be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n 〈◊〉_d worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyter_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o
a_o end_n to_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o dissenter_n in_o which_o all_o their_o plea_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o and_o their_o separation_n condemn_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n wellington_n at_o the_o lute_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v some_o it_o be_v like_a who_o may_v think_v it_o a_o vseless_a and_o impertinent_a piece_n of_o work_n to_o write_v a_o book_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o have_v be_v late_o so_o ingenious_o handle_v by_o such_o eminent_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n dr._n comber_n dr._n maurice_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v will_v pretend_v to_o write_v better_a than_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n that_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o who_o have_v yet_o write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o since_o man_n notion_n and_o apprehension_n be_v so_o different_a it_o be_v like_o some_o may_v be_v move_v with_o one_o argument_n some_o with_o another_o according_a as_o it_o suit_v their_o several_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a person_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o bestow_v the_o time_n or_o pain_n to_o read_v over_o all_o the_o book_n at_o large_a that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n chief_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o have_v here_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v set_v down_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v on_o both_o side_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a from_o all_o which_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o true_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o she_o do_v arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v notion_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v own_o she_o as_o a_o true_a reform_a church_n and_o do_v high_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o she_o and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o downright_a schism_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n in_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o well_o as_o this_o church_n i_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o more_o authority_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o purposely_o omit_v they_o because_o these_o which_o i_o have_v bring_v be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o dissenter_n never_o do_v nor_o i_o think_v never_o will_v pretend_v to_o answer_n another_o reason_n why_o i_o omit_v they_o be_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o book_n may_v invite_v some_o to_o the_o read_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v like_a might_n be_v discourage_v at_o a_o large_a volume_n a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o create_v man_n he_o give_v he_o no_o other_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o that_o of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o which_o alone_o he_o live_v for_o the_o first_o 2000_o year_n but_o at_o last_o this_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v great_o let_v and_o blind_v by_o evil_a custom_n it_o become_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n more_o positive_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o god_n almighty_a command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o we_o call_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n and_o sometime_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n god_n almighty_a reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a part_n typical_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o often_o appear_v to_o his_o people_n himself_n and_o teach_v they_o more_o immediate_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v what_o not_o and_o under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n man_n live_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a manner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a be_v hereby_o abolish_v see_v galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a so_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o superfluous_a nor_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o direct_v all_o man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o easy_a term_n it_o be_v so_o adapt_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o understand_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n and_o this_o evangelical_n law_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n such_o plain_a and_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o so_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o never_o want_v some_o within_o it_o of_o such_o restless_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n as_o to_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o quiet_n by_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o which_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o elder_n act_n 20._o 30._o also_o of_o yourselves_o shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o but_o though_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o division_n in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o it_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v much_o few_o than_o what_o have_v be_v since_o and_o those_o that_o be_v be_v much_o more_o discountenance_a and_o oppose_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o they_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n a_o little_a before_o st._n augustine_n day_n there_o arise_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a and_o because_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o because_o they_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o suchlike_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o three_o century_n begin_v the_o novatian_a schism_n at_o rome_n for_o that_o novatus_n think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a will_v needs_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o but_o both_o these_o schism_n be_v condemn_v this_o by_o the_o council_n of_o carth._n and_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 52._o n._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n at_o the_o conference_n at_o carth._n see_v conference_n of_o the_o third_z day_n chap._n 4._o and_o by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n against_o permenian_a petilian_a and_o the_o other_o donatist_n bishop_n but_o not_o long_o after_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o increase_v more_o abundant_o and_o appear_v more_o barefaced_a and_o open_o than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v for_o that_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n begin_v to_o decline_v there_o follow_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o learning_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n have_v overspread_v the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o many_o of_o the_o priest_n themselves_o can_v not_o read_v latin_a and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o bring_v in_o what_o heresy_n and_o schism_n man_n will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n that_o most_o of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o
of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o he_o say_v ap._n p._n 781_o 802._o maoretis_fw-la be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n and_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o because_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n to_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o avoid_v all_o cavil_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v choose_v that_o very_a church_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o as_o to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n now_o in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o first_o he_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n own_v epistle_n in_o his_o banishment_n particular_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n ep._n 28._o he_o complain_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 10_o and_o 12._o to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n he_o complain_v to_o they_o of_o his_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v to_o their_o bishop_n that_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o place_n for_o that_o they_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o epist_n 28._o he_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o presbyter_n that_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o the_o future_a and_o all_o the_o other_o bishop_n give_v their_o approbation_n to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o 3_o book_n ep._n 65._o tell_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n see_v more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n in_o dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 228_o 229._o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o since_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v agree_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o allow_v no_o deviation_n in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v then_o any_o one_o may_v judge_v and_o st._n augustine_n be_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n regia_n the_o diocese_n of_o which_o extend_v at_o least_o forty_o mile_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n augustine_n own_a epist_n 262._o it_o be_v true_a the_o african_a church_n come_v most_o near_o the_o congregational_a way_n of_o any_o other_o the_o diocese_n be_v small_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o sectary_n there_o the_o donatist_n and_o many_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o it_o but_o that_o their_o bishopric_n be_v much_o too_o large_a to_o serve_v either_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o independent_o turn_v and_o that_o they_o never_o allow_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o large_a city_n sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o african_a code_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o say_v express_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o reside_v there_o see_v codex_fw-la eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o which_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v into_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n as_o well_o in_o the_o african_a church_n as_o in_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o this_o that_o calvin_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n also_o see_v calv._n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 4._o n._n 2._o but_o though_o there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o church_n v._o conc._n eph._n part_n 2._o act._n 1._o yet_o some_o bishop_n have_v have_v two_o or_o more_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o farmissus_n and_o eudocias_n athanasius_n be_v bishop_n of_o diveltus_n and_o sozopolis_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o bishopric_n that_o have_v have_v no_o city_n at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o only_a village_n for_o there_o be_v some_o country_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o they_o so_o have_v we_o at_o this_o day_n bishop_n in_o ireland_n and_o wales_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n but_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v confine_v to_o any_o single_a village_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o sardica_n vi_o all_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o sardica_n agree_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_a to_o ordain_v any_o bishop_n in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v contemptible_a from_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n but_o say_v mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o then_o mr._n clarkson_n name_v the_o place_n to_o wit_n antioch_n iconium_n lystra_n and_o other_o village_n and_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n they_o will_v have_v bishop_n but_o first_o i_o say_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o not_o after_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v as_o well_o take_v for_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o priest_n as_o for_o bishop_n but_o allow_v these_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o first_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v their_o authority_n to_o those_o place_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o second_o these_o city_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v elder_n be_v large_a city_n at_o that_o time_n by_o much_o too_o great_a to_o come_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n iconium_n be_v then_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v many_o other_o city_n under_o it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o large_a city_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o must_v make_v one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n have_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n undertake_v to_o show_v how_o small_a some_o city_n be_v but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a he_o quote_v for_o his_o authority_n some_o author_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o bishop_n and_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v small_a place_n then_o will_v needs_o have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a for_o under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n both_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o grecian_a city_n be_v at_o their_o height_n and_o do_v very_o much_o surpass_v both_o for_o their_o magnificence_n and_o number_n of_o people_n any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o or_o since_o nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o our_o city_n do_v now_o stand_v upon_o much_o narrow_a foundation_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n our_o city_n have_v seldom_o any_o liberty_n half_a a_o mile_n beyond_o their_o wall_n and_o be_v general_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o tradesman_n whereas_o the_o roman_a city_n have_v each_o a_o territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n magistrate_n and_o the_o citizen_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n i_o have_v now_o show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v as_o absolute_a and_o extend_v as_o far_o or_o far_o than_o any_o bishop_n this_o day_n in_o england_n i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o that_o episcopal_a government_n as_o now_o settle_v in_o england_n have_v
