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authority_n church_n faith_n infallible_a 8,239 5 9.9784 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A31418 A discourse concerning the unity of the Catholick Church maintained in the Church of England Cave, William, 1637-1713.; Thorp, George, 1637 or 8-1719. 1684 (1684) Wing C1594; ESTC R22818 40,192 64

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which_o adhere_v to_o it_o establish_v a_o society_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o the_o most_o inestimable_a price_n dignify_v with_o the_o high_a privilege_n encourage_v with_o the_o large_a promise_n back_v with_o the_o most_o ample_a authority_n and_o will_v always_o defend_v with_o the_o strong_a guard_n against_o all_o power_n or_o policy_n on_o earth_n or_o under_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o as_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o but_o now_o where_o this_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o what_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o have_v be_v a_o long_a and_o great_a debate_n especial_o between_o we_o and_o the_o romanist_n in_o most_o of_o their_o late_a controversial_a book_n they_o have_v seem_v ready_a to_o wave_n dispute_v about_o particular_a point_n in_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o from_o this_o venerable_a name_n and_o that_o bold_a though_o most_o false_a and_o presumptuous_a claim_n which_o they_o lie_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o even_o exclusive_a to_o all_o other_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o true_a but_o short_a and_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o we_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o attempt_n now_o that_o we_o may_v not_o charge_v they_o nor_o they_o we_o false_o or_o rash_o i._o it_o may_v be_v convenient_a first_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o principle_n concern_v this_o church_n in_o which_o they_o and_o we_o seem_v most_o agree_v though_o all_o our_o writer_n express_v not_o themselves_o alike_o clear_o herein_o ii_o to_o propound_v the_o chief_a band_n of_o unity_n within_o this_o church_n iii_o to_o mark_v out_o the_o most_o obvious_a defection_n from_o they_o by_o the_o romanist_n iv._o to_o show_v the_o reformation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n proceed_v and_o be_v frame_v with_o all_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o v._o to_o clear_v 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church_n be_v but_o one_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n express_v in_o our_o creed_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v many_o member_n yet_o but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n quicken_a all_n one_o lord_n and_o head_n over_o all_o one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o hope_n of_o our_o call_v in_o all_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v eph._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n ii_o now_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o chief_a band_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o make_v keep_v and_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v one_o how_o we_o may_v secure_v ourselves_o within_o this_o garden_n enclose_v this_o spring_n shut_v up_o this_o fountain_n seal_v as_o the_o ancient_n usual_o apply_v that_o cant._n 4._o 12_o to_o this_o one_o enclosure_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o this_o appear_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o belief_n not_o only_o inward_o but_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o 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thus_o by_o degree_n be_v withdraw_v from_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n abroad_o that_o darling_n point_n never_o to_o be_v dispense_v or_o part_v with_o whatever_o else_o may_v have_v be_v yield_v 1560._o our_o reformer_n who_o compose_v our_o liturgy_n careful_o collect_v the_o remainder_n of_o true_a primitive_a devotion_n then_o in_o use_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o all_o those_o corrupt_a addition_n which_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o crafty_a policy_n have_v mix_v therewith_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n that_o any_o part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n be_v translate_v from_o the_o roman_a office_n that_o while_o nothing_o be_v retain_v contrary_a to_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o sound_a piety_n it_o be_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o her_o impartial_a sincerity_n and_o desire_v to_o preserve_v uniformity_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a with_o all_o christian_n abroad_o as_o well_o as_o at_o home_n in_o she_o own_o member_n secure_v all_o 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and_o straightened_a communion_n therein_o too_o close_o imitate_v by_o our_o adversary_n who_o in_o spite_n of_o name_n or_o thing_n make_v the_o same_o enclosure_n about_o the_o catholic_n as_o about_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v as_o free_v in_o their_o severe_a censure_n of_o all_o other_o and_o as_o haughty_a in_o what_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o alone_o as_o they_o be_v though_o not_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n but_o what_o that_o holy_a father_n every_o where_o press_v upon_o they_o reach_v as_o near_o our_o antagonist_n the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o charity_n that_o great_a bond_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o principal_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o animate_v the_o whole_a without_o which_o the_o high_a gift_n and_o most_o sacred_a ministration_n be_v render_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_n characteristic_a note_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o every_o live_a member_n
thereof_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n who_o have_v formal_o exclude_v all_o other_o christian_n and_o church_n from_o any_o share_n therein_o not_o only_o those_o in_o the_o west_n that_o have_v deserve_o cast_v off_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v unjust_o arrogate_a and_o tyrannical_o exercise_v but_o also_o the_o greek_n and_o other_o in_o the_o east_n that_o never_o own_v any_o subjection_n to_o they_o but_o most_o secure_o may_v the_o church_n of_o england_n glory_n in_o true_a catholicism_n which_o to_o all_o her_o other_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n that_o she_o may_v boast_v of_o above_o almost_o any_o other_o church_n still_o maintain_v and_o evidence_n the_o great_a charity_n to_o other_o of_o any_o that_o i_o know_v in_o the_o world_n make_v no_o other_o enclosure_n than_o those_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v make_v not_o assume_v any_o authority_n to_o command_v yea_o or_o to_o pass_v hasty_a judgement_n upon_o any_o but_o only_o to_o provide_v for_o she_o own_o the_o best_a she_o can_v and_o with_o such_o tender_a regard_n to_o common_a christianity_n and_o the_o right_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o she_o seem_v design_o to_o have_v chalk_v out_o the_o way_n of_o restore_v the_o most_o desirable_a fruit_n of_o christian_a unity_n throughout_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v sensible_a of_o considerable_a effect_n by_o it_o have_v other_o church_n pursue_v like_o method_n that_o church_n sure_o be_v most_o catholic_n that_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o most_o catholic_n communion_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o which_o impose_v no_o other_o term_n or_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o those_o most_o universal_o receive_v throughout_o all_o age_n in_o all_o place_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o christian_n which_o may_v soon_o decide_v the_o competition_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n more_o true_o vindicate_v to_o herself_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o they_o of_o rome_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a or_o which_o be_v the_o schismatic_n from_o it_o they_o which_o exclude_v none_o who_o they_o own_v no_o power_n over_o but_o invite_v all_o to_o they_o and_o join_v with_o any_o in_o what_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n or_o they_o who_o shut_v out_o all_o but_o those_o who_o will_v subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o usurp_a authority_n and_o most_o unjustifiable_a imposition_n abstinuisti_fw-la father_n the_o term_n catholic_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o orthodox_n and_o so_o the_o catholic_n church_n interpret_v for_o that_o which_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n oppose_v to_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o to_o schismatical_a separation_n 4._o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v as_o good_a a_o claim_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o whatever_n receive_v all_o the_o artiticle_n of_o christian_a faith_n deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o receive_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n for_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o year_n no_o principle_n have_v be_v so_o formal_o declare_v then_o and_o for_o some_o time_n after_o as_o the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o as_o such_o necessary_a to_o be_v own_a which_o she_o reject_v whatever_o private_a opinion_n there_o may_v be_v then_o among_o some_o eminent_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o oft_o differ_v one_o from_o the_o other_o or_o although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o observance_n then_o general_o receive_v which_o she_o think_v herself_o not_o bind_v to_o retain_v but_o ill_o will_v this_o character_n agree_v to_o the_o romanist_n who_o have_v add_v so_o many_o new_a dangerous_a article_n to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n not_o only_o beside_o the_o original_a rule_n which_o they_o can_v but_o own_o with_o we_o but_o too_o often_o against_o it_o and_o the_o profess_a belief_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o reject_v not_o these_o innovation_n mere_o from_o negative_a argument_n because_o not_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o yet_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v have_v be_v always_o allow_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o express_a divine_a authority_n and_o testimony_n but_o we_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o our_o aversation_n to_o they_o upon_o that_o direct_a opposition_n which_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v most_o of_o they_o have_v to_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o they_o and_o we_o both_o own_o and_o sure_o that_o church_n in_o this_o acceptaion_n be_v most_o catholic_n that_o rely_v on_o such_o catholic_n principle_n and_o refer_v all_o other_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o this_o touchstone_n v._n but_o in_o the_o five_o place_n some_o objection_n lie_v in_o our_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v