_v the_o sure_a foot_n and_o that_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n those_o namely_o before_o mention_v be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o here_o i_o include_v those_o that_o do_v but_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n for_o they_o that_o say_v positive_o they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o they_o that_o but_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a produce_v the_o same_o argument_n the_o former_a to_o justify_v their_o peremptoriness_n the_o latter_a their_o scruple_n the_o reason_n i_o say_v upon_o which_o they_o go_v be_v the_o same_o only_o they_o work_v up_o some_o of_o they_o to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o confidence_n than_o other_o be_v come_v to_o and_o some_o again_o they_o leave_v altogether_o doubtful_a what_o to_o say_v whether_o to_o conclude_v for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o they_o agree_v in_o blame_v our_o church_n for_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v some_o also_o of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v do_v by_o papist_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a service_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o depart_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o these_o ground_n some_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a other_o to_o be_v afraid_a that_o to_o suffer_v their_o child_n to_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n to_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a service_n where_o a_o surplice_n be_v wear_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o liturgy_n and_o prescribe_a form_n of_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o these_o reason_n i_o find_v own_v in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o god_n worship_n state_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n just_o now_o publish_v for_o thus_o that_o author_n declare_v in_o their_o behalf_n we_o can_v say_v he_o conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a worship_n thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n shall_v be_v the_o just_a matter_n of_o any_o human_a determination_n diss_n far_o than_o the_o particular_a practice_n of_o the_o person_n determine_v 5._o and_o again_o 17._o where_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n god_n have_v write_v orseolo_n whether_o by_o his_o pen_n in_o sacred_a write_n or_o by_o his_o not_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n no_o man_n can_v blot_v they_o out_o though_o themselves_o may_v as_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n for_o this_o or_o that_o time_n or_o act_n where_o they_o can_v use_v more_o than_o one_o of_o those_o posture_n or_o circumstance_n that_o be_v where_o god_n have_v leave_v man_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o they_o may_v determine_v themselves_o but_o no_o human_a authority_n may_v determine_v for_o they_o far_o as_o to_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n they_o judge_v every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o god_n alone_o to_o this_o or_o that_o i._n e._n he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o this_o or_o that_o part_n by_o god_n only_o and_o he_o say_v plain_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n no_o superior_n may_v restrain_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a principle_n he_o say_v some_o posture_n in_o a_o human_a action_n be_v necessary_a and_o none_o by_o god_n determine_v in_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o determination_n they_o believe_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n 17._o and_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o practical_a judgement_n according_a to_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v a_o liberty_n with_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o free_a again_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o judge_v it_o vunlawful_a to_o obey_v law_n concern_v word_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n 9_o and_o concern_v habit_n and_o gesture_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o that_o none_o who_o be_v to_o use_v they_o very_o judge_v they_o unlawful_a and_o he_o intimate_v more_o than_o once_o that_o thing_n not_o necessary_a c._n and_o ordinary_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a service_n may_v not_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v lawful_o use_v how_o well_o he_o have_v prove_v these_o position_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o examine_v but_o leave_v he_o for_o that_o to_o his_o learned_a antagonist_n these_o observation_n be_v particular_a enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o who_o this_o gentleman_n defend_v 3._o there_o be_v those_o who_o for_o all_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o since_o they_o can_v sometime_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o whole_a service_n but_o they_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o the_o separate_a meeting_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a and_o a_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v ordinary_o in_o a_o more_o imperfect_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o a_o better_a may_v be_v have_v 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o ground_n of_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n together_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v wherein_o they_o differ_v or_o how_o far_o they_o agree_v 1._o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o most_o general_a ground_n of_o all_o be_v the_o same_o on_o both_o side_n or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v so_o that_o be_v that_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n that_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o like_a persuasion_n but_o how_o far_o this_o agreement_n make_v the_o case_n of_o separation_n the_o same_o on_o both_o side_n and_o whether_o it_o will_v equal_o justify_v the_o the_o church_n of_o england_n separate_n from_o rome_n and_o the_o dissenter_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v consider_v time_n enough_o after_o all_o the_o other_o reason_n be_v compare_v 2._o the_o next_o general_a reason_n on_o both_o side_n allege_v be_v that_o separation_n be_v necessary_a for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n we_o for_o great_a purity_n separate_v from_o rome_n the_o dissenter_n for_o great_a purity_n separate_v from_o we_o now_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o reasonable_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o dissenter_n in_o their_o case_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o she_o will_v best_o oppear_v when_o we_o have_v lay_v together_o the_o particular_n exaept_v against_o on_o both_o side_n by_o we_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o dissenter_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v also_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o maintain_v objection_n against_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o rome_n or_o england_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o each_o side_n but_o 3._o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o plea_n offer_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n in_o both_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v prescribe_v for_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v unanimous_o deny_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v any_o just_a authority_n to_o make_v rule_n for_o the_o communion_n or_o to_o prescribe_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o our_o liturgy_n be_v establish_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o object_n against_o be_v require_v for_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n among_o we_o however_o they_o dislike_v diocesan_n episcopacy_n yet_o seem_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o it_o in_o their_o late_a write_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n but_o if_o other_o thing_n be_v reform_v according_a to_o their_o mind_n