cell_n l._n 6_o p._n 302._o and_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr spirit_n sanct._n c._n 29._o p._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n who_o be_v his_o predecessor_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o neocaesarea_n and_o cotemporary_a with_o st._n cyprian_n compose_v a_o liturgy_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n for_o that_o church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o age_n when_o miraculous_a gift_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n ann._n dom._n 312._o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o life_n of_o constantine_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 395._o order_v his_o palace_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v take_v the_o book_n himself_o into_o his_o hand_n either_o for_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o repeat_v the_o prescribe_v prayer_n in_o his_o royal_a family_n in_o the_o same_o century_n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n show_v we_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n in_o that_o church_n for_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o solitar_n p._n 239._o he_o say_v the_o people_n mourn_v and_o groan_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n all_o of_o they_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n good_a lord_n spare_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o then_o for_o the_o people_n to_o say_v amen_o but_o appoint_v they_o distinct_a and_o intelligent_a answer_n in_o the_o same_o century_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can._n 15._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 459._o appoint_v canonical_a singer_n who_o sing_v out_o of_o book_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o begin_v the_o hymn_n and_o the_o same_o council_n can._n 18._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 461._o ordain_v that_o the_o very_a same_o liturgy_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v always_o both_o at_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o now_o because_o this_o council_n be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n against_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o they_o fly_v again_o to_o their_o last_o refuge_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o council_n for_o they_o say_v this_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o council_n but_o though_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o provincial_a council_n of_o orthodox_n bishop_n be_v good_a authority_n but_o beside_o this_o very_a canon_n concern_v liturgy_n be_v take_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o response_n and_o alternate_a way_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o african_a church_n appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n before_o and_o by_o optatus_n malevianus_n l._n 2._o p._n 47._o for_o there_o he_o blame_v the_o donatist_n for_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a see_v also_o st._n augustine_n do_v eccles_n dog_n c._n 30._o tom._n 3._o p._n 46._o many_o more_o instance_n and_o authority_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o st._n basil_n ep._n 63._o p._n 843._o and_o ep._n 68_o p._n 856._o where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o conjoin_v voice_n be_v not_o half_a so_o strong_a as_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v conc._n carthag_a can._n 106._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 640._o but_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n and_o dr._n falkner_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n our_o dissenter_n object_n against_o our_o alternate_a way_n of_o pray_v as_o in_o our_o litany_n where_o the_o priest_n say_v half_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o people_n the_o rest_n for_o that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n speak_v a_o complete_a sentence_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a men._n but_o pray_v why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n make_v as_o perfect_v a_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o two_o mouth_n as_o when_o only_o by_o one_o prayer_n be_v not_o the_o pronounce_v of_o word_n but_o the_o join_v the_o desire_n and_o consent_v thereto_o and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o several_a mouth_n as_o by_o one_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o when_o a_o tune_n be_v play_v by_o a_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o the_o treble_n rest_n and_o let_v the_o tenor_n and_o base_n go_v on_o as_o sometime_o they_o do_v that_o the_o tune_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a tune_n for_o if_o you_o take_v either_o part_n single_o it_o be_v not_o but_o altogether_o it_o be_v too_o great_a advantage_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o response_n be_v that_o we_o can_v give_v our_o hearty_a consent_n to_o each_o petition_n after_o a_o more_o lively_a manner_n than_o by_o bare_o say_v amen_n and_o also_o by_o our_o frequent_a answer_v of_o whole_a sentence_n our_o fancy_n be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o shake_v off_o that_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n that_o otherwise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o seize_v upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o bare_o listen_v to_o one_o long_o continue_a prayer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v certain_a prayer_n for_o certain_a time_n and_o occasion_n as_o easter-eve_n etc._n etc._n see_v leo_n in_o vit._n chrysost_n tom._n 8._o p._n 288._o etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n now_o let_v we_o come_v a_o little_a near_o our_o own_o time_n and_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o this_o we_o do_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o dissenter_n be_v perpetual_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n though_o i_o think_v under_o favour_n we_o of_o england_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o reform_v and_o govern_v of_o our_o church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o state_n since_o we_o have_v as_o absolute_a and_o independent_a power_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v as_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o direct_v we_o therein_o they_o may_v as_o well_o quarrel_n with_o we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o depose_v our_o king_n and_o reduce_v our_o government_n from_o that_o of_o a_o limit_a and_o mix_v monarchy_n to_o a_o commonwealth_n like_o that_o of_o geneva_n but_o since_o they_o insist_v so_o must_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n come_v near_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v in_o reject_v they_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o which_o far_o exceed_v in_o number_n the_o church_n that_o follow_v calvin_n method_n luther_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittemburg_n take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n see_v luther_n epist_n tom._n 2._o p._n 384._o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o communion_n at_o this_o day_n do_v use_v a_o liturgy_n contain_v collect_v epistle_n gospel_n for_o every_o sunday_n prayer_n and_o litany_n together_o with_o all_o other_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ministration_n as_o our_o common-prayer_n book_n do_v and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o almost_o verbatim_o especial_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n as_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o church_n in_o upper_a hungary_n which_o be_v all_o lutheran_n and_o the_o lutheran_n church_n do_v chant_v their_o public_a prayer_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o cathedral_n and_o they_o observe_v holy_a day_n see_v all_o this_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o their_o own_o writer_n by_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n second_o part_n p._n 305_o etc._n etc._n next_o for_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n and_o lithuania_n in_o 2_o synod_n hold_v there_o ann._n dom._n 1633._o and_o 1634._o one_o certain_a liturgy_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o those_o dominion_n certain_a prescribe_v liturgy_n be_v also_o use_v in_o transilvania_n hungary_n bohemia_n etc._n etc._n see_v at_o large_a dr._n comb._n ubi_fw-la
who_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o violent_a passion_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o for_o their_o kindness_n return_v most_o reproachful_a bitter_a language_n both_o on_o the_o person_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a and_o the_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o sacred_a which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o their_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o even_o in_o common_a discourse_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v spare_v our_o breath_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n better_o than_o we_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o will_v not_o be_v wheedle_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v truth_n mr._n baxter_n himself_o have_v own_a as_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 81._o where_o he_o affirm_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o who_o think_v that_o his_o own_o or_o other_o reason_v will_v ever_o change_v all_o the_o true_o honest_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n know_v so_o little_a of_o matter_n or_o of_o man_n or_o of_o conscience_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o priest_n what_o will_v they_o say_v now_o to_o this_o will_v their_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n nay_o far_o when_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o for_o shame_n it_o be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o even_o of_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o every_o particular_a dissenter_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n what_o then_o must_v they_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o this_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o by_o any_o christian_a church_n since_o their_o time_n not_o even_o by_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o nor_o advise_v other_o to_o do_v so_o say_v vine_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o who_o scruple_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n and_o allow_v none_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o set_n up_o because_o they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1648._o use_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v now_o see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 111._o and_o when_o the_o independent_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o beg_v that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v separate_a congregation_n the_o assembly_n positive_o refuse_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o say_v they_o to_o desire_v separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o own_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v but_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n see_v the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 51_o etc._n etc._n for_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v they_o it_o than_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n ib._n p._n 68_o 73_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n justify_v themselves_o in_o so_o do_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o hereby_o than_o what_o they_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v ib._n p._n 115._o so_o that_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o serious_a deliberation_n their_o set_n up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v conquer_v be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v press_v far_o by_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o desire_v they_o to_o answer_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o than_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n to_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o man_n different_a judgement_n or_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 116._o agreeable_a hereto_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o where_o they_o have_v the_o power_n as_o in_o new-england_n no_o separation_n be_v there_o allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v and_o by_o their_o tell_n mr._n williams_n a_o famous_a minister_n among_o they_o that_o if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v he_o but_o separation_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conquer_v his_o scruple_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o and_o so_o away_o they_o banish_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v after_o due_a pain_n take_v to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o concern_v they_o justify_v their_o non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v real_o no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v forsake_v the_o church_n and_o frequent_v separate_a meeting_n be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o by_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n gifford_n corbet_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o heretofore_o for_o first_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o separate_v from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v the_o scripture_n allow_v separation_n only_o in_o these_o three_o case_n first_o in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n impose_v instead_o of_o true_a and_o three_o in_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o where_o these_o three_o be_v want_v nothing_o will_v justify_v separation_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalced._n 17_o 20_o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2_o 5._o cod._n eccles_n afr._n c._n 53_o 55._o conc._n gangrae_n c._n 6._o conc._n carth._n c._n 10_o 11._o cod._n can._n eccles_n vniv_n can._n 65._o all_o these_o canon_n and_o many_o more_o do_v condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v so_o do_v calvin_n in_o his_o inst_z lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o numb_a 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o great_a allowance_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o