answer_v object_n 1._o they_o urge_v against_o we_o that_o we_o reject_v several_a doctrine_n since_o formal_o determine_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o know_a and_o receive_v authority_n thereof_o in_o council_n more_o general_a or_o particular_a which_o they_o pretend_v be_v believe_v through_o all_o age_n but_o then_o establish_v when_o they_o come_v first_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n though_o very_o many_o exception_n may_v come_v in_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o formality_n and_o regularity_n of_o those_o council_n but_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n in_o which_o the_o main_a stress_n lie_v here_o we_o never_o refuse_v a_o fair_a trial_n thereof_o 1._o from_o scripture_n against_o which_o no_o authority_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a in_o single_a person_n or_o the_o great_a assembly_n no_o time_n or_o custom_n of_o whatever_o date_n can_v prescribe_v etc._n this_o have_v be_v ever_o receive_v till_o of_o late_a as_o the_o perfect_a and_o entire_a rule_n of_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o abundant_a testimony_n may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o protestant_a writer_n 2._o we_o appeal_v also_o to_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n which_o either_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o addition_n that_o we_o can_v find_v or_o sometime_o give_v as_o express_v declaration_n against_o they_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v at_o this_o distance_n but_o to_o take_v off_o much_o of_o the_o strangeness_n of_o so_o harsh_a a_o imputation_n at_o first_o sight_n wherewith_o we_o charge_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n and_o that_o they_o and_o we_o may_v be_v less_o scandalize_v at_o the_o first_o mention_n of_o these_o defection_n 3._o we_o may_v consider_v the_o various_a caution_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n against_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o manner_n which_o at_o the_o least_o in_o general_n be_v foretell_v will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n if_o some_o of_o they_o we_o now_o charge_v be_v not_o particular_o describe_v therein_o 4._o we_o may_v compare_v matter_n of_o fact_n with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o like_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o various_a instance_n so_o near_o resemble_v these_o as_o nothing_o more_o and_o from_o the_o same_o plea_n of_o oral_a tradition_n yet_o against_o as_o clear_a evidence_n and_o as_o emphatical_a promise_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o apostasy_n as_o any_o particular_a church_n at_o least_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o 5._o we_o may_v consult_v the_o tendency_n of_o lapse_v mankind_n in_o the_o best_a how_o weak_a it_o be_v and_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o other_o how_o prone_a to_o corrupt_v and_o distort_v the_o best_a institution_n cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o offer_v violence_n unto_o the_o strong_a conviction_n to_o shelter_v their_o vice_n and_o promote_v their_o unwarrantable_a interest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o ease_n plenty_n and_o outward_a prosperity_n in_o which_o we_o may_v compare_v common_a experience_n in_o lesser_a society_n which_o however_o wise_o direct_v at_o first_o regular_o found_v and_o strong_o guard_v on_o all_o side_n without_o a_o very_a careful_a inspection_n and_o sometime_o vigorous_a opposition_n so_o many_o corruption_n will_v creep_v in_o as_o to_o need_v frequent_a reformation_n to_o reduce_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o although_o a_o especial_a providence_n be_v concern_v for_o the_o guard_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n church_n yet_o neither_o scripture_n or_o experience_n warrant_v we_o to_o expect_v its_o happy_a influence_n by_o miracle_n now_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o which_o may_v be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n 6._o we_o may_v reflect_v upon_o the_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o charge_v especial_o with_o these_o desection_n from_o about_o the_o eight_o century_n to_o the_o reformation_n
be_v always_o most_o busy_a to_o sow_v his_o tare_n among_o the_o best_a wheat_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o to_o our_o purpose_n here_o to_o observe_v be_v that_o the_o same_o method_n which_o the_o orthodox_n christian_n than_o make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o confutation_n and_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n we_o still_o appeal_v to_o by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o scripture_n and_o next_o to_o that_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n whereas_o how_o short_a and_o easy_a a_o decision_n to_o all_o debate_n may_v have_v be_v fetch_v hence_o have_v they_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o esficacy_n thereof_o by_o refer_v all_o controversy_n depend_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o and_o to_o that_o infallible_a conduct_n settle_v therein_o but_o not_o one_o word_n of_o that_o only_o when_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o she_o after_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v in_o common_a with_o many_o other_o church_n especial_o those_o of_o apostolical_a foundation_n as_o in_o tertullian_n irenoeus_n st._n augustin_n etc._n etc._n where_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n fiunt_fw-la 3._o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o most_o absolute_a authority_n in_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o extortion_n of_o the_o most_o implicit_a belief_n and_o blind_a obedience_n in_o the_o other_o among_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o considerable_a dissension_n and_o division_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n if_o these_o have_v not_o break_v out_o ordinary_o into_o the_o most_o open_a schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o stop_n be_v more_o due_a to_o the_o craft_n and_o policy_n whereby_o they_o oft_o compromise_v the_o matter_n between_o both_o party_n or_o to_o that_o outward_a force_n and_o violence_n which_o restrain_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o any_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v of_o this_o ready_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o dispute_n we_o find_v in_o the_o fierce_a debate_n among_o they_o how_o little_a heed_n be_v give_v to_o this_o infallible_a cure_n far_o than_o interest_n or_o necessity_n incline_v they_o there_o may_v be_v a_o way_n of_o prevent_a controversy_n which_o destroy_v all_o religion_n and_o make_v way_n for_o atheism_n in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o need_v not_o inquire_v where_o the_o advantage_n lie_v 4._o we_o may_v answer_v most_o of_o those_o mischief_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o that_o be_v violent_o assault_v and_o break_v its_o authority_n despise_v its_o constitution_n vilify_v its_o order_n deface_v its_o faithful_a adherent_n persecute_v than_o faction_n and_o disorder_n strange_a doctrine_n phrensical_a opinion_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o looseness_n in_o principle_n and_o practice_n come_v in_o like_o a_o torrent_n and_o overspread_v the_o land_n which_o before_o skulkt_v in_o corner_n and_o be_v little_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o great_a measure_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o progress_n i_o knwo_o not_o of_o any_o sect_n which_o have_v start_v up_o since_o that_o time_n but_o almost_o every_o year_n before_o bring_v forth_o several_a if_o her_o pain_n and_o care_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o successful_o prevalent_a as_o to_o recover_v and_o restore_v all_o that_o have_v go_v astray_o she_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o her_o endeavour_n towards_o it_o which_o have_v reduce_v many_o and_o it_o be_v no_o little_a time_n nor_o easy_a task_n to_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o such_o long_a confusion_n and_o desolation_n 5._o we_o owe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o these_o calamity_n to_o the_o same_o person_n who_o now_o charge_v they_o upon_o we_o for_o beside_o the_o influence_n which_o their_o agent_n principle_n and_o example_n have_v in_o contrive_v and_o promote_a those_o unnatural_a commotion_n and_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n which_o i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o examine_v let_v matter_n of_o fact_n determine_v that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v find_v more_o or_o less_o plain_a thus_o far_o we_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n that_o several_a of_o their_o emissary_n have_v herd_v with_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o if_o some_o of_o the_o gross_a sect_n be_v not_o frame_v among_o they_o first_o as_o seem_v very_o probable_a yet_o most_o of_o they_o have_v be_v much_o foment_v and_o strengthen_v by_o they_o and_o they_o have_v be_v oft_o find_v act_v their_o part_n under_o that_o disguise_n and_o have_v employ_v on_o all_o occasion_n their_o interest_n to_o shelter_v and_o protect_v they_o according_a to_o the_o know_a maxim_n of_o their_o policy_n that_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o effect_v our_o ruin_n be_v by_o increase_v and_o foment_v our_o division_n here_o they_o have_v find_v their_o great_a harvest_n for_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v unsettle_a and_o they_o grow_v giddy_a with_o be_v long_o turn_v about_o by_o every_o new_a wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o tumble_v and_o toss_v from_o one_o party_n to_o another_o they_o will_v easy_o catch_v hold_n of_o any_o fancy_a support_n and_o be_v soon_o betray_v to_o yield_v themselves_o captive_n to_o the_o delusory_a hope_n of_o rest_n and_o settlement_n among_o they_o 6._o to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v much_o of_o that_o irreverence_n and_o contempt_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n sacred_a which_o have_v make_v way_n for_o the_o forementioned_a sad_a calamity_n among_o we_o be_v most_o due_a to_o their_o oppression_n insolence_n or_o delusion_n when_o the_o people_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v under_o their_o tyrannical_a yoke_n and_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o find_v themselves_o so_o oft_o cheat_v by_o their_o manifest_a imposture_n no_o marvel_n if_o they_o be_v overfearful_a of_o what_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o from_o and_o afterward_o too_o suspicious_a of_o be_v delude_v again_o and_o be_v soon_o tempt_v to_o transgress_v due_a measure_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n be_v just_o recover_v from_o extreme_a slavery_n though_o so_o many_o year_n have_v pass_v since_o as_o will_v hardly_o admit_v of_o a_o tolerable_a excuse_n yet_o better_a experience_n and_o long_a consideration_n we_o hope_v in_o time_n may_v teach_v they_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o