they_o will_v submit_v to_o our_o bishop_n and_o by_o their_o conformity_n contribute_v to_o uphold_v the_o order_n of_o this_o national_a church_n but_o then_o the_o independent_o indeed_o must_v in_o consequence_n of_o their_o principle_n deny_v that_o bishop_n single_o or_o joint_o whether_o with_o the_o civil_a authority_n or_o without_o it_o have_v any_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o congregation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a since_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o member_n to_o be_v accountable_a to_o no_o authority_n under_o god_n but_o that_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v compare_v the_o two_o case_n of_o separation_n with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v i_o conceive_v comprehend_v all_o the_o forementioned_a plea_n on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n 1._o to_o authority_n 2._o to_o term_n of_o communion_n and_o under_o this_o head_n to_o the_o common_a pretence_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n 3._o to_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o authority_n we_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o one_o particular_a constitute_v church_n from_o another_o neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o other_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o though_o the_o term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o unlawful_a yet_o if_o she_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v by_o her_o law_n and_o if_o our_o church_n governor_n shall_v use_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o they_o judge_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o scripture_n and_o more_o conducible_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o that_o church_n affect_v a_o usurpation_n over_o we_o can_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n who_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o upon_o the_o part_n of_o that_o church_n it_o will_v be_v so_o for_o her_o exercise_v a_o authority_n where_o she_o have_v no_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v far_o otherwise_o who_o separate_a from_o this_o national_a church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o where_o they_o live_v for_o by_o thus_o do_v we_o say_v that_o they_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n from_o who_o if_o they_o divide_v especial_o if_o they_o set_v up_o a_o communion_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n under_o they_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o manifest_a schism_n unless_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o clear_v they_o of_o this_o fault_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o church_n authority_n be_v not_o well_o order_v because_o although_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o these_o thing_n their_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o authority_n for_o we_o think_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o no_o society_n can_v be_v unite_v and_o maintain_v without_o this_o principle_n that_o a_o lawful_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v by_o inferior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o that_o the_o mere_a imprudence_n or_o inexpedience_n of_o its_o determination_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o their_o obligation_n to_o comply_v therewith_o now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n upon_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o national_a church_n stand_v i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o will_v grant_v a_o national_a church_n itself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o lawful_a constitution_n for_o there_o be_v the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n to_o give_v they_o force_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n first_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o order_n for_o church_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v afterward_o approve_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n be_v then_o make_v a_o law_n by_o the_o king_n so_o that_o if_o the_o confederation_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o term_n can_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n among_o we_o to_o conformity_n here_o be_v no_o auhority_n want_v to_o induce_v such_o a_o obligation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o one_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o he_o live_v and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o opposite_a communion_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o so_o do_v although_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v not_o be_v unite_v as_o they_o be_v into_o a_o national_a form_n but_o each_o bishop_n with_o his_o presbyter_n have_v make_v rule_n for_o religious_a assembly_n independent_o upon_o the_o rest_n but_o now_o the_o fault_n of_o such_o separation_n be_v heinous_o aggravate_v as_o the_o case_n stand_v by_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o those_o order_n or_o imposition_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o he_o separate_v from_o the_o parish_n where_o he_o live_v be_v make_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o for_o a_o common_a rule_n to_o they_o all_o which_o method_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o unite_v their_o particular_a church_n more_o close_o one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o edify_v and_o strengthen_v they_o by_o such_o union_n therefore_o that_o separation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v unblamable_a of_o itself_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a as_o it_o tend_v to_o break_v so_o profitable_a a_o union_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o church_n governor_n to_o contempt_n as_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o their_o advice_n and_o consent_n 2._o that_o since_o the_o rule_n thus_o agree_v upon_o be_v make_v law_n also_o by_o the_o sovereign_a power_n such_o schism_n be_v aggravate_v far_o by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o to_o which_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n do_v owe_v obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o now_o i_o believe_v our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n will_v grant_v that_o upon_o these_o account_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n but_o then_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o independent_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o say_v that_o these_o imposition_n be_v as_o true_o usurpation_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v enforce_v upon_o this_o kingdom_n by_o a_o pretend_a authority_n from_o rome_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o say_v and_o prove_v we_o may_v here_o be_v at_o a_o considerable_a loss_n however_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o english_a bishop_n may_v have_v good_a authority_n to_o govern_v his_o diocese_n and_o a_o presbyter_n his_o parish_n here_o in_o england_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v foolish_a and_o unjust_a in_o a_o foreign_a bishop_n to_o claim_v any_o authority_n over_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o king_n have_v good_a authority_n here_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v none_o nor_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n something_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v want_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n at_o home_n and_o come_v to_o we_o from_o abroad_o with_o nothing_o but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o fisherman_n to_o recommend_v they_o i._n e._n that_o in_o this_o latter_a case_n we_o may_v have_v refuse_v they_o as_o want_v authority_n but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lawful_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o whereas_o the_o independent_o suppose_v the_o independency_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n both_o in_o opposition_n to_o episcopal_a superiority_n and_o to_o national_a church-government_n this_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o pretend_a right_n to_o independency_n have_v be_v as_o clear_o argue_v of_o novelty_n and_o weakness_n as_o the_o pope_n pretend_v right_o to_o supremacy_n have_v be_v argue_v i_o say_v of_o more_o novelty_n and_o almost_o as_o much_o weakness_n but_o to_o step_v a_o little_a out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o