switzerland_n during_o the_o persecution_n of_o queen_n mary_n by_o which_o letter_n it_o appear_v that_o several_a of_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o sea_n upon_o their_o return_n home_o do_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v queen_n elizabeth_n to_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o habit_n for_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n fall_n particular_o sand_n afterward_o archbishop_n of_o york_n horn_n afterward_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n jewel_n and_o grindal_n but_o grindal_n in_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n to_o bullinger_n say_v they_o be_v all_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o reverse_v they_o and_o he_o lament_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o some_o have_v make_v to_o they_o he_o also_o thank_v bullinger_n for_o the_o letter_n he_o write_v to_o justify_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o habit_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o fine_a they_o all_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n but_o not_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reverse_v it_o lawful_o see_v burnet_n travel_n p._n 51_o 52._o but_o though_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o proceed_v to_o actual_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v of_o a_o more_o fierce_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n who_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o wait_v god_n leisure_n but_o either_o a_o reformation_n must_v be_v make_v present_o according_a to_o their_o wild_a notion_n and_o the_o queen_n and_o parliament_n must_v tack_n about_o immediate_o to_o their_o pleasure_n or_o else_o to_o your_o tent_n o_o israel_n they_o will_v set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o and_o forsake_v we_o utter_o as_o a_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a church_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v with_o and_o thus_o begin_v our_o unhappy_a division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o trace_v this_o matter_n through_o the_o reign_v of_o queen_n elizabeth_n king_n james_z the_o first_o and_z king_n charles_n the_o first_o nor_o to_o show_v how_o they_o daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v wide_o nor_o the_o many_o sub-division_n and_o scandalous_a breach_n that_o be_v daily_o make_v among_o themselves_o ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o separation_n as_o between_o brown_n and_o barrow_n brown_n and_o harrison_n barrow_n and_o johnson_n johnson_n and_o ainsworth_n who_o all_o left_a england_n to_o gather_v separate_a church_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o low-countries_n but_o scarce_o have_v be_v well_o there_o till_o they_o fall_v out_o all_o among_o themselves_o one_o man_n and_o his_o company_n be_v accurse_v and_o avoid_v by_o the_o other_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o one_o church_n receive_v the_o person_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o other_o till_o they_o become_v ridiculous_a to_o spectator_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o return_v into_o england_n this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o relate_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 51_o 52_o etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o ever_o since_o king_n james_n the_o second_v accession_n to_o the_o crown_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hope_n that_o they_o will_v have_v join_v for_o their_o common_a safety_n with_o they_o in_o stop_v the_o inundation_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o these_o nation_n and_o swallow_v they_o both_o up_o but_o while_o most_o of_o our_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o dr._n tillotson_n dr._n stillingfleet_n dr._n burnet_n dr._n comber_n dr._n sherlock_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v employ_v in_o write_v against_o the_o incendiary_n of_o rome_n the_o dissenter_n our_o brethren_n instead_o of_o assist_v we_o be_v make_v themselves_o ready_a for_o war_n with_o we_o as_o appear_v soon_o after_o for_o when_o god_n almighty_n have_v happy_o place_v king_n william_n in_o the_o throne_n a_o convocation_n be_v immediate_o call_v in_o hope_n that_o some_o term_n of_o accommodation_n may_v have_v be_v agree_v upon_o between_o we_o and_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o dissent_v minister_n have_v be_v as_o forward_o as_o we_o for_o how_o much_o incline_v our_o clergy_n be_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n notwithstanding_o the_o aspersion_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o dissenter_n of_o their_o have_a no_o such_o design_n do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o several_a of_o their_o write_n see_v dr._n tillotson_n sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o yorkshire_n feast_n anno_fw-la 1679._o pag._n 28._o and_o dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n nou._n 1688._o see_v likewise_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o other_o bishop_n for_o which_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o tower_n and_o see_v the_o article_n recommend_v by_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n to_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o his_o province_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n preface_n to_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o desirous_a they_o be_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n but_o instead_o of_o listen_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v our_o dissenter_n break_v forth_o into_o open_a act_n of_o hostility_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o we_o be_v actual_o treat_v of_o accommodation_n with_o they_o do_v they_o publish_v several_a of_o their_o book_n one_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o another_o in_o which_o they_o endeavour_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o our_o church_n by_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v new_a and_o unlawful_a and_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a have_v this_o be_v at_o a_o time_n when_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o tolerate_v or_o we_o impose_v on_o they_o with_o penalty_n they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o excusable_a or_o have_v we_o begin_v to_o expose_v their_o extempore_o way_n of_o pray_v as_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v do_v but_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o that_o be_v to_o become_v the_o aggressor_n be_v ungrateful_a as_o well_o as_o unseasonable_a but_o now_o since_o the_o dissenter_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o revive_v the_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o hope_v they_o can_v take_v it_o unkind_o of_o we_o if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v our_o church_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o aspersion_n that_o they_o have_v groundless_o cast_v upon_o she_o but_o this_o have_v be_v do_v so_o learned_o and_o full_o by_o so_o many_o of_o our_o learned_a divine_n already_o that_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o better_o or_o to_o say_v much_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v say_v before_o i_o i_o shall_v only_o here_o lie_v down_o brief_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o best_a author_n on_o both_o side_n that_o have_v write_v late_o on_o this_o subject_a for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o can_v neither_o bestow_v the_o time_n nor_o pain_n to_o read_v all_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n over_o which_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a first_o then_o we_o will_v examine_v the_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n and_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o justify_v separation_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n all_o the_o plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n second_o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o three_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v first_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n as_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n second_o that_o our_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v unlawful_a three_o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o and_o four_o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n first_o say_v they_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n for_o christ_n they_o say_v institute_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n than_o
one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n the_o two_o great_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o novatian_a at_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o instead_o hereof_o see_v how_o st._n cyprian_n among_o other_o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatius_fw-la for_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o for_o say_v he_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n where_o one_o be_v make_v already_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o cypr._n epist_n 52._o n._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n 55._o n._n 6._o 9_o declare_v that_o to_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n see_v st._n cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccles_n n._n 3_o 4._o and_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n 162._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o allow_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o hypothesis_n but_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o either_o the_o city_n be_v very_o small_a in_o those_o day_n or_o else_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v in_o the_o ordinary_a city_n which_o mr._n clarkson_n in_o his_o book_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n affirm_v be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o ordinary_a market-town_n in_o england_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_o large_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o christian_n than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o in_o rome_n alexandria_n constantinople_n carthage_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o which_o far_o exceed_v any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o largeness_n and_o number_n of_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a old_a rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n so_o large_a and_o populous_a that_o it_o excel_v london_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o far_o as_o london_n now_o do_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v by_o computation_n at_o that_o time_n above_o 1000000_o inhabitant_n as_o dr._n maurice_n show_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 340._o and_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o one_o consider_v those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a piece_n of_o workmanship_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v there_o the_o ruin_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n as_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o travel_n tell_v we_o who_o gather_v from_o thence_o that_o that_o city_n must_v have_v be_v vast_o populous_a about_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v in_o aurclius_n his_o day_n 50_o mile_n in_o circumference_n dr._n m._n p._n 212._o and_o yet_o will_v mr._n clarkson_n allow_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o this_o great_a city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o of_o alexandria_n which_o be_v 1â—_n miles_n in_o circumference_n according_a to_o pliny_n l._n 5._o 9_o and_o the_o rest_n all_o great_a far_o than_o london_n now_o be_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o consequence_n give_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v they_o unchristian_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v strange_a that_o christianity_n shall_v make_v no_o better_o a_o progress_n consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o city_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o learned_a father_n of_o those_o age_n and_o their_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a a_o city_n as_o rome_n christianity_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o proselyte_n in_o 300_o year_n than_o can_v meet_v all_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v preach_v there_o for_o many_o year_n the_o very_a quaker_n in_o london_n which_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o old_a rome_n have_v make_v more_o proselyte_n already_o than_o the_o apostle_n in_o much_o long_a time_n for_o be_v all_o the_o quaker_n in_o london_n assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o doubt_v that_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v find_v large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o few_o as_o these_o dissenter_n will_v make_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n in_o less_o than_o 300_o year_n they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o court_n