certain_a interest_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o hypocritical_a wile_n of_o worldly_a craft_n and_o policy_n and_o so_o to_o think_v a_o due_a respect_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o those_o who_o sincere_o manage_v the_o former_a necessary_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o latter_a and_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o other_o and_o that_o apostolical_a government_n good_a order_n wholesome_a discipline_n sound_a doctrine_n and_o uniform_a devotion_n may_v no_o long_o suffer_v under_o the_o false_a but_o most_o odious_a charge_n of_o popery_n and_o that_o they_o who_o have_v under_o god_n be_v most_o instrumental_a in_o reform_v and_o defend_v the_o church_n from_o the_o real_a and_o gross_a corruption_n thereof_o may_v not_o still_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o unreasonable_a clamour_n of_o a_o mere_a invidious_a name_n which_o they_o that_o use_v most_o know_v very_o little_a what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o only_o that_o it_o denote_v somewhat_o favour_v by_o they_o of_o who_o they_o have_v deserve_o a_o ill_a opinion_n the_o case_n have_v be_v too_o like_a exemplify_v in_o another_o instance_n especial_o of_o late_a year_n in_o which_o many_o hypocrite_n have_v so_o scandalous_o abuse_v the_o most_o solemn_a pretence_n to_o sanctity_n and_o devotion_n for_o a_o cover_n or_o continuance_n to_o the_o most_o horrid_a oppression_n schism_n and_o rebellion_n that_o they_o have_v embolden_v profane_a man_n to_o scorn_n and_o send_v out_o open_a defiance_n against_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o religion_n and_o possible_o tempt_v other_o serious_a and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o i●s_a cause_n to_o be_v too_o modest_a and_o shamefaced_a in_o its_o defence_n yet_o we_o hope_v unfeigned_a piety_n will_v be_v always_o justify_v of_o its_o child_n suitable_o true_o catholic_n principle_n and_o observance_n may_v vindicate_v themselves_o though_o gross_a error_n and_o impos●ures_n have_v long_o pass_v under_o that_o disguise_n notwithstanding_o ordinary_a people_n not_o always_o the_o best_a distinguisher_n and_o who_o be_v often_o hurry_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o do_v not_o ready_o discern_v one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o have_v find_v themselves_o once_o cheat_v be_v a_o long_a time_n over-jealous_a of_o a_o like_a design_n upon_o they_o vi_o from_o the_o premise_n due_o consider_v will_n i_o hope_v in_o the_o close_o be_v infer_v the_o strong_a motive_n and_o obligation_n upon_o all_o among_o we_o hearty_o to_o embrace_v and_o steady_o to_o persevere_v in_o the_o
of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n the_o propagation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n require_v a_o solemn_a public_a exercise_n of_o all_o religious_a worship_n in_o unite_a congregation_n so_o hereby_o we_o most_o sensible_o prove_v and_o secure_v our_o unity_n therein_o derelinquit_fw-la whoever_o then_o needless_o separate_v himself_o from_o this_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o its_o member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n where_o he_o may_v without_o violence_n to_o any_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o divide_v himself_o from_o his_o body_n and_o so_o from_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o we_o know_v of_o the_o sacred_a and_o comfortable_a influence_n of_o that_o one_o head_n and_o one_o spirit_n 4._o in_o the_o unity_n of_o discipline_n 〈◊〉_d whereby_o every_o act_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n conformable_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o universal_o receive_v practice_n of_o his_o church_n stand_v confirm_v as_o a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n particular_o whoever_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o according_o by_o baptism_n in_o one_o place_n be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o receive_v into_o its_o communion_n wherever_o he_o come_v it_o no_o evidence_n appear_v of_o his_o exclusion_n by_o any_o after_o regular_a censure_n likewise_o into_o whatever_o office_n or_o ministration_n any_o be_v orderly_o admit_v in_o one_o part_n thereof_o in_o the_o same_o be_v they_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o other_o though_o without_o that_o particular_a jurisdiction_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o but_o whosoever_o lie_v under_o any_o censure_n in_o one_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v under_o the_o same_o in_o all_o other_o and_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n till_o the_o sentence_n be_v reverse_v by_o the_o same_o power_n or_o a_o still_o high_o and_o great_a authority_n according_a to_o the_o five_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o the_o design_n of_o their_o form_a and_o communicatory_a letter_n without_o which_o none_o be_v to_o pass_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o thus_o every_o church_n be_v accountable_a to_o its_o neighbour_n church_n and_o so_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o its_o action_n that_o one_o may_v not_o do_v what_o the_o other_o undo_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o this_o unity_n which_o will_v lead_v to_o the_o confusion_n and_o distraction_n of_o all_o wherefore_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o difference_n when_o rise_v or_o obviate_v any_o grow_a mischief_n thereby_o and_o to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o person_n who_o think_v themselves_o aggrieve_v or_o injure_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n or_o church_n a_o council_n of_o all_o bishop_n in_o each_o province_n be_v appoint_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n by_o the_o same_o canon_n and_o in_o many_o other_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n then_o of_o any_o far_a or_o high_a appeal_n ecclesia_fw-la thus_o a_o amicable_a correspondence_n and_o intimate_a communication_n be_v maintain_v between_o the_o neighbour_n church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o by_o they_o with_o other_o remove_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n throughout_o the_o world_n these_o need_v no_o long_a proof_n but_o may_v be_v take_v as_o general_o grant_v the_o main_a dispute_n will_v lie_v in_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o two_o last_o now_o to_o prevent_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v all_o difficulty_n about_o they_o it_o may_v be_v add_v to_o the_o three_o of_o unity_n of_o worship_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o any_o settle_a establish_a church_n that_o there_o be_v some_o set_a form_n of_o public_a ministration_n without_o which_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o to_o know_v before_o hand_n what_o they_o join_v with_o especial_o for_o stranger_n but_o then_o these_o form_n shall_v be_v as_o plain_a and_o simple_a as_o possible_a with_o as_o little_a pretence_n as_o can_v be_v of_o any_o danger_n to_o the_o know_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n for_o no_o obligation_n whatsoever_o can_v tie_v i_o to_o communicate_v with_o another_o in_o that_o which_o he_o forbid_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o more_o than_o suspect_v this_o danger_n when_o man_n private_a opinion_n or_o fanciful_a transport_n be_v mingle_v with_o they_o which_o have_v little_a show_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o justify_v they_o the_o ready_a way_n i_o know_v of_o to_o prevent_v that_o hazard_n after_o all_o other_o care_n about_o the_o matter_n contain_v be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o these_o office_n be_v as_o near_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n as_o can_v well_o be_v yet_o every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n when_o no_o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o catholic_n faith_n and_o unity_n must_v not_o break_v this_o communion_n according_a to_o that_o profession_n of_o st._n cyprian_a amoventes_fw-la judge_v no_o man_n nor_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o right_n of_o communion_n if_o he_o think_v otherwise_o where_o the_o dispute_n be_v think_v of_o no_o mean_n concern_v especial_o in_o this_o cause_n which_o ibid._n st._n augustin_n oft_o allege_v against_o the_o donatist_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n against_o his_o declare_a practice_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v apply_v the_o treatment_n of_o 26._o st._n polycarp_n in_o rome_n by_o anicetus_n the_o bishop_n though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n and_o in_o other_o point_n which_o can_v not_o be_v agree_v between_o they_o yet_o this_o last_o not_o only_o invite_v the_o former_a to_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o also-to_a celebrate_v the_o sacred_a eucharist_n in_o this_o church_n as_o the_o word_n be_v general_o interpret_v which_o st._n irenaeus_n not_o long_o after_o urge_v strong_o against_o victor_n who_o be_v hasten_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o the_o same_o difference_n contrary_a to_o his_o predecessor_n practice_n as_o to_o the_o four_o of_o unity_n of_o discipline_n if_o unity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o part_n be_v not_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o abrogate_v or_o invade_v the_o positive_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o herein_o and_o be_v more_o than_o convenient_a that_o it_o be_v as_o conformable_a as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o make_v it_o in_o one_o place_n to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o another_o it_o seem_v horrible_o presumptuous_a violent_o to_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o government_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o which_o christianity_n have_v be_v convey_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o distant_a place_n upon_o pretence_n of_o erect_v a_o new_a better_a scheme_n or_o model_n of_o our_o own_o or_o because_o of_o the_o intricate_a use_n of_o one_o or_o two_o term_n in_o scripture_n when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o its_o first_o formation_n though_o against_o the_o plain_a current_n of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n a_o church_n indeed_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o its_o government_n for_o suitable_a will_v be_v the_o exercise_n and_o authority_n of_o its_o discipline_n what_o allowance_n may_v be_v make_v for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o come_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o reach_v it_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o dispute_v but_o most_o inexcusable_a and_o high_o obnoxious_a be_v they_o that_o by_o extreme_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n endeavour_v to_o destroy_v what_o they_o find_v regular_o establish_v to_o their_o hand_n iii_o but_o we_o be_v here_o most_o concern_v with_o the_o bold_a claim_n of_o the_o romanist_n amid_o their_o most_o obvious_a defection_n who_o have_v make_v it_o the_o principal_a band_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o the_o pretend_a vicar_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o the_o universal_a head_n and_o monarch_n of_o the_o church_n this_o they_o have_v determine_v as_o de_fw-la fide_fw-la and_o put_v into_o their_o very_a creed_n and_o exclude_v all_o that_o do_v not_o express_o own_v it_o but_o against_o this_o as_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o christian_a unity_n we_o have_v many_o just_a exception_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prove_v they_o so_o jurisdiction_n 1._o supremacy_n in_o that_o no_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n appear_v of_o any_o such_o authority_n confer_v upon_o he_o or_o they_o but_o many_o strong_a