my_o present_a business_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o understand_a person_n who_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o learning_n use_v on_o both_o side_n whether_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o church-communion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o rule_v advise_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o law_n make_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o say_v that_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v independent_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o take_v any_o one_o argument_n use_v by_o any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v it_o hold_v to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o a_o congregation_n either_o upon_o a_o national_a or_o episcopal_n church_n if_o he_o can_v wherefore_o suppose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v of_o no_o good_a authority_n among_o we_o and_o our_o own_o law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a to_o want_v no_o good_a authority_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v otherwise_o lawful_a on_o both_o side_n then_o the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o our_o refusal_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o decree_n will_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n but_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o independent_o and_o all_o other_o among_o we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o law_n will_v be_v so_o on_o their_o part_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o case_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o dissenter_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o entire_a and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o her_o communion_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o the_o term_n thereof_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n of_o all_o who_o she_o admit_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o the_o great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o our_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o ceremony_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o that_o do_v not_o direct_o charge_v any_o of_o our_o practice_n in_o worship_n as_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v inexpedient_a and_o unedifying_a and_o they_o that_o separate_a upon_o this_o account_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o whereas_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n forsake_v a_o unlawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v lawful_a they_o separate_v from_o we_o forsake_v a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v better_o and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n again_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n 2._o another_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o pretend_v something_o more_o that_o be_v that_o they_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o doubt_n and_o these_o man_n also_o must_v confess_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o that_o for_o which_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o we_o be_v pass_v doubt_v in_o the_o case_n and_o positive_o affirm_v those_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a and_o in_o consequence_n hereof_o they_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n also_o between_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o and_o we_o pretend_v against_o that_o church_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o imposition_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o they_o suspect_v the_o like_a of_o we_o and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v by_o we_o attack_v with_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n against_o she_o but_o that_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a evidence_n in_o scripture_n against_o we_o concern_v which_o more_o will_v be_v say_v under_o the_o next_o head_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a where_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o certain_o know_v god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o it_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a also_o where_o other_o thing_n be_v require_v concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_a 3._o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o pretend_v these_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o former_a either_o scruple_n or_o judge_v only_o inexpedient_a to_o be_v indeed_o sinful_a and_o to_o render_v our_o communion_n not_o only_o suspect_v and_o less_o desirable_a but_o plain_o unlawful_a and_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v they_o will_v show_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o one_o general_n reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v give_v but_o i_o believe_v a_o very_a wide_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o particular_a practice_n themselves_o which_o be_v by_o we_o say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o which_o by_o the_o dissenter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v those_o and_o that_o by_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v these_o unlawful_a 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o particular_n themselves_o the_o dissenter_n do_v with_o we_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o form_n of_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o we_o have_v purge_v our_o communion_n but_o they_o say_v we_o have_v retain_v other_o practice_n something_a akin_a to_o these_o though_o not_o quite_o so_o bad_a for_o instance_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n wear_v the_o surplice_n sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o of_o they_o add_v the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o all_o that_o i_o design_n under_o this_o head_n in_o compare_v the_o former_a and_o the_o late_a particular_n together_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a be_v suppose_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v from_o thence_o infer_v and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v perfect_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o for_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n here_o in_o england_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n which_o our_o bishop_n exercise_n in_o england_n from_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a so_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n may_v be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o for_o all_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o profitable_a and_o in_o most_o case_n necessary_a the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n may_v be_v a_o idolatrous_a practice_n yet_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n where_o such_o adoration_n be_v disclaim_v shall_v be_v no_o such_o practice_n we_o may_v sign_n the_o baptise_a insant_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o not_o worship_n that_o sign_n we_o may_v do_v the_o former_a in_o token_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o baptism_n lay_v upon_o we_o without_o attribute_v any_o of_o that_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereunto_o which_o make_v the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a what_o practice_n be_v there_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o as_o unlawful_a have_v abandon_v from_o whence_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o see_v it_o wear_v can_v with_o any_o