nor_o in_o the_o army_n but_o be_v persecute_v by_o the_o emperor_n all_o that_o time_n unless_o in_o two_o reign_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o human_a cause_n assign_v for_o it_o but_o their_o great_a number_n but_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a city_n entire_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o cesaria_n and_o lydda_n act_v 9_o 35._o and_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n whole_a city_n and_o country_n be_v become_v christian_a as_o eusebius_n affirm_v praep._n evang._n l._n 1._o p._n 12_o 13._o '_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o contain_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n much_o less_o of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n for_o beside_o the_o large_a and_o populous_a city_n every_o bishop_n have_v a_o territory_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o extend_v itself_o for_o several_a mile_n round_o the_o city_n for_o every_o city_n have_v a_o large_a territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n round_o about_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o govern_v the_o city_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v in_o civil_a matter_n so_o far_o do_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n reach_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n see_v can._n apostolic_a 34._o by_o which_o a_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o the_o territory_n under_o it_o and_o see_v can._n antioch_n 9_o &_o 10._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o wall_n or_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o theodoret_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o cyrus_n have_v a_o diocese_n 40_o mile_n square_a and_o yet_o he_o reckon_v his_o episcopacy_n of_o divine_a institution_n see_v his_o epist_n 42._o and_o he_o have_v within_o his_o diocese_n 800_o parish_n church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o epist_n 113._o to_o leo._n this_o be_v a_o instance_n so_o clear_a against_o our_o dissenter_n that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o first_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n which_o objection_n be_v full_o remove_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 256._o and_o by_o dr._n maur._n def._n of_o dioc._n episc_n p._n 396._o and_o this_o epist_n of_o theod._n prove_v to_o be_v his_o own_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o other_o write_n and_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o liberatus_n who_o infallible_o know_v theodoret_n style_n and_o write_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v authentic_a but_o when_o people_n be_v drown_v rather_o than_o sink_v they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o a_o bulrush_n the_o other_o exception_n they_o take_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o a_o single_a diocese_n but_o of_o a_o province_n and_o that_o theodoret_n be_v a_o archbishop_n but_o that_o cyprus_n of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o bishop_n be_v no_o metropolis_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o theodoret_n primate_n of_o a_o province_n but_o under_o a_o metropolitan_a appear_v by_o his_o 16_o ep._n and_o by_o his_o 81_o 82_o 34_o 94_o and_o 161._o alexander_n be_v then_o his_o metropolitan_a but_o theodoret_n be_v not_o the_o only_a bishop_n that_o have_v such_o a_o large_a diocese_n for_o st._n chrysostom_n have_v one_o full_a as_o large_a and_o which_o contain_v as_o many_o parish_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o all_o the_o territory_n thereto_o belong_v and_o do_v not_o think_v it_o in_o his_o conscience_n too_o large_a for_o if_o he_o do_v so_o good_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v either_o have_v divide_v or_o quit_v it_o and_o athanasius_n be_v bishop_n
testimony_n of_o the_o person_n choose_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v man_n blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o the_o people_n that_o best_o know_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v be_v present_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o herewith_o agree_v st._n cyprian_n ep._n 68_o who_o mr._n baxter_n vouch_v for_o the_o contrary_a say_v he_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o by_o their_o presence_n their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a action_n commend_v but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n power_n of_o elect_v he_o prayer_n all_o our_o ordination_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o bishop_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v except_v against_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v see_v the_o form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sacerdotio_fw-la complain_v much_o of_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n so_o do_v st._n augustine_n ep._n 110._o and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o minister_n but_o the_o mischief_n that_o will_v necessary_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o when_o ever_o the_o people_n assume_v this_o power_n of_o choose_v it_o cause_v so_o great_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o at_o antioch_n the_o division_n of_o the_o people_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o have_v almost_o destroy_v both_o church_n and_o city_n the_o like_a at_o rome_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o damascus_n and_o if_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o papist_n teacher_n all_o in_o one_o parish_n and_o so_o this_o will_v set_v open_a a_o door_n to_o infinite_a division_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a election_n the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 12._o and_o 13._o can._n conc._n laodicea_n conc._n antioch_n c._n 18._o etc._n etc._n conc._n 2d_o of_o nice_a c._n 3._o the_o reason_n that_o first_o give_v layman_n a_o title_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o minister_n be_v when_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o have_v give_v large_a endowment_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v think_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o nomination_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o those_o church_n that_o they_o have_v build_v and_o endow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n here_o and_o long_o before_o any_o freedom_n of_o election_n be_v pretend_v to_o see_v stat._n 25._o edw._n 3._o and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o lord_n cook_n be_v 8_o rep._n and_o the_o case_n of_o praemunire_n in_o sir_n john_n davenant_n report_n case_n ult_n and_o this_o title_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v confirm_v to_o layman_n by_o several_a council_n as_o one_a coun._n of_o orange_n anno_fw-la dom._n 441._o 2d_o counc_fw-la of_o arles_n anno_fw-la 452._o 9th_o counc_fw-la of_o toledo_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o right_n of_o presentation_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o england_n but_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o denmark_n the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o king_n so_o they_o be_v in_o swedeland_n so_o in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n the_o superintendant_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o several_a prince_n and_o the_o patron_n present_v before_o ordination_n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v a_o salvo_n for_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n in_o france_n the_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o minister_n at_o geneva_n by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n who_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o depose_v they_o and_o beza_n in_o his_o ep._n 83._o declare_v against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n as_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n grotius_n ep._n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o agree_v herein_o how_o come_v then_o our_o english_a dissenter_n to_o make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n to_o wit_n the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v any_o such_o right_n but_o when_o they_o get_v it_o by_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o even_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n but_o beside_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v it_o by_o make_v the_o people_n run_v into_o division_n and_o faction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o such_o a_o ignorant_a proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o confess_v in_o his_o sacrilegiae_fw-la dissert_n p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v judge_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n as_o the_o same_o mr._n baxter_n say_v himself_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o divis_n p._n 393._o sure_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v provide_v able_a and_o fit_a minister_n for_o we_o than_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o these_o unless_o any_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n and_o clergy_n be_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o ignorant_a common_a people_n the_o only_a incourager_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o parish_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v a_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o cure_n by_o some_o young_a raw_a extravagant_a heir_n that_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n to_o which_o the_o advowson_n do_v belong_v but_o perhaps_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o parish_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o ignorant_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v the_o right_n of_o presentation_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n any_o minister_n they_o please_v for_o the_o patron_n have_v only_o the_o right_n of_o present_v his_o clerk_n who_o must_v be_v admit_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o clergy_n after_o examination_n have_v etc._n etc._n do_v think_v he_o any_o way_n unqualify_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n he_o may_v reject_v he_o and_o put_v the_o patron_n to_o present_v another_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n which_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v within_o six_o month_n from_o the_o time_n the_o church_n become_v void_a he_o shall_v lose_v his_o presentation_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o the_o bishop_n shall_v present_v so_o that_o the_o patron_n it_o seem_v can_v put_v who_o he_o will_v on_o the_o people_n for_o their_o pastor_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o find_v personam_fw-la idoneam_fw-la a_o fit_a person_n and_o now_o before_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_n minister_n or_o not_o doubtless_o he_o have_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v safe_a for_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o take_v their_o notion_n of_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n from_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o minister_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o preach_v up_o sedition_n heresy_n or_o what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o silence_v they_o but_o say_v our_o dissenter_n we_o be_v
time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a which_o be_v near_o 1400_o year_n constantine_n by_o his_o edict_n suppress_v all_o separate_a meeting_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o novatian_o and_o silence_v their_o preacher_n though_o their_o ordination_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o among_o our_o nonconformist_n see_v eusebius_n vita_fw-la const_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o and_o st._n augustine_n do_v very_o much_o commend_v the_o emperor_n for_o so_o do_v see_v aug._n ep._n 48._o and_o see_v also_o his_o 4_o book_n against_o cresconius_n a_o donatist_n ch_n 51._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v at_o this_o day_n silence_n such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v at_o geneva_n their_o council_n of_o state_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o elect_v and_o depose_v minister_n nay_o far_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o geneva_n they_o have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o silence_n but_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o minister_n as_o shall_v contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o it_o in_o the_o french_a church_n if_o any_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v a_o schismatic_a and_o calvin_n himself_o ep._n olevian_n pag._n 311_o and_o 122._o say_v let_v he_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o society_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v so_o far_o from_o home_n for_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n heretofore_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n first_o then_o in_o the_o great_a dispute_n between_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n about_o the_o minister_n preach_v etc._n etc._n against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o non_fw-fr conformist_n all_o agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v power_n immediate_o from_o god_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n but_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o under_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o our_o minister_n have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o our_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v respect_v see_v gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n his_o answer_n to_o barrow_n and_o see_v the_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n who_o join_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n publish_v by_o one_o rathband_n by_o their_o command_n p._n 51._o and_o see_v mr._n bradshaw_n his_o answer_n to_o johnson_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o silence_v the_o apostle_n for_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o