intimation_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o place_n usual_o allege_v to_o make_v good_a their_o claim_n be_v so_o far_o fetch_v and_o so_o little_a to_o their_o purpose_n that_o they_o contain_v alone_o a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o they_o and_o their_o own_o author_n sometime_o speak_v of_o they_o with_o great_a distrust_n here_o if_o any_o where_o sure_a we_o may_v safe_o argue_v without_o dare_v to_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o the_o most_o high_a that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n have_v it_o be_v design_v it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o explicit_o deliver_v and_o solemn_o inculcate_v 2._o but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o we_o have_v far_a evidence_n from_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o best_a father_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v the_o place_n insist_v on_o sunt_fw-la nay_o express_o expound_v they_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a sense_n and_o disow_v any_o such_o authority_n of_o one_o church_n or_o bishop_n over_o other_o and_o when_o the_o roman_a bishop_n begin_v any_o thing_n tend_v towards_o this_o and_o ground_v his_o claim_n upon_o a_o false_o allege_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a not_o on_o any_o divine_a charter_n after_o examination_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o forgery_n other_o bishop_n whole_o disclaim_v it_o and_o declare_v against_o it_o it_z and_o warn_v he_o for_o the_o future_a not_o to_o disturb_v their_o regular_a proceed_n by_o such_o unwarrantable_a practice_n ed._n as_o the_o african_a bishop_n and_o the_o great_a st._n austin_n among_o they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o find_v any_o thing_n like_o a_o argument_n or_o example_n of_o it_o within_o the_o first_o five_o cetury_n at_o lest_o which_o be_v not_o disow_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o from_o such_o forge_a write_n which_o they_o themselves_o will_v scarce_o now_o defend_v 3._o in_o the_o follow_a age_n we_o have_v as_o good_a testimony_n from_o history_n as_o almost_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o what_o step_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o still_o grow_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n of_o rome_n advance_v itself_o to_o the_o height_n which_o it_o now_o claim_v year_n 1._o by_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o other_o church_n every_o degree_n of_o exaltation_n gain_v be_v the_o depression_n and_o diminution_n of_o they_o till_o all_o power_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n swallow_v up_o by_o the_o papal_a ambition_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o any_o other_o which_o be_v not_o dependent_a hereupon_o in_o its_o original_n and_o altogether_o precarious_a in_o its_o administration_n so_o that_o here_o alone_o it_o must_v be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n but_o to_o all_o other_o by_o commission_n from_o he_o thus_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n all_o must_v await_v his_o consent_n and_o confirmation_n where_o he_o do_v not_o alone_o forcible_o obtrude_v they_o and_o must_v pay_v for_o it_o a_o round_a sum_n for_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o their_o entrance_n and_o a_o after_o tributary_n pension_n out_o of_o their_o income_n and_o take_v a_o formal_a oath_n of_o subjection_n at_o their_o admittance_n and_o own_o their_o own_o authority_n from_o his_o delegation_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o have_v their_o sentence_n reverse_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o flee_v as_o far_o as_o his_o judicatory_a and_o stand_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v any_o cause_n to_o himself_o nay_o if_o a_o controversy_n arise_v between_o he_o and_o any_o prince_n or_o state_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n shalllie_o at_o once_o under_o his_o interdict_v the_o clergy_n be_v withhold_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n and_o the_o people_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o public_a divine_a worship_n and_o sacrament_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a effect_n of_o the_o plenitude_n of_o apostolic_a power_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o late_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o plea_n from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n within_o the_o bound_n foremention_v or_o for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o the_o great_a part_n certain_o so_o great_a a_o change_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v without_o some_o notice_n and_o complaint_n struggle_n and_o contention_n of_o which_o church_n history_n be_v full_a their_o early_a faith_n speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n in_o st._n paul_n time_n the_o eminent_a zeal_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n most_o of_o who_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v the_o account_n general_o receive_v of_o they_o seal_v to_o the_o former_a with_o their_o blood_n their_o continue_a constancy_n in_o the_o orthodox_n profession_n thereof_o amid_o the_o corruption_n or_o defection_n of_o so_o many_o other_o particular_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o arrian_n persecution_n the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o church_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o two_o chief_a apostle_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o imperial_a seat_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v etc._n etc._n give_v they_o great_a repute_n and_o advantageous_a recommendation_n in_o those_o first_o age_n none_o will_v much_o contend_v with_o they_o about_o priority_n of_o order_n or_o precedence_n but_o when_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n come_v to_o be_v improve_v into_o a_o patriarchate_n and_o that_o swell_v into_o the_o title_n of_o the_o universal_a bishop_n which_o passim_fw-la st._n gregory_n so_o severe_o condemn_v in_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o that_o at_o last_o grow_v into_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o sole_a vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o sovereign_a monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o friendly_a and_o brotherly_a arbitration_n which_o all_o person_n in_o distress_n or_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o injury_n be_v apt_a to_o flee_v unto_o and_o amplify_v make_v way_n by_o degree_n for_o the_o challenge_n of_o a_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o at_o first_o from_o the_o pretence_n of_o canonical_a privilege_n to_o that_o divine_a right_n and_o sanction_n and_o then_o to_o prevent_v all_o scruple_n about_o its_o determination_n these_o must_v be_v back_v with_o the_o vindication_n of_o a_o infallible_a conduct_n when_o instead_o of_o that_o charitable_a support_n they_o at_o first_o ready_o bestow_v on_o other_o church_n in_o their_o distress_n they_o now_o make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o rob_v they_o of_o what_o be_v leave_v take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o oppression_n of_o some_o under_o the_o common_a enemy_n or_o the_o confusion_n of_o other_o through_o domestic_a distraction_n to_o raise_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o spoil_n then_o no_o wonder_n if_o other_o church_n complain_v and_o struggle_v under_o that_o yoke_n which_o they_o can_v not_o present_o or_o easy_o throw_v off_o indeed_o have_v not_o this_o claim_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bishop_n of_o rome_n rise_v to_o such_o a_o extravagant_a height_n in_o the_o arrogance_n of_o its_o pretend_a title_n and_o be_v strain_v to_o that_o excess_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o assume_v authority_n so_o as_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o other_o church_n to_o take_v all_o due_a and_o necessary_a care_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o needful_a supply_n these_o might_n more_o easy_o have_v bear_v their_o usurpation_n of_o more_o power_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v prove_v belong_v to_o they_o they_o that_o have_v learn_v the_o humility_n of_o christ_n school_n and_o who_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n than_o vindicate_v their_o privilege_n and_o know_v how_o much_o safe_o it_o be_v to_o obey_v than_o command_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v govern_v than_o to_o govern_v will_v not_o be_v much_o move_v at_o what_o other_o fond_o assume_v know_v still_o that_o the_o more_o difficult_a account_n await_v they_o but_o then_o this_o power_n become_v most_o intolerable_a when_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o purpose_n so_o much_o worse_a than_o itself_o which_o be_v beside_o the_o former_a 2._o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o power_n of_o temporal_a prince_n and_o disturb_v the_o civil_a right_n of_o man_n monarchy_n although_o our_o bless_a saviour_n assure_v pilate_n his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o his_o pretend_a vicar_n here_o on_o earth_n can_v hardly_o say_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o temporal_a dominion_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v entitle_v himself_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n there_o be_v few_o other_o kingdom_n or_o state_n on_o this_o side_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o he_o have_v not_o or_o have_v not_o almost_o as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o the_o government_n as_o their_o immediate_a prince_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o