quarrelsome_a humour_n and_o superstitious_a niceness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n of_o reason_v or_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o custom_n at_o home_n or_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v abroad_o raise_v such_o wrangle_a dispute_n about_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o reckon_v nothing_o well_o do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o plain_a rule_n he_o give_v elsewhere_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n define_v nothing_o certain_a one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o casulanum_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 86._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o law_n now_o by_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o liberty_n be_v which_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v in_o matter_n of_o indifference_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o order_v and_o regulate_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n over_o their_o charge_n as_o st._n ambrose_n word_n to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n about_o the_o forementioned_a case_n do_v plain_o imply_v 86._o resist_v not_o thy_o bishop_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o do_v that_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o dispute_n and_o beside_o those_o particular_a custom_n the_o variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n complain_v of_o 119._o there_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o episcopal_a synod_n concern_v thing_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o liberty_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o sort_n establish_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o foreign_a church_n and_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o break_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o custom_n for_o though_o st._n austin_n be_v sorry_a to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n trouble_v about_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n give_v he_o to_o complain_v that_o communion_n be_v break_v upon_o these_o account_n as_o before_o his_o time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o pope_n victor_n rashness_n in_o presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o observe_v easter_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o of_o march_n have_v not_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o wise_a and_o moderate_a person_n seasonable_o interpose_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n phrase_n contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n our_o separation_n from_o she_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v we_o from_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o bar_v we_o out_o by_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n for_o in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n this_o church_n perfume_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n abroad_o nor_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n who_o custom_n and_o observation_n be_v different_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o make_v a_o end_n of_o impose_v false_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o let_v she_o give_v over_o command_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o she_o may_v for_o we_o use_v her_o authority_n at_o home_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o though_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a abuse_n even_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o need_v a_o reformation_n yet_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o she_o for_o these_o thing_n if_o she_o will_v thorough_o purge_v herself_o from_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n that_o presume_v not_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n nor_o to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o actual_a communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o they_o but_o this_o make_v our_o case_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n but_o enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n only_a they_o must_v not_o upon_o those_o principle_n have_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o there_o be_v far_o more_o vncommand_v rite_n and_o usage_n establish_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o worship_n than_o now_o there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o reform_a church_n abroad_o since_o how_o different_a so_o ever_o the_o external_n mode_n of_o their_o worship_n may_v be_v from_o we_o yet_o some_o they_o all_o have_v and_o that_o consist_v of_o rule_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n but_o by_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o man._n to_o new_a england_n they_o must_v not_o go_v hope_v to_o find_v a_o communion_n there_o lawful_a to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o these_o principle_n the_o nonconformist_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v there_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o own_o censure_n concern_v worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o will_v make_v out_o by_o their_o church_n authority_n such_o as_o it_o be_v what_o they_o can_v show_v chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o our_o separatist_n if_o they_o go_v thither_o shall_v find_v no_o other_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n allow_v there_o but_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o there_o obtain_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unommand_v rite_n and_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v something_o more_o oblige_v by_o this_o principle_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n if_o rule_n for_o custom_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o as_o most_o certain_o such_o rule_n more_o or_o few_o all_o of_o they_o have_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n our_o separatist_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o proper_a governor_n and_o pastor_n who_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n where_o they_o may_v happen_v to_o go_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o authority_n at_o home_n there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v their_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v therein_o by_o one_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n leave_v usfree_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n abroad_o that_o do_v not_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v yet_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o we_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n destructive_a of_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v communicate_v with_o several_a reform_a church_n abroad_o but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a at_o home_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o reform_a church_n which_o exercise_v no_o authority_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o in_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o the_o external_a regulation_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o be_o yet_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v those_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o term_n of_o communion_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o plea_n i_o propound_v which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o only_o common_a to_o both_o side_n but_o which_o also_o may_v be_v as_o true_o allege_v on_o