silence_v of_o they_o be_v intend_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v among_o we_o for_o the_o intent_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o silence_v all_o christian_a minister_n but_o some_o particular_a man_n only_o so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o minister_n or_o no_o but_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o doubtless_o every_o christian_a prince_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v what_o man_n he_o think_v fit_a for_o public_a office_n in_o church_n or_o state_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v equal_o qualify_v according_a to_o god_n law_n but_o to_o go_v on_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n be_v not_o yet_o forget_v they_o be_v all_o then_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o christ_n minister_n may_v be_v silence_v and_o according_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n every_o party_n as_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n see_v their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n all_o who_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o solemn_o swear_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o set_v up_o presbytery_n be_v immediate_o not_o only_a silence_v but_o sequester_v though_o their_o ministry_n be_v as_o much_o of_o divine_a right_n as_o any_o of_o they_o now_o conscience_n then_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o not_o take_v this_o solemn_a oath_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v one_o of_o the_o old_a clergy_n to_o teach_v a_o school_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o own_o independent_a brethren_n to_o preach_v though_o they_o have_v all_o take_v presbyterian_a order_n as_o they_o themselves_o see_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o london_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n ann._n 1645._o jan._n 1._o and_o the_o grand_a debate_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o new-england_n where_o the_o independent_o have_v the_o power_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n none_o be_v to_o preach_v public_o by_o their_o law_n where_o any_o two_o organic_n church_n council_n of_o state_n or_o general_a court_n shall_v declare_v their_o dissatisfaction_n thereat_o see_v their_o body_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v nay_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o silence_v such_o minister_n as_o will_v not_o conform_v but_o they_o banish_v they_o too_o as_o they_o do_v mr._n willams_n and_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a then_o that_o the_o silence_v of_o such_o minister_n by_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o positive_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o give_v their_o governor_n such_o a_o test_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o in_o their_o discretion_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o require_v of_o they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o unlawful_a and_o wicked_a now_o that_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n and_o by_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o test_n which_o the_o law_n require_v of_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n be_v too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a they_o may_v blame_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o governor_n can_v be_v too_o cautious_a in_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o a_o faction_n that_o have_v once_o already_o overthrow_v this_o monarchy_n and_o church_n and_o give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v the_o same_o again_o especial_o the_o latter_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o bitter_a spirit_n they_o show_v in_o scotland_n already_o and_o their_o unchristian_a like_a behaviour_n to_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n show_v we_o plain_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v here_o when_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v against_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o say_v our_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n injoin_v some_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o ceremony_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n first_o as_o to_o our_o ceremony_n the_o church_n of_o england_n use_v no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v now_o use_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n than_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o these_o church_n have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a protestant_n as_o appear_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o chareton_n in_o france_n anno_fw-la 1631._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o do_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o compel_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o every_o variation_n in_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o do_v when_o they_o charge_v we_o with_o set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a adoration_n we_o all_o agree_v be_v a_o substantial_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o whether_o this_o adoration_n be_v perform_v by_o prostration_n or_o by_o bow_v or_o by_o kneel_v be_v a_o circumstance_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o
therefore_o they_o who_o differ_v in_o these_o circumstance_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n see_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n where_o you_o will_v find_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o ceremony_n the_o latter_a helvetian_a confession_n say_v that_o there_o be_v different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n find_v in_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n judge_v hereby_o that_o the_o church_n dissent_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o bohemia_n have_v wherefore_o those_o rite_n and_o those_o good_a ceremony_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v keep_v which_o among_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n do_v edify_v therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v extent_n or_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o the_o council_n ecclesiastical_a or_o by_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v not_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o that_o but_o must_v use_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o little_a after_o although_o our_o man_n do_v not_o equal_o observe_v all_o ceremony_n with_o other_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o mind_v as_o to_o move_v any_o dissension_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o ceremony_n although_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o augustine_n confession_n have_v some_o man_n than_o may_v ask_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v this_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v without_o order_n without_o ceremony_n in_o no_o wise_a but_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o true_a pastor_n in_o their_o church_n may_v ordain_v public_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o beza_n in_o his_o 24_o epist_n agree_v herein_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o reformation_n ch._n 16._o say_v he_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o ceremony_n not_o only_o those_o which_o be_v for_o decency_n but_o those_o which_o be_v symbolical_a let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o to_o come_v home_o to_o our_o dissenter_n mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 337._o speak_v of_o our_o public_a worship_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n say_v in_o all_o the_o lawful_a order_n gesture_n and_o manner_n of_o behaviour_n in_o god_n worship_n affect_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n but_o conform_v yourself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o church_n singularity_n be_v a_o discord_n etc._n etc._n see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n p._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o such_o ceremony_n as_o serve_v for_o order_n or_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o most_o eminent_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o ceremony_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o not_o lawful_a as_o that_o be_v if_o a_o ceremony_n be_v make_v a_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o unalterable_a or_o be_v suppose_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n meritorious_a or_o please_a to_o god_n and_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o sinful_a though_o there_o be_v no_o human_a law_n which_o require_v the_o do_v of_o it_o then_o it_o become_v sinful_a because_o it_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n of_o wash_v before_o meat_n sinful_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o ceremony_n be_v enjoin_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a mischief_n which_o we_o shall_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o if_o every_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v their_o several_a different_a judgement_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a but_o say_v they_o if_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n why_o do_v the_o discipline_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n force_n man_n to_o use_v they_o i_o answer_v the_o church_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o ceremony_n as_o thing_n that_o bound_v the_o conscience_n or_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v in_o themselves_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n be_v force_v to_o observe_v they_o and_o punish_v if_o they_o refuse_v be_v because_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n make_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sinful_a rom._n 13._o 5._o and_o 2._o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v punish_v and_o also_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o thus_o we_o justify_v our_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o seasonable_a time_n and_o all_o our_o ceremony_n since_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v unless_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v so_o long_o as_o the_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o true_a object_n to_o wit_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n note_v the_o canon_n that_o appoint_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o posture_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o wit_n kneel_v it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v always_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n which_o posture_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n now_o kneel_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n in_o these_o kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v therefore_o appoint_v that_o it_o be_v take_v kneel_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a that_o so_o sacred_a a_o ordinance_n and_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n shall_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o thankful_a and_o humble_a posture_n that_o may_v be_v and_o that_o sure_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n which_o be_v also_o the_o fit_a posture_n for_o those_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n with_o which_o so_o sacred_a a_o work_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v at_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o take_v it_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o i_o know_v be_v make_v against_o this_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v because_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o practice_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o will_v make_v we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n all_o idolater_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o do_v not_o our_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n tell_v they_o as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v express_v it_o that_o we_o pay_v no_o adoration_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o will_v they_o make_v we_o idolater_n for_o all_o this_o have_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o write_v so_o strong_a against_o idolize_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o will_v they_o persuade_v we_o we_o be_v idolater_n they_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o stone_n in_o the_o church-wall_n when_o we_o kneel_v down_o to_o pray_v in_o they_o and_o true_o i_o fear_v many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o which_o make_v they_o use_v that_o posture_n so_o seldom_o in_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v in_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n scarce_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n not_o even_o at_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o be_v not_o often_o their_o usual_a posture_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n be_v either_o