prescribe_v bound_n to_o their_o administration_n and_o subject_n in_o great_a measure_n all_o law_n and_o person_n to_o his_o foreign_a court_n jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n yea_o their_o purse_n to_o his_o exaction_n and_o upon_o the_o least_o dispute_n have_v withdraw_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o his_o immediate_a dependent_n who_o scarce_o own_o any_o other_o governor_n and_o raise_v so_o many_o disturbance_n that_o great_a prince_n and_o state_n have_v be_v force_v at_o last_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o mention_v the_o arrogance_n it_o at_o length_n grow_v up_o unto_o in_o dethron_a prince_n give_v their_o kingdom_n to_o other_o authorise_v their_o subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o they_o or_o all_o way_n to_o oppose_v they_o and_o what_o oft_o follow_v if_o not_o express_v to_o murder_v they_o as_o in_o their_o late_a sentence_n against_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_n prince_n but_o before_o much_o of_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o long_a contention_n between_o some_o of_o 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the_o usurpation_n more_o odious_a and_o insufferable_a be_v the_o far_a abuse_n of_o the_o same_o extravagant_a power_n to_o bring_v in_o strange_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n corrupt_a and_o unlawful_a practice_n into_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o all_o in_o their_o communion_n exact_o fit_v to_o feed_v their_o ambition_n enrich_v their_o coffer_n secure_v their_o authority_n and_o promote_v their_o ease_n and_o luxury_n such_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n of_o merit_n and_o supererogation_n the_o multiplicity_n of_o vow_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o repentance_n and_o ministration_n of_o penance_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n adoration_n of_o relic_n and_o image_n their_o half_a communion_n the_o scripture_n lock_v up_o and_o divine_a service_n perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o divers_a like_o they_o have_v prove_v great_a scandal_n abroad_o and_o stumble_a block_n at_o home_n and_o whatever_o varnish_n they_o may_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o fair_a pretence_n or_o however_o they_o may_v cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o disciple_n by_o nice_a distinction_n yet_o they_o have_v so_o disfigure_v the_o face_n of_o christianity_n that_o he_o who_o compare_v the_o late_a appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o model_n of_o it_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n can_v hardly_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o the_o particular_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v dispute_v they_o have_v sufficient_o be_v confute_v and_o expose_v by_o protestant_a writer_n and_o be_v by_o several_a before_o except_v against_o and_o disclaim_v though_o some_o suffer_v severe_o for_o so_o do_v and_o many_o more_o we_o may_v suppose_v wait_v a_o opportunity_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o their_o pressure_n that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o most_o to_o insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o charge_n we_o draw_v up_o against_o these_o of_o falsehood_n in_o judgement_n gross_a superstition_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n and_o immorality_n in_o manner_n be_v true_a and_o impartial_a as_o we_o have_v be_v ever_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a and_o shall_v do_v against_o all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o defendant_n then_o no_o authority_n whatever_o however_o regular_o found_v or_o unexceptionable_o convey_v can_v oblige_v we_o to_o these_o against_o the_o reveal_v will_n or_o word_n of_o god_n the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n as_o we_o hope_v careful_o and_o right_o inform_v the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n great_a cause_n be_v there_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o throw_v off_o such_o a_o usurp_a power_n that_o make_v so_o ill_a use_n of_o what_o it_o have_v unjust_o get_v and_o to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o primitive_a beauty_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o precept_n of_o life_n but_o alas_o many_o difficulty_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o all_o possible_a struggle_n and_o contention_n by_o force_n and_o policy_n be_v use_v by_o the_o adverse_a party_n to_o prevent_v its_o beginning_n or_o obstruct_v it_o progress_n great_a be_v their_o interest_n in_o overy_n place_n strong_a be_v the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o person_n in_o authority_n numerous_n be_v their_o assistant_n and_o dependent_n at_o home_o and_o abroad_o weighty_a be_v their_o concern_n which_o lie_v at_o stake_n and_o many_o be_v the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v of_o any_o that_o oppose_v they_o so_o that_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o reformation_n so_o long_o wish_v for_o and_o much_o want_v be_v so_o slow_o effect_v it_o be_v rather_o more_o strange_a that_o in_o so_o many_o place_n it_o do_v master_v these_o and_o such_o like_a encumbrance_n and_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n make_v so_o considerable_a a_o progress_n if_o in_o some_o place_n it_o proceed_v with_o less_o order_n uniformity_n and_o calmness_n than_o can_v have_v be_v wish_v for_o in_o a_o religious_a reformation_n necessity_n in_o part_n with_o many_o perplex_a difficulty_n and_o encumbrance_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v what_o no_o law_n beforehand_o full_o warrant_v iu._n but_o leave_v other_o to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o in_o my_o next_o particular_a i_o be_o to_o consider_v how_o regular_o and_o sedate_o it_o proceed_v in_o the_o church_n of_o engiand_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o catholic_n unity_n 1._o with_o the_o concurrence_n and_o encouragement_n all_o along_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o free_v it_o from_o any_o but_o suspicion_n of_o rebellion_n so_o it_o begin_v at_o first_o with_o the_o break_n of_o the_o papal_a yoke_n of_o supremacy_n the_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o some_o like_a preparative_n to_o reformation_n under_o henry_n the_o eight_o and_o the_o unite_a suffrage_n of_o his_o parliament_n and_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o therein_o it_o proceed_v suitable_o to_o a_o further_a improvement_n in_o most_o particular_n under_o his_o son_n edward_n the_o six_o and_o at_o last_o it_o come_v to_o its_o full_a settlement_n and_o establishment_n under_o queen_n elizabeth_n the_o beginning_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o reformation_n here_o be_v by_o such_o loyalty_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o challenge_v any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o comparison_n therein_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o her_o roman_a adversary_n have_v turn_v her_o glory_n into_o a_o reproach_n by_o upbraid_v she_o though_o most_o invidious_o with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o parliamentary_a religion_n because_o it_o receive_v all_o along_o so_o much_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n from_o those_o great_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o their_o head_n and_o sovereign_n 2._o but_o far_a to_o
clear_v she_o of_o all_o just_a imputation_n from_o hence_o it_o must_v be_v add_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n of_o the_o clergy_n assemble_v in_o convocation_n represent_v the_o entire_a body_n of_o they_o and_o therein_o a_o national_a council_n that_o they_o from_o their_o education_n and_o presume_a knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v ordinary_o fit_a to_o judge_n debate_n and_o determine_v of_o religious_a matter_n will_v be_v soon_o grant_v but_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n may_v and_o aught_o sometime_o to_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o restrain_v they_o from_o gross_a defection_n from_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o several_a scripture_n example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o supereminence_n of_o their_o place_n but_o happy_a be_v that_o order_n and_o unity_n in_o which_o both_o power_n be_v join_v together_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o security_n of_o his_o church_n and_o promotion_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v here_o though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o first_o attempt_n will_v meet_v with_o several_a difficulty_n fierce_a debate_n and_o controversy_n yet_o still_o the_o entire_a establishment_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o regular_a determination_n of_o the_o clergy_n so_o assemble_v as_o before_o as_o well_o as_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o the_o royal_a assent_n 3._o yet_o far_o to_o justify_v themselves_o from_o any_o affect_a innovation_n in_o such_o a_o change_n all_o be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a reverence_n respect_n and_o deference_n to_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o clear_v their_o continue_a unity_n therewith_o 1._o in_o doctrine_n the_o ancient_a creed_n be_v take_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o its_o confession_n the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n be_v receive_v with_o great_a veneration_n and_o a_o particular_a collegerint_fw-la injunction_n be_v lay_v upon_o its_o minister_n to_o press_v upon_o none_o the_o necessary_a belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a current_n of_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o father_n thereupon_o so_o careful_a it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o point_n to_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o catholic_n principle_n in_o those_o first_o instill_v into_o its_o young_a disciple_n in_o the_o catechism_n and_o in_o those_o deliver_v in_o its_o article_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o such_o to_o who_o it_o entrust_v any_o office_n that_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o they_o will_v hardly_o be_v disow_v by_o our_o very_a adversary_n and_o can_v scarce_o appear_v otherwise_o to_o any_o than_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o orthodox_n repute_v in_o all_o age_n and_o for_o other_o determination_n in_o the_o negative_a she_o only_o declare_v thereby_o how_o little_a concern_v she_o be_v to_o receive_v or_o own_v the_o false_a or_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o the_o first_o unalterable_a rule_n no_o church_n have_v profess_v and_o evidence_v a_o more_o awful_a and_o tender_a regard_n to_o antiquity_n next_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n both_o which_o she_o oft_o appeal_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o and_o where_o their_o footstep_n be_v not_o sufficient_o clear_a choose_v not_o to_o impose_v upon_o she_o own_o child_n nor_o censure_v her_o neighbour_n keep_v within_o the_o most_o safe_a and_o modest_a boundary_n be_v not_o forward_o in_o determine_v nice_a and_o intricate_a dispute_n which_o have_v perplex_v and_o confound_v many_o in_o their_o hasty_a and_o bold_a position_n particular_o about_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o such_o like_a sublime_a point_n in_o which_o few_o understand_v where_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v it_o may_v be_v none_o can_v comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o decision_n ought_v to_o be_v ground_v but_o alas_o how_o many_o have_v be_v forward_o to_o lay_v down_o and_o fierce_o