with_o what_o our_o own_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n at_o home_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o go_v abroad_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n though_o perhaps_o very_o different_a from_o we_o and_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n of_o christian_n every_o be_v but_o neither_o abroad_o nor_o at_o home_o can_v we_o purchase_v unity_n of_o communion_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n for_o it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v but_o one_o communion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o even_o this_o good_a may_v come_v and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o evil_n which_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n authority_n be_v in_o great_a part_n design_v to_o prevent_v for_o as_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n form_v his_o disciple_n into_o a_o spiritual_a society_n so_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o one_o main_a end_n hereof_o be_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n under_o their_o governor_n the_o holy_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o worship_n and_o our_o salvation_n may_v be_v more_o advantageous_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o effectual_o guard_v and_o maintain_v and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v this_o communion_n one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n require_v by_o our_o superior_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o free_a to_o do_v or_o not_o but_o to_o deny_v that_o holy_a truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o break_v any_o of_o those_o divine_a law_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o this_o communion_n itself_o be_v institute_v neither_o of_o these_o thing_n dare_v we_o do_v to_o prevent_v division_n and_o separation_n and_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a that_o transubstantiation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v of_o image_n pray_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v repugnant_a to_o several_a express_a text_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o say_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n we_o be_v i_o say_v as_o sure_o that_o they_o be_v the_o plain_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o withal_o that_o to_o guard_v these_o truth_n god_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n institute_v or_o church_n communion_n require_v and_o true_o if_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v such_o cause_n for_o it_o as_o we_o pretend_v be_v not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n it_o may_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o scandalous_a impiety_n and_o damnable_a error_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n one_o communion_n be_v either_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o excuse_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v break_v and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o much_o as_o his_o salvation_n be_v worth_a to_o break_v away_o from_o it_o and_o we_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_a upon_o this_o account_n we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schismatic_n that_o they_o be_v god_n martyr_n in_o so_o do_v and_o have_v it_o be_v or_o shall_v it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o have_v this_o choice_n so_o hard_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o seal_v this_o cause_n with_o their_o blood_n meek_o suffer_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o that_o just_a authority_n the_o unjust_a command_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o honest_o obey_v this_o plain_a though_o general_n account_n we_o give_v of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o pretend_v no_o more_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n against_o that_o church_n than_o we_o can_v prove_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o safe_a on_o that_o side_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o plea_n the_o dissenter_n defend_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o we_o therefore_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o answer_v also_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_a and_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n to_o divide_v from_o we_o but_o in_o make_v out_o this_o general_a answer_n they_o do_v not_o all_o go_v the_o same_o way_n nor_o do_v some_o of_o they_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o a_o separation_n which_o other_o think_v substantial_a enough_o that_o in_o which_o most_o of_o they_o do_v agree_v be_v in_o assign_v some_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n worship_n other_o of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o and_o these_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o scrupulous_a and_o unsatisfy_a mind_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n though_o this_o be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o minister_n wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o other_o fault_n they_o find_v with_o the_o liturgy_n however_o they_o be_v think_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n to_o be_v a_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o ground_n separation_n upon_o be_v not_o i_o think_v produce_v by_o those_o that_o shall_v best_o understand_v the_o cause_n as_o amount_v to_o make_v our_o communion_n direct_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o prefer_v a_o worse_a mode_n of_o serve_v god_n before_o a_o better_a and_o the_o mode_n which_o themselves_o observe_v be_v better_a they_o be_v to_o prefer_v that_o before_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n other_o go_v yet_o further_o from_o we_o and_o take_v liturgy_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o all_o these_o do_v general_o dislike_v the_o form_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n however_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n upon_o that_o since_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o although_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o because_o the_o civil_a authority_n concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o our_o church_n law_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v those_o law_n to_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v they_o rather_o choose_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suspect_v unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o upon_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o better_a communion_n than_o we_o be_v but_o out_o of_o these_o i_o must_v except_v the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n unite_a one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n under_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n as_o can_v at_o once_o assemble_v in_o the_o 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