and_o recommend_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o both_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o father_n and_o appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o christ_n day_n and_o that_o even_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o nonconformist_n have_v heretofore_o declare_v their_o like_n thereto_o and_o that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v use_v and_o approve_v of_o prescribe_a form_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o i_o will_v show_v that_o our_o english_a common-prayer_n book_n have_v be_v particular_o commend_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o sinful_a as_o to_o cause_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n he_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n first_o then_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v use_v by_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n to_o aaron_n say_v on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v etc._n etc._n numb_a vi_fw-la 23._o and_o again_o deut._n xxvi_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o command_v the_o people_n to_o use_v and_o the_o xxij_o psalm_n be_v a_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o sing_v or_o say_v every_o morning_n so_o be_v several_a of_o the_o other_o psalm_n form_n of_o prayer_n as_o lxxxvi_o xc_o cij_o etc._n etc._n see_v origen_n cint_n cell_n l._n 4._o p._n 178._o and_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v these_o psalm_n to_o be_v prayer_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sing_v to_o god_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v pray_v sing_v for_o say_v they_o when_o they_o be_v sing_v they_o be_v not_o prayer_n see_v now_o what_o a_o absurdity_n they_o will_v run_v into_o rather_o than_o forsake_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o here_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n devout_o and_o yet_o not_o pray_v second_o christ_n himself_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o doubtless_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o pray_v extempore_o much_o beyond_o what_o our_o dissenter_n or_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n can_v pretend_v to_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garden_n a_o little_a before_o his_o suffer_v he_o pray_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n xxvi_o 44._o mark_v fourteen_o 39_o and_o that_o too_o at_o a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a extremity_n and_o sorrow_n that_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n one_o usual_o pray_v after_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o fervent_a manner_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n think_v form_n of_o prayer_n very_o necessary_a to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n we_o have_v not_o only_o his_o example_n but_o his_o precept_n for_o it_o too_o for_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n matth._n vi_fw-la 9_o and_o bid_v they_o use_v it_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o inconvenience_n which_o he_o see_v do_v usual_o attend_v extempore_o prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o use_v vain_a repetition_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o first_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o and_o then_o immediate_o after_o he_o give_v they_o a_o short_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v that_o evil_n whether_o our_o dissenter_n have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n as_o christ_n disciple_n have_v let_v the_o world_n judge_v that_o hear_v their_o tedious_a extempore_o prayer_n fill_v with_o as_o many_o vain_a repetition_n and_o bald_a and_o sometime_o senseless_a expression_n as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o do_v not_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o bid_v they_o luke_n 11._o 2._o when_o you_o pray_v say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v a_o adverb_n of_o similitude_n do_v show_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o some_o other_o such_o like_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o 3d._n chap._n of_o exod._n v._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o again_o the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o here_o moses_n by_o this_o rule_n must_v not_o say_v these_o word_n not_o eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o not_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o but_o the_o like_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o all_o along_o when_o the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o like_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v scripture_n on_o our_o side_n both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n i_o gather_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n anno_fw-la dom._n 99_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o those_o at_o magnesia_n he_o bid_v they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n p._n 34._o and_o socrates_n in_o his_o history_n l._n 6._o c._n 8._o say_v that_o ignatius_n first_o bring_v the_o usage_n of_o sing_v alternate_o as_o we_o use_v in_o our_o choir_n into_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n photius_n affirm_v the_o same_o of_o he_o and_o theodoret_n say_v hist_o lib._n 2._o c._n 24._o that_o this_o custom_n of_o sing_v alternate_o begin_v at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o receive_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o the_o second_o century_n tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 1._o and_o c._n 9_o tell_v we_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n then_o in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n daily_o repeat_v that_o very_a form_n and_o he_o show_v they_o sing_v hymn_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o the_o church_n alternate_o as_o we_o do_v now_o tertull._n ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la l._n 2._o p._n 172._o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 1._o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v use_v to_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n daily_o and_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o christ_n command_n how_o will_v our_o dissenter_n reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v of_o it_o even_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o young_a preacher_n yea_o and_o every_o perhaps_o drunken_a cobbler_n prefer_v their_o own_o rash_a and_o indeliberate_a prayer_n before_o it_o in_o the_o three_o century_n st._n cyprian_n who_o live_v then_o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v use_v daily_o for_o say_v he_o the_o father_n will_v know_v the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o son_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 309._o and_o the_o same_o cyprian_a in_o his_o ep._n 8._o ad_fw-la cler._n &_o pleb_n p._n 24._o say_v christ_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n in_o a_o common_a prayer_n wherein_o all_o agree_v it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n as_o when_o the_o priest_n say_v lift_v up_o your_o heart_n the_o people_n answer_v we_o lift_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n §_o 22._o see_v more_o for_o this_o interchangable_a way_n of_o pray_v between_o priest_n and_o people_n b._n bill_n of_o christian_a subjection_n part_v 4._o p._n 435._o in_o the_o same_o century_n origen_n say_v they_o who_o serve_v god_n through_o jesus_n in_o the_o christian_a way_n use_v frequent_o night_n and_o day_n the_o enjoined_a prayer_n see_v orig._n in_o
supra_fw-la and_o mounseur_fw-fr durell_n his_o view_n of_o the_o government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n print_v london_n 1662._o now_o for_o the_o church_n reform_v by_o calvin_n and_o other_o as_o geneva_n france_n helvetia_n holland_n etc._n etc._n calvin_n compose_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n and_o those_o of_o france_n at_o this_o day_n and_o their_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v they_o and_o see_v calvin_n letter_n to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n during_o the_o minority_n of_o king_n ed._n 6._o the_o protector_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n think_v fit_a first_o to_o advice_n with_o so_o eminent_a a_o man_n as_o calvin_n be_v about_o it_o he_o write_v to_o calvin_n to_o know_v his_o opinion_n therein_o calvin_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n i_o much_o approve_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n to_o very_a from_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o that_o it_o may_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o levity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v for_o new_a thing_n see_v calv._n ep._n p._n 165._o ep._n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n and_o see_v his_o letter_n to_o cox_n a_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a upon_o his_o arrival_n at_o frankford_n among_o his_o epistle_n 164_o 165._o see_v beza_n his_o approbation_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n tom._n 2._o p._n 229._o in_o the_o french_a church_n mornay_n lord_n du-plessis_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o mass_n allow_v of_o the_o use_n and_o antiquity_n of_o prescribe_a form_n see_v at_o large_a dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n second_o part_n p._n 313._o and_o see_v there_o the_o famous_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n agree_v herewith_o in_o the_o church_n of_o helvetia_n bullinger_n tell_v we_o they_o use_v prescribe_v form_n keep_v fast_n and_o holiday_n etc._n etc._n bull_v decod_n 2._o serm._n 1._o p._n 38._o the_o church_n of_o holland_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o all_o occasional_a office_n and_o also_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v all_o put_v into_o a_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o even_o in_o scotland_n they_o have_v have_v a_o common-prayer_n book_n for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o now_o extant_a which_o be_v print_v ann._n 1594._o suppose_v to_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n knox_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n see_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n 2d_o part._n and_o the_o leyden_n professor_n say_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o advantageous_a because_o every_o christian_n can_v fit_o conceive_v new_a prayer_n and_o the_o attention_n of_o auditor_n be_v not_o a_o little_a help_v in_o great_a assembly_n by_o usual_a form_n see_v dr._n falkner_n his_o libertas_n ecclesiastica_fw-la p._n 121._o thus_o much_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o some_o perhaps_o may_v object_v against_o our_o common-prayer_n in_o particular_a to_o clear_v that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o confirm_v by_o several_a parliament_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n almighty_n shall_v conceal_v his_o will_n from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a people_n of_o a_o nation_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v direct_v they_o and_o their_o great_a care_n and_o study_v which_o they_o take_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reveal_v it_o only_o to_o a_o few_o and_o those_o of_o the_o raw_a injudicious_a sort_n who_o have_v have_v least_o time_n and_o study_v and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o great_a knowledge_n such_o as_o our_o dissenter_n general_o be_v this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v our_o particular_a common-prayer_n but_o since_o our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o allow_v so_o many_o several_a parliament_n and_o so_o many_o succession_n of_o learned_a divine_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o neighbour_n church_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n concern_v our_o common-prayer_n and_o the_o other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o king_n edward_n 6_o his_o day_n archbishop_n cranmer_n do_v request_v the_o famous_a bucer_n to_o peruse_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o order_n to_o his_o censure_v what_o he_o think_v be_v to_o be_v amend_v bucer_n according_o do_v so_o and_o declare_v his_o judgement_n of_o it_o thus_o in_o the_o prescript_n form_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o daily_a prayer_n i_o see_v nothing_o write_v in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o not_o in_o express_a word_n as_o the_o psalm_n and_o lesson_n yet_o in_o sense_n as_o the_o collect_v and_o also_o the_o order_n of_o these_o lesson_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n see_v bucer_n censure_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n c._n 1._o p._n 457._o and_o note_v this_o be_v before_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v amend_v as_o now_o it_o be_v some_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a bucer_n do_v wish_v to_o be_v amend_v which_o have_v be_v since_o do_v and_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o advice_n there_o next_o the_o archbishop_n of_o spalleto_n in_o his_o book_n against_o suarez_n p._n 340._o say_v that_o the_o english_a liturgy_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o holy_a which_o be_v not_o pious_a and_o true_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o catholic_n causabon_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n james_n the_o first_o affirm_v the_o same_o and_o say_v far_a that_o none_o at_o this_o day_n come_v near_o the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n follow_v a_o middle_a way_n between_o those_o who_o have_v offend_v both_o in_o excess_n and_o defect_n the_o next_o authority_n for_o we_o be_v the_o learned_a grotius_n who_o it_o be_v certain_a have_v no_o obligation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o english_a liturgy_n the_o rite_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o child_n in_o memory_n of_o baptism_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n of_o synod_n consit_v of_o none_o but_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n do_v sufficient_o agree_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o which_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v depart_v both_o in_o france_n and_o holland_n see_v grotius_n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o the_o next_o be_v the_o famous_a lud._n capellus_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a french_a divine_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o divinity_n professor_n in_o a_o famous_a protestant_a university_n this_o man_n live_v to_o hear_v of_o our_o independent_a sect_n in_o england_n and_o write_v most_o learned_o against_o '_o they_o say_v he_o when_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o liturgy_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o iu_o age_n uncorrupted_a but_o afterward_o corruption_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o follow_a pope_n but_o upon_o the_o reformation_n the_o liturgy_n be_v purge_v from_o all_o its_o corruption_n and_o have_v be_v happy_o use_v in_o the_o several_a reform_a church_n and_o with_o good_a success_n until_o very_o late_o say_v he_o there_o arise_v a_o sort_n of_o morose_n scrupulous_a not_o to_o say_v downright_o superstitious_a man_n who_o for_o many_o trifle_a reason_n of_o no_o moment_n not_o only_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n hitherto_o use_v in_o that_o church_n but_o will_v have_v both_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o bishop_n to_o be_v utter_o abolish_v in_o place_n whereof_o they_o will_v substitute_v that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o directory_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o and_o then_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a for_o the_o unlearned_a but_o the_o learned_a also_o and_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o directory_n and_o how_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o some_o little_a time_n after_o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o put_v it_o all_o down_o here_o