contend_v for_o on_o each_o side_n their_o private_a opinion_n herein_o as_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o theology_n to_o be_v place_v in_o their_o very_a creed_n or_o catechism_n and_o so_o a_o foundation_n must_v be_v lay_v for_o endless_a contest_v and_o division_n but_o most_o cautious_a have_v our_o church_n be_v in_o not_o lay_v such_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o the_o way_n of_o any_o so_o that_o both_o sort_n of_o adversary_n have_v make_v their_o complaint_n against_o she_o for_o not_o be_v more_o positive_a and_o particular_o in_o such_o declaration_n though_o none_o can_v charge_v she_o just_o with_o defect_n in_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n so_o own_a in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o as_o clear_v and_o unexceptionable_a have_v be_v her_o proceed_n in_o church_n government_n preserve_v that_o form_n which_o from_o all_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a apostle_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o which_o christianity_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o continue_v throughout_o the_o world_n whatever_o different_a measure_n some_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v take_v whether_o force_v by_o necessity_n or_o sway_v by_o particular_a inclination_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n of_o england_n keep_v up_o the_o universal_o receive_v distinct_a prime_a order_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n not_o desire_v to_o censure_v other_o who_o can_v best_o answer_v for_o themselves_o but_o endeavour_v to_o confine_v herself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o canonical_a and_o regular_a and_o to_o show_v how_o little_a affect_v she_o be_v to_o alteration_n from_o any_o establishment_n except_o in_o notorious_a corruption_n and_o abuse_n and_o how_o necessary_a she_o think_v due_a order_n and_o subordination_n in_o the_o church_n to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a authority_n and_o advantage_n to_o her_o ministration_n and_o final_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o irregularity_n in_o her_o succession_n derive_v down_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o she_o as_o much_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n may_v pretend_v unto_o and_o though_o some_o intermediate_v age_n have_v be_v blemish_v with_o much_o degeneracy_n yet_o she_o be_v concern_v only_o to_o separate_v this_o but_o retain_v and_o convey_v down_o to_o other_o whatsoever_o good_a and_o wholesome_a provision_n she_o receive_v from_o those_o before_o far_o to_o evince_v this_o particular_a care_n be_v take_v by_o express_a law_n a_o to_o confirm_v the_o rule_n of_o government_n 6._o or_o canon_n law_n before_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n till_o some_o better_a provision_n can_v be_v make_v so_o far_o as_o it_o contradict_v not_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v as_o few_o change_n in_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o sensible_o prove_v it_o her_o design_n proper_o not_o to_o destroy_v but_o build_v nor_o yet_o therein_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a but_o reform_v a_o old_a church_n 3._o alike_o canonical_a and_o orderly_o have_v be_v her_o constitution_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n her_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o her_o liturgy_n be_v compose_v with_o the_o great_a temper_n and_o express_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o comprehensive_a term_n to_o help_v forward_o uniform_a devotion_n pious_a affection_n the_o most_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v universal_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n require_v in_o her_o public_a service_n necessary_a to_o those_o who_o communicate_v with_o she_o which_o any_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o be_v own_a for_o such_o by_o the_o general_a body_n of_o they_o can_v almost_o scruple_n unless_o because_o it_o be_v a_o form_n by_o one_o sort_n and_o because_o it_o be_v we_o by_o another_o sort_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a herein_o be_v both_o so_o careful_a she_o have_v be_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o most_o catholic_n unity_n and_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v obstruct_v it_o this_o our_o adversary_n the_o romanist_n confirm_v by_o their_o own_o practice_n when_o for_o several_a year_n as_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v 1570._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n they_o frequent_v our_o church_n join_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n attend_v on_o our_o sermon_n and_o other_o instruction_n and_o receive_v as_o some_o add_v our_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o order_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o as_o now_o and_o have_v it_o be_v like_v do_v so_o still_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o they_o but_o from_o the_o after-prohibition_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v they_o who_o be_v so_o well_o provide_v of_o all_o needful_a supply_n and_o defence_n at_o home_n may_v
wherein_o if_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o do_v not_o come_v in_o yet_o they_o grow_v to_o that_o extravagant_a height_n as_o to_o gain_v establishment_n for_o principle_n of_o christianity_n these_o age_n be_v charge_v by_o their_o own_o author_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o stand_v most_o sensible_o convict_v of_o the_o gross_a barbarism_n stupidity_n ignorance_n deprave_a manner_n and_o all_o such_o corrupt_a inclination_n in_o all_o order_n and_o degree_n especial_o the_o roll_a part_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v way_n for_o such_o change_n and_o innovation_n 7._o we_o have_v some_o far_a sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o design_n in_o many_o within_o that_o time_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v in_o strange_a doctrine_n and_o unwarrantable_a practice_n by_o the_o many_o fabulous_a story_n feign_a apparition_n and_o revelation_n several_a of_o which_o they_o themselves_o will_v hardly_o now_o defend_v then_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n to_o confirm_v these_o point_n in_o difference_n and_o which_o almost_o only_o the_o people_n then_o receive_v for_o their_o instruction_n to_o entice_v they_o first_o into_o a_o awful_a opinion_n of_o and_o then_o a_o confident_a reliance_n upon_o these_o thing_n nay_o far_o among_o the_o many_o spurious_a write_n which_o then_o creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o renown_a father_n of_o the_o church_n now_o most_o discard_v by_o themselves_o when_o their_o shameless_a impudence_n have_v be_v so_o full_o expose_v yet_o few_o of_o they_o there_o be_v in_o which_o this_o contrivance_n be_v not_o legible_a throughout_o to_o advance_v these_o opinion_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o we_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o reformation_n those_o great_a man_n which_o labour_v in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o moderate_a and_o learned_a of_o their_o own_o side_n with_o the_o art_n of_o print_v then_o but_o new_o find_v out_o that_o almost_o all_o ancient_a author_n and_o record_n have_v not_o lose_v their_o authority_n which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o endanger_v among_o such_o gross_a depraver_n of_o antiquity_n who_o constant_a business_n it_o be_v to_o mar_v good_a author_n by_o their_o interpolation_n addition_n or_o subtraction_n or_o vent_v new_a one_o under_o counterfeit_a old_a name_n to_o serve_v their_o corrupt_a end_n but_o we_o be_v somewhat_o behold_v to_o their_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n for_o do_v it_o so_o gross_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o little_a skill_n or_o observation_n to_o discover_v their_o imposture_n 8._o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n against_o the_o suppose_a presumption_n in_o private_a person_n or_o particular_a church_n to_o judge_v of_o public_a establishment_n by_o a_o seem_a superior_a authority_n that_o without_o some_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o proper_a moral_a act_n much_o less_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o true_o religious_a obligation_n which_o a_o absolute_a implicit_a faith_n perfect_o destroy_v but_o whilst_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o prove_v his_o own_o work_n and_o must_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n he_o must_v examine_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o assent_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o determine_v himself_o by_o the_o best_a motive_n he_o can_v procure_v and_o be_v concern_v at_o his_o utmost_a peril_n to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o superior_n as_o well_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v no_o where_o in_o any_o government_n beside_o think_v inconsistent_a these_o consideration_n due_o weigh_v may_v obviate_v those_o first_o prejudices_fw-la which_o usual_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o intercept_v all_o thought_n of_o far_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o particular_a point_n in_o controversy_n and_o may_v silence_v or_o shame_v the_o late_a idle_a vaunt_n of_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o reason_v we_o out_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o à_fw-la priori_fw-la impossible_a that_o ever_o any_o false_a opinion_n shall_v get_v into_o the_o church_n or_o prevail_v therein_o i_o wish_v these_o man_n will_v try_v their_o pain_n and_o subtlety_n to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o wilful_a sin_n in_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v have_v as_o good_a topic_n to_o pretend_v to_o it_o from_o all_o conviction_n of_o reason_n or_o interest_n but_o after_o the_o most_o artificial_a composure_n herein_o they_o will_v hardly_o believe_v themselves_o or_o be_v credit_v by_o other_o against_o their_o experience_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o may_v prevail_v to_o make_v that_o less_o frequent_a which_o all_o must_v own_v so_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o destructive_a to_o we_o object_n 2._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v yet_o urge_v upon_o we_o that_o suppose_v not_o grant_v such_o a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o church_n and_o need_v of_o reformation_n yet_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o preserve_v catholic_n unity_n by_o common_a consent_n in_o a_o general_a council_n and_o with_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o consultation_n answ_n 1._o this_o be_v most_o earnest_o desire_v and_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o first_o reformer_n witness_v the_o great_a importunity_n of_o charles_n the_o five_o with_o the_o pope_n upon_o their_o instance_n 2._o when_o this_o seem_o prevail_v and_o a_o pretend_a council_n be_v call_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v free_a or_o general_a the_o italian_a and_o mere_a titular_a bishop_n outnumbred_n all_o the_o rest_n and_o both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v overawe_v by_o the_o pope_n immediate_a dependent_n or_o delegate_n and_o all_o thing_n carry_v by_o such_o stratagem_n of_o policy_n or_o partiality_n of_o interest_n that_o the_o only_a care_n take_v be_v to_o fix_v the_o disease_n and_o not_o provide_v for_o the_o cure_n by_o the_o best_a account_n we_o have_v of_o those_o transaction_n so_o that_o some_o prince_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n enter_v their_o protestation_n against_o its_o proceed_n disow_v any_o obligation_n to_o be_v tie_v up_o to_o their_o determination_n 3._o as_o the_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v wish_v for_o than_o suppose_v almost_o possible_a from_o the_o different_a interest_n and_o inclination_n of_o prince_n who_o will_v hardly_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o summons_n place_n or_o time_n of_o meeting_n or_o about_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o resort_v to_o it_o from_o their_o several_a dominion_n while_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v entire_a the_o emperor_n edict_n alone_o be_v summons_n sufficient_a to_o almost_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o now_o who_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o call_v or_o invite_v so_o many_o from_o so_o distant_a place_n no_o way_n under_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n ever_o pretend_v to_o this_o power_n till_o of_o late_a can_v scarce_o be_v plead_v against_o such_o clear_a evidence_n and_o example_n and_o where_o he_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v it_o will_v be_v judge_v more_o unreasonable_a for_o he_o to_o demand_v it_o if_o this_o difficulty_n be_v overcome_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o condescension_n yet_o so_o many_o jealousy_n and_o cross_a interest_n be_v behind_o that_o will_v be_v and_o have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o first_o meeting_n together_o with_o a_o requisite_a peaceable_a disposition_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o foresee_v and_o less_o ready_o govern_v not_o to_o interpose_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o journey_n from_o such_o distant_a place_n and_o of_o the_o discontinuance_n so_o long_o from_o home_n of_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n many_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n of_o the_o number_n and_o quality_n of_o person_n have_v right_o to_o vote_n therein_o by_o themselves_o or_o representative_n will_v not_o soon_o be_v adjust_v and_o without_o these_o and_o such_o like_v determine_v there_o be_v no_o preparation_n make_v for_o so_o venerable_a a_o assembly_n after_o all_o when_o never_o so_o due_o meet_v we_o have_v neither_o reason_n 22._o promise_v or_o example_n to_o suppose_v they_o now_o infallible_o guide_v in_o their_o determination_n but_o that_o they_o or_o the_o great_a part_n may_v be_v mistake_v themselves_o or_o mislead_v other_o through_o passion_n and_o false_a interest_n or_o be_v carry_v away_o in_o the_o noise_n or_o torrent_n of_o a_o multitude_n or_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o crafty_a he_o that_o consider_v matter_n of_o fact_n more_o than_o the_o fine_a scheme_n and_o most_o subtle_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n how_o thing_n be_v oft_o strange_o and_o unaccountable_o carry_v in_o public_a meeting_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a fame_n yea_o in_o some_o council_n themselves_o and_o some_o of_o very_a sacred_a repute_n in_o the_o church_n 55._o
will_v think_v this_o no_o hard_a supposal_n though_o their_o orderly_a sentence_n carry_v the_o most_o venerable_a authority_n below_o heaven_n 135._o it_o seem_v to_o argue_v the_o height_n of_o blasphemy_n to_o arreign_a god_n himself_o of_o indiscretion_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n ejusd_v or_o number_n of_o man_n to_o err_v from_o their_o duty_n init_fw-la and_o very_o presumptuous_a it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o supreme_a providence_n of_o defect_n in_o the_o provision_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o church_n if_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o fall_v away_o 983._o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n when_o bring_v in_o competition_n he_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o our_o most_o plausible_a method_n in_o the_o way_n of_o secure_v his_o own_o truth_n which_o shall_v at_o last_o prevail_v though_o condemn_v who_o wisdom_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n oft_o past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o will_v bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o holy_a design_n though_o by_o mean_n to_o we_o most_o unlikely_a or_o it_o may_v be_v seem_o opposite_a whoever_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o these_o thing_n will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o reformation_n for_o want_v of_o this_o formal_a establishment_n in_o council_n no_o christian_a or_o church_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o lack_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o procure_v man_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o remote_a speculation_n and_o the_o fair_a hope_n and_o wish_n of_o such_o a_o authoritative_a decision_n of_o the_o dispute_v in_o controversy_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v we_o must_v rest_v content_a with_o and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n we_o can_v of_o that_o provision_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v indulge_v we_o for_o our_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n and_o safety_n every_o particular_a national_a church_n direct_o subject_a to_o no_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reform_v itself_o from_o know_v abuse_n keep_v within_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a give_v just_a offence_n to_o any_o beside_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o proceed_n therein_o to_o all_o and_o to_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v amiss_o or_o add_v whatever_o may_v be_v prove_v want_v to_o receive_v other_o into_o its_o communion_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o common_a christianity_n own_a by_o all_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n with_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o same_o lord_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v they_o more_o and_o more_o such_o have_v be_v the_o continue_a aim_n and_o proceed_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o believe_v no_o true_a member_n of_o this_o will_v have_v refuse_v the_o general_a communion_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n in_o st._n augustine_n age_n or_o for_o some_o time_n after_o though_o possible_o every_o opinion_n or_o practice_n then_o current_n be_v not_o suit_v to_o their_o present_a judgement_n or_o wish_v neither_o can_v we_o think_v after_o so_o strange_a alteration_n of_o circumstance_n through_o so_o many_o degenerate_a age_n that_o holy_a father_n in_o his_o eminent_a zeal_n for_o the_o most_o desera●●_n catholic_n communion_n therein_o will_v now_o have_v be_v much_o move_v by_o our_o present_a adversary_n arrogant_a claim_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o alone_o though_o against_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o it_o with_o all_o other_o no_o foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o it_o here_o but_o by_o the_o absolute_a submission_n of_o all_o other_o to_o their_o usurp_a authority_n and_o rash_a or_o impious_a determination_n now_o who_o can_v hope_v for_o a_o universal_a peace_n and_o unity_n from_o such_o term_n of_o accommodation_n only_o fit_a for_o a_o insult_a conqueror_n to_o impose_v like_o those_o which_o nabash_n the_o ammonnite_a propound_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabesh_n gilead_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n upon_o all_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 11._o 2._o object_n 3._o sometime_o they_o object_n to_o we_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o some_o engage_v in_o the_o reformation_n answ_n if_o any_o do_v what_o they_o ought_v not_o or_o with_o unjustifiable_a design_n what_o they_o ought_v the_o church_n be_v no_o way_n accountable_a if_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o reformation_n as_o such_o be_v good_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n for_o do_v it_o which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v that_o be_v all_o she_o be_v responsible_a for_o be_v other_o imputation_n real_o true_a which_o they_o oft_o be_v not_o however_o it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a dispute_n and_o if_o determine_v will_v add_v little_a to_o the_o cause_n i_o may_v add_v few_o great_a and_o public_a change_n be_v bring_v about_o where_o so_o many_o interest_n be_v concern_v either_o way_n to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v they_o in_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v carry_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evenness_n that_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v private_a person_n be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o the_o suppose_a defect_n of_o public_a administration_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o the_o management_n if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o they_o against_o their_o express_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v provide_v of_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n though_o they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o wish_v some_o thing_n have_v be_v order_v otherwise_o object_n 4._o our_o enemy_n on_o both_o side_n be_v apt_a to_o object_n to_o we_o the_o want_n of_o due_a discipline_n if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o so_o far_o useful_a to_o the_o well_o be_v and_o perfection_n of_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v great_a weight_n in_o determine_v our_o choice_n to_o one_o communion_n before_o another_o and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a band_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o primitive_a vigour_n of_o this_o have_v be_v always_o wish_v for_o by_o our_o church_n as_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o commination_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n be_v very_o difficult_a from_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v hardly_o bear_v it_o he_o that_o govern_v in_o a_o less_o sphere_n will_v find_v how_o oft_o he_o must_v bear_v with_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o much_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o than_o to_o amend_v what_o sometime_o we_o know_v to_o be_v amiss_o from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o division_n which_o weaken_v all_o endeavour_n towards_o it_o and_o then_o froward_a man_n unworthy_o charge_v the_o church_n with_o what_o they_o themselves_o make_v almost_o unavoidable_a whereas_o if_o execute_v it_o will_v