i_o will_v refer_v you_o to_o dr._n comber_n defence_n of_o liturgy_n ii_o part_n pag._n 325._o and_o will_v go_v on_o to_o show_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n concern_v our_o common-prayer_n mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n pag._n 336._o say_v do_v not_o peevish_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o come_v to_o they_o with_o humoursome_a prejudice_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o same_o book_n he_o say_v he_o mighty_o approve_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n see_v dr._n owen_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n his_o evangelical_n love_n pag._n 54._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o dispute_n of_o liturgy_n prop._n 10._o say_v far_a that_o the_o constant_a disuse_n of_o form_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v a_o giddiness_n in_o religion_n and_o may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n who_o delude_v themselves_o with_o conceit_n that_o they_o delight_v in_o god_n when_o it_o be_v but_o in_o those_o novelty_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n that_o they_o be_v delight_v see_v also_o gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a his_o answer_n to_o greenwood_n he_o write_v a_o whole_a treatise_n prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o read_v prayer_n and_o now_o i_o have_v show_v that_o pray_v by_o form_n have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a practise_v by_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o devout_a christian_n who_o live_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o settle_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v now_o allow_v and_o practise_v in_o all_o the_o regular_a protestant_a church_n and_o approve_v by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n let_v any_o man_n now_o in_o his_o right_a reason_n judge_n whether_o pray_v by_o form_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a a_o thing_n as_o most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n in_o a_o book_n which_o he_o publish_a not_o many_o year_n since_o speak_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n call_v it_o that_o pitiful_a contemptible_a thing_n call_v uniformity_n in_o word_n and_o syllable_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v never_o desire_v of_o god_n nor_o ever_o enter_v into_o his_o or_o his_o son_n heart_n let_v the_o world_n judge_v now_o whether_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v this_o pitiful_a contemptible_a thing_n they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o or_o the_o book_n that_o contain_v they_o deserve_v no_o better_o usage_n from_o christian_n than_o to_o be_v burn_v in_o the_o street_n by_o the_o common_a hangman_n in_o the_o day_n of_o julian_n there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n do_v more_o wicked_a than_o to_o burn_v the_o holy_a bible_n but_o even_o to_o that_o height_n be_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christians_o arrive_v already_o in_o our_o neighbour_a kingdom_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v suffer_v what_o must_v we_o think_v will_v follow_v but_o the_o main_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o our_o dissenter_n rely_v on_o for_o to_o defend_v their_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v rom._n viij_o 26._o where_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o spirit_n help_v your_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v they_o ought_v to_o use_v no_o outward_a help_n but_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o outward_a help_n be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o kneel_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o mistake_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v so_o for_o that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o church_n as_o calvin_n luther_n etc._n etc._n whenever_o they_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o among_o other_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o man_n folly_n will_v betray_v they_o to_o in_o their_o use_v rash_a and_o unpremeditated_a prayer_n now_o if_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o our_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o how_o come_v all_o these_o learned_a man_n yea_o and_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o etc._n etc._n to_o recommend_v form_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o so_o make_v the_o holy_a spirit_n insufficient_a shall_v we_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o learned_a man_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n so_o well_o as_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o st._n augustine_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n who_o live_v near_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n than_o any_o of_o our_o nonconformist_n may_v have_v understand_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n better_a than_o any_o of_o they_o now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o their_o sense_n be_v of_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n st._n aug._n ad_fw-la prob._n ep._n 121._o p._n 129._o will_v not_o grant_v that_o any_o christian_n want_v the_o spirit_n to_o help_v they_o with_o word_n and_o expression_n for_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n or_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v what_o to_o have_v pyrae_v for_o therefore_o these_o word_n the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n he_o tell_v we_o must_v be_v expound_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v we_o patience_n not_o to_o pray_v absolute_o to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o our_o affliction_n but_o in_o god_n due_a time_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o hom._n 14._o in_o 8._o rom._n p._n 120._o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n to_o which_o st._n paul_n allude_v in_o those_o word_n the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o that_o it_o be_v cease_v long_o since_o that_o be_v before_o his_o day_n though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o four_o century_n so_o that_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v then_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v take_v in_o the_o sense_n our_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o condemn_v prescribe_v form_n now_o that_o that_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v cease_v but_o be_v there_o no_o other_o argument_n against_o the_o use_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n in_o public_a assembly_n than_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reject_v they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o order_n or_o unity_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o any_o church_n where_o every_o congregation_n have_v liberty_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o different_a way_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n one_o minister_n pray_v for_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o perhaps_o for_o the_o quite_o contrary_a at_o the_o same_o time_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n and_o interest_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o late_a time_n when_o that_o extempore_o way_n be_v use_v beside_o in_o great_a congregation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v keep_v their_o attention_n so_o well_o fix_v on_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n to_o which_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n as_o on_o a_o prayer_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_a for_o how_o can_v they_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o every_o petition_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v till_o they_o have_v reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o what_o it_o be_v he_o say_v for_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o fancy_n in_o his_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o like_a he_o may_v either_o through_o mistake_n or_o wilful_o come_v out_o with_o some_o petition_n that_o all_o his_o hearer_n can_v join_v with_o he_o in_o so_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o watch_v every_o expression_n and_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o it_o before_o he_o consent_v to_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o eloquent_a pastor_n to_o show_v his_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n run_v away_o with_o the_o business_n as_o if_o his_o tongue_n be_v indeed_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n thus_o the_o poor_a people_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v behind_o or_o join_v with_o he_o at_o random_n another_o inconveniency_n which_o attend_v extempore_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o trust_v to_o his_o own_o memory_n to_o retain_v all_o his_o want_n and_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n so_o in_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o something_o or_o other_o will_v very_o oft_o be_v forget_v which_o may_v be_v avoid_v by_o use_v of_o a_o well_o compose_v form_n but_o again_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o god_n almighty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o vain_a repetition_n and_o with_o bald_a and_o unproper_a and_o too_o often_o nonsensical_a expression_n such_o
church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n esteem_v he_o a_o renegade_n and_o forsaker_v of_o religion_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o separate_v froward_o from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o embrace_v but_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 12._o he_o say_v that_o though_o something_o that_o be_v faulty_a may_v creep_v in_o either_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v principle_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o there_o be_v other_o point_n in_o which_o man_n may_v differ_v and_o yet_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o ibid._n sect._n 13._o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o private_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n though_o faulty_a in_o some_o thing_n etc._n etc._n beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 24._o p._n 148._o agree_v herein_o so_o do_v mounseur_fw-fr daille_n and_o several_a other_o of_o the_o foreign_a divine_n see_v dr._n still_o misch_n of_o separ_fw-la 23._o and_o 97._o so_o do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v and_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 52._o they_o declare_v far_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n though_o something_n may_v be_v amiss_o in_o it_o not_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o mere_a humane_a infirmity_n but_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o tell_v we_o many_o church_n be_v blame_v in_o scripture_n but_o none_o be_v require_v to_o separate_a from_o they_o see_v the_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n sermon_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n where_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v our_o worship_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o be_v intrinsical_o good_a and_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o it_o sinful_a ibid._n p._n 31._o so_o than_o it_o seem_v so_o long_o as_o a_o church_n retain_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o such_o a_o church_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v sinful_a but_o what_o if_o open_a sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o they_o have_v make_v public_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o be_v too_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o may_v i_o not_o separate_a in_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 11_o 12_o 13._o bid_v we_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n a_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a etc._n etc._n with_o such_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o very_a reason_n do_v the_o donatist_n in_o st._n augustine_n day_n give_v among_o other_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o quote_v the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o st._n augustine_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n do_v then_o agree_v that_o these_o text_n be_v mean_v only_o of_o separation_n in_o heart_n not_o in_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v when_o such_o a_o multitude_n offend_v as_o that_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o cause_v a_o schism_n there_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v lest_o while_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o therefore_o let_v they_o both_o grow_v together_o say_v they_o till_o the_o harvest_n but_o when_o only_o a_o few_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a sin_n there_o they_o say_v let_v not_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n cease_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o root_v up_o but_o to_o amend_v see_v aug._n lib._n 3._o against_o