reach_v themselves_o as_o near_o as_o any_o who_o be_v now_o so_o clamorous_a against_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o charitable_a endeavour_n towards_o it_o as_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a 2._o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o general_a practice_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o and_o we_o can_v judge_v by_o nothing_o else_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o any_o of_o these_o omission_n when_o turn_v into_o a_o constant_a circle_n of_o sin_v private_a confession_n and_o priestly_a absolution_n upon_o the_o imposition_n of_o very_a insignificant_a penance_n and_o so_o over_o again_o for_o hereby_o man_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n to_o confirm_v in_o they_o the_o dangerous_a presumption_n that_o they_o have_v thus_o ready_o clear_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o so_o soon_o perfect_v their_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n which_o we_o find_v they_o not_o so_o watchful_a against_o afterward_o as_o that_o aught_o to_o suppose_v or_o make_v they_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n commend_v private_a confession_n for_o our_o clear_a satisfaction_n and_o direction_n in_o difficult_a case_n as_o most_o needful_a but_o can_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n which_o be_v never_o so_o believe_v or_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o century_n if_o people_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o their_o privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o false_a denunciation_n they_o must_v look_v to_o that_o if_o they_o miscarry_v it_o lie_v at_o their_o own_o door_n while_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n here_o give_v they_o of_o pardon_n but_o upon_o such_o a_o entire_a repentance_n as_o destroy_v the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o plant_v the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o what_o need_v they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o other_o help_n in_o many_o case_n in_o order_n to_o this_o effect_n they_o may_v best_o consider_v 3._o however_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o
discipline_n be_v to_o be_v place_v among_o conveniency_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v wish_v for_o rather_o than_o necessary_n we_o can_v be_v without_o and_o it_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n more_o or_o less_o perfect_a according_a to_o a_o great_a many_o contingency_n not_o to_o be_v state_v before_o hand_n the_o church_n have_v ever_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a measure_n of_o use_v it_o so_o as_o may_v most_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o the_o community_n and_o not_o that_o she_o be_v bind_v always_o up_o to_o the_o strict_a merit_n of_o the_o person_n fall_v under_o it_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o strict_a care_n and_o impartiality_n there_o will_v be_v room_n for_o the_o final_a separation_n when_o our_o lord_n shall_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n all_o offence_n and_o they_o which_o do_v iniquity_n if_o we_o will_v shun_v all_o communication_n with_o these_o though_o only_o in_o what_o be_v good_a we_o must_v flee_v out_o of_o any_o church_n that_o ever_o yet_o be_v or_o will_v be_v so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v in_o this_o world_n and_o so_o from_o any_o hope_n in_o that_o to_o come_v yet_o scarce_o any_o considerable_a schism_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o church_n which_o do_v not_o shelter_v itself_o under_o this_o pretence_n 4._o far_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o several_a restraint_n may_v be_v upon_o the_o church_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o this_o have_v suffer_v so_o much_o by_o former_a encroachment_n and_o usurpation_n no_o wonder_n if_o it_o still_o retain_v some_o jealousy_n of_o that_o yoke_n which_o with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n it_o cast_v off_o and_o provide_v as_o secure_o as_o it_o can_v for_o its_o future_a preservation_n though_o by_o suspend_v some_o of_o that_o outward_a assistance_n very_o conducible_a to_o the_o due_a effect_n of_o church_n censure_n and_o sometime_o by_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o sensible_a progress_n in_o some_o case_n where_o no_o such_o danger_n or_o necessity_n require_v it_o man_n by_o mistake_n or_o prejudice_n may_v strain_v each_o power_n too_o far_o better_a experience_n of_o the_o regular_a management_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a may_v in_o due_a time_n encourage_v the_o secular_a far_o to_o enlarge_v their_o liberty_n and_o encourage_v their_o orderly_a proceed_n so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o common_a security_n of_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o power_n which_o the_o church_n pretend_v to_o as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o man_n 5._o yet_o after_o all_o the_o church_n among_o we_o have_v not_o only_o sufficient_a authority_n commit_v to_o she_o by_o christ_n but_o reserve_v and_o countenance_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o testify_v she_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o notorious_a scandal_n to_o the_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o gross_a offender_n and_o as_o a_o direful_a earnest_n of_o a_o worse_a doom_n that_o await_v they_o hereafter_o not_o here_o prevent_v by_o a_o satisfactory_a repentance_n i_o need_v not_o refer_v to_o particular_a instance_n when_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n thereof_o if_o this_o be_v not_o always_o exercise_v by_o those_o with_o who_o it_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o due_a vigour_n and_o sincerity_n after_o just_a abatement_n for_o necessity_n and_o a_o favourable_a allowance_n for_o such_o perplex_a difficulty_n of_o which_o scarce_o any_o private_a person_n can_v make_v a_o fair_a and_o competent_a judgement_n the_o fault_n will_v lie_v only_o at_o their_o door_n who_o be_v the_o neglect_n and_o private_a christian_n shall_v not_o fare_v the_o worse_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n nor_o fail_v of_o the_o salutary_a effect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n because_o every_o public_a ministration_n be_v not_o perform_v with_o that_o religious_a care_n which_o become_v such_o concern_v 6._o little_a pretence_n can_v they_o have_v from_o this_o objection_n that_o desert_n the_o establish_v national_a church_n and_o that_o most_o advantageous_a outward_a bond_n of_o unity_n therein_o in_o pursuit_n of_o private_a assembly_n and_o select_a congregation_n where_o all_o act_n of_o discipline_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v arbitrary_a on_o one_o side_n and_o precarious_a on_o the_o other_o when_o he_o or_o they_o who_o inflict_v they_o own_v no_o power_n over_o they_o to_o awe_n or_o direct_v their_o proceed_n or_o upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o reverse_v their_o sentence_n nor_o he_o who_o fall_v under_o they_o have_v any_o other_o engagement_n to_o submission_n than_o his_o own_o free_a act_n nor_o can_v suffer_v any_o far_a prejudice_n without_o it_o than_o to_o be_v force_v it_o may_v be_v to_o change_v his_o company_n or_o place_n of_o meeting_n what_o ever_o grave_n and_o solemn_a appearance_n this_o may_v carry_v at_o the_o first_o set_v up_o of_o such_o a_o new_a government_n it_o will_v soon_o degenerate_a into_o mockery_n or_o confusion_n whatsoever_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n overturn_v the_o main_a strength_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o discipline_n the_o defect_n hereof_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v repair_v with_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o but_o without_o that_o no_o prospect_n appear_v of_o any_o overture_n towards_o it_o 7._o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n whatever_o want_v of_o discipline_n any_o may_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n none_o can_v complain_v of_o her_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n therein_o which_o all_o christian_a church_n ought_v to_o maintain_v she_o neither_o invade_v the_o right_n nor_o pretend_v to_o reverse_v the_o just_a and_o regular_a censure_n nor_o countenance_n the_o schismatic_n nor_o disallow_v the_o ministration_n of_o any_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o consistent_a with_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o universal_o receive_v practice_n of_o his_o church_n though_o otherwise_o mix_v with_o several_a corruption_n which_o she_o wish_v remove_v object_n 5._o last_o our_o roman_a adversary_n object_n to_o we_o the_o many_o obstinate_a schism_n and_o gross_a heresy_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o as_o they_o pretend_v out_o of_o it_o from_o the_o forsake_v of_o that_o bond_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n only_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o their_o communion_n where_o alone_o they_o say_v these_o be_v prevent_v or_o soon_o cure_v answ_n the_o first_o part_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o too_o scandalous_a to_o be_v defend_v but_o against_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o original_n of_o these_o schism_n and_o heresy_n many_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v interpose_v 1._o the_o reformation_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o they_o but_o severe_o condemn_v they_o and_o provide_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v they_o if_o notwithstanding_o wicked_a man_n of_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o deprave_a manner_n flee_v hither_o for_o shelter_n to_o hide_v their_o enormity_n and_o abuse_v or_o pervert_v the_o most_o wholesome_a institution_n and_o advantageous_a opportunity_n for_o their_o spiritual_a proficiency_n to_o the_o most_o contrary_a purpose_n the_o guilt_n and_o ill_a consequence_n will_v lie_v only_o at_o their_o own_o door_n christian_n must_v not_o be_v debar_v of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n because_o some_o turn_v this_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o who_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o then_o or_o for_o many_o age_n after_o thought_n this_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o they_o make_v it_o rather_o a_o argument_n of_o consult_v they_o with_o great_a caution_n and_o diligence_n lest_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o appear_v by_o several_a intimation_n in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o the_o immediate_o succeed_v while_o many_o apostolical_a man_n be_v live_v and_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n particular_o in_o irenaeus_n they_o be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o any_o of_o the_o late_a date_n yet_o the_o apologist_n for_o true_a christianity_n think_v themselves_o very_o injurious_o charge_v with_o those_o blasphemous_a principle_n or_o flagitious_a practice_n which_o they_o whole_o renounce_v or_o disow_v the_o evil_a one_o