permenian_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n ch_z 3._o lib._n 2._o c._n 18._o and_o herewith_o agree_v calv._n lib._n 4._o instit_fw-la c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o where_o he_o say_v that_o though_o sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o their_o followship_n but_o not_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n mr._n baxter_n say_v the_o same_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o and_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o but_o suppose_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v weak_a or_o a_o man_n of_o a_o loose_a conversation_n and_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o better_a preacher_n elsewhere_o and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o exemplary_a holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n may_v not_o i_o go_v to_o that_o church_n or_o meet_v where_o i_o find_v most_o edification_n no_o for_o this_o still_o make_v way_n for_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o allow_v in_o any_o regular_a church_n provide_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v tolerable_a the_o follower_n of_o estathius-sebastenus_a who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o paphlagonia_n be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n and_o see_v calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o so_o ignorant_a and_o proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o in_o his_o sacraleg_n disert_fw-la p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n confess_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o zealous_a professor_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v a_o church_n to_o piece_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o a_o puere_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v what_o be_v better_a for_o their_o edification_n than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n be_v never_o allow_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o as_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n and_o the_o grand_a debate_n both_o print_v when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n sit_v at_o westminster_n nor_o do_v mr._n baxter_n ever_o allow_v of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o cure_n of_o division_n p._n 393._o where_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o ungovernable_a and_o factious_a humour_n of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v ever_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n and_o follow_v the_o more_o conceit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o fierce_a and_o bitter_a spirit_n and_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 280._o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o right_a term_n of_o church_n communion_n how_o woeful_a be_v our_o division_n you_o must_v have_v union_n and_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o usual_a meeting_n be_v with_o the_o pure_a church_n if_o you_o lawful_o may_v and_o still_o respect_v the_o public_a good_a but_o sometime_o occasional_o communicate_v with_o defective_a faulty_a church_n so_o be_v it_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o put_v you_o not_o upon_o sin_n think_v not_o that_o your_o presence_n make_v all_o the_o fault_n of_o ministry_n worship_n or_o people_n to_o be_v you_o for_o then_o i_o will_v join_v with_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n division_n be_v wound_v and_o tend_v to_o death_n abhor_v it_o as_o you_o love_v the_o church_n welfare_n or_o your_o own_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o ib._n p._n 330._o if_o your_o minister_n say_v he_o be_v intolerable_a through_o ignorance_n heresy_n or_o malignity_n forsake_v he_o utter_o but_o if_o he_o be_v tolerable_a though_o weak_a and_o cold_a and_o if_o you_o can_v remove_v your_o dwell_n then_o public_a order_n and_o your_o soul_n edification_n must_v be_v join_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v in_o london_n or_o other_o city_n you_o may_v go_v ordinary_o to_o another_o parish_n church_n but_o in_o the_o country_n and_o where_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n you_o may_v one_o part_n of_o the_o day_n hear_v in_o one_o parish_n and_o another_o in_o the_o next_o if_o there_o be_v a_o man_n much_o fit_a but_o notwithstanding_o you_o must_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n you_o dwell_v in_o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v i_o advise_v you_o if_o there_o be_v parish_n church_n orderly_o settle_v under_o the_o magistrate_n countenance_n who_o teacher_n be_v sound_a though_o a_o able_a minister_n shall_v gather_v a_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o place_n out_o of_o that_o and_o other_o neighbour_a parish_n and_o shall_v have_v strict_a communicant_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o too_o forward_o to_o
join_v yourself_o to_o that_o separate_a church_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hurt_n that_o will_v follow_v by_o discord_n offence_n division_n encourage_v of_o schism_n and_o pride_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v great_a than_o your_o benefit_n can_v compensate_a but_o if_o this_o separate_a church_n be_v a_o factious_a church_n set_v up_o contentious_o against_o the_o concordant_a church_n though_o on_o pretence_n of_o great_a purity_n and_o if_o their_o meeting_n be_v employ_v in_o contemn_v and_o revile_v other_o church_n who_o people_n be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o in_o puff_v up_o themselves_o with_o pride_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n avoid_v such_o separate_a church_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n p._n 336._o he_o bid_v we_o not_o peevish_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o come_v to_o they_o with_o humoursome_a prejudice_n think_v not_o that_o you_o must_v stay_v away_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o every_o passage_n that_o be_v disorderly_a unmeet_a yea_o or_o unsound_a or_o untrue_a for_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n and_o while_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a imperfect_a and_o sinful_a their_o prayer_n and_o preach_a will_v be_v like_o themselves_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o high_a pretender_n and_o the_o peevish_a quarrely_a have_v his_o own_o fail_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o our_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v their_o own_o mr._n baxter_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o learned_a divine_n beforesaid_a they_o must_v own_v that_o neither_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o better_a edification_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n but_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n say_v they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o be_v the_o oath_n and_o subscription_n which_o they_o require_v from_o we_o what_o say_v mr._n baxter_n to_o this_o why_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 331._o say_v if_o a_o church_n in_o other_o respect_n sound_v require_v of_o you_o any_o false_a subscription_n promise_n or_o oath_n or_o any_o unlawful_a thing_n you_o must_v not_o do_v it_o but_o hold_v communion_n in_o other_o lawful_a thing_n it_o seem_v than_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n neither_o the_o scruple_n which_o man_n make_v to_o the_o oath_n and_o declaration_n be_v ground_v upon_o mistake_n for_o that_o they_o vide._n but_o for_o the_o far_o satisfy_n of_o such_o well_o mean_v person_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o oath_n subscription_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o other_o thing_n require_v by_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v alter_v and_o explain_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o bill_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o the_o dissenter_n especial_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v willing_a to_o agree_v to_o and_o have_v make_v the_o very_a same_o proposal_n themselves_o in_o their_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n '_o s_o sermon_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n vide._n take_v the_o word_n in_o a_o strain_a and_o unnatural_a sense_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v remember_v what_o the_o famous_a bishop_n sanderson_n tell_v we_o de_fw-fr juran_n praelect_v 6._o sect_n 12._o p._n 177._o and_o what_o all_o learned_a man_n do_v agree_v in_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o every_o oath_n all_o those_o condition_n or_o exception_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v which_o by_o right_n or_o common_a use_n be_v imply_v in_o it_o viz._n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v '_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o same_o state_n etc._n etc._n with_o these_o condition_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o oath_n or_o subscription_n that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v scruple_v and_o without_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o frame_v a_o oath_n that_o a_o man_n can_v safe_o venture_v to_o swear_v to_o beside_o though_o these_o subscription_n be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n how_o can_v the_o lay_v people_n justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o this_o account_n no_o such_o oath_n or_o subscription_n be_v require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o require_v from_o the_o minister_n why_o then_o do_v the_o people_n forsake_v the_o church_n be_v it_o in_o reverence_n to_o the_o minister_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v none_o to_o preach_v to_o this_o be_v what_o they_o never_o can_v answer_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n do_v frequent_o in_o discourse_n fair_o and_o honest_o own_o that_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v easy_a enough_o but_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o stick_v at_o be_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a communion_n the_o only_a answer_n that_o ever_o i_o hear_v make_v to_o this_o be_v in_o a_o book_n call_v a_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n '_o s_o sermon_n by_o some_o nonconformist_n pag._n 6._o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o must_v not_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o schism_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v this_o be_v kind_o do_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v very_o unfriendly_a in_o they_o to_o draw_v the_o poor_a silly_a people_n into_o schism_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v to_o slip_v their_o own_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o collar_n and_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o therefore_o they_o quick_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n who_o they_o know_v will_v never_o examine_v it_o say_v they_o we_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o therefore_o the_o people_n may_v lawful_o forsake_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v we_o for_o we_o must_v not_o preach_v to_o the_o stone_n wall_n but_o pray_v will_v this_o reason_n justify_v the_o people_n in_o leave_v their_o parish_n church_n and_o their_o own_o lawful_a minister_n to_o run_v after_o a_o stranger_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v want_v a_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o if_o the_o king_n shall_v give_v a_o gentleman_n a_o commission_n to_o raise_v a_o regiment_n do_v this_o oblige_v man_n that_o have_v former_o list_a themselves_o under_o other_o officer_n to_o leave_v their_o service_n and_o follow_v he_o no_o sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o two_o university_n many_o hundred_o young_a man_n that_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n perhaps_o as_o well_o as_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o office_n nor_o provide_v with_o church_n suppose_v all_o these_o now_o be_v admit_v into_o order_n and_o scatter_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o people_n oblige_v to_o run_v away_o from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n orderly_o set_v over_o they_o and_o divide_v the_o parish_n each_o perhaps_o into_o three_o or_o four_o to_o furnish_v all_o these_o new_a make_v minister_n with_o congregation_n to_o preach_v to_o a_o excellent_a contrivance_n this_o of_o our_o reverend_a nonconformist_a minister_n to_o entail_v the_o church_n revenue_n upon_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o without_o be_v behold_v to_o king_n bishop_n or_o patron_n and_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o ever_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o forfeit_v all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o england_n can_v not_o have_v devise_v so_o good_a a_o security_n for_o they_o as_o they_o have_v subtle_o do_v here_o for_o themselves_o they_o may_v preach_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v for_o the_o government_n or_o against_o it_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n be_v therefore_o bind_v they_o say_v to_o hear_v they_o for_o preach_v and_o hear_v they_o say_v be_v relative_n and_o the_o one_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o actual_a preach_a suppose_n hear_v so_o do_v actual_a governor_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n to_o be_v govern_v but_o a_o commission_n to_o govern_v do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o people_n actual_o to_o be_v govern_v for_o there_o may_v be_v governor_n appoint_v and_o make_v though_o there_o be_v then_o no_o people_n for_o they_o to_o govern_v as_o be_v resolve_v by_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o england_n in_o the_o case_n of_o sutton_n hospital_n co._n rep._n 10._o fol._n 32._o a._n so_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v do_v not_o necessary_o draw_v with_o it_o people_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o but_o only_o warrant_v their_o preach_a where_n it_o be_v real_o want_v and_o when_o they_o can_v have_v people_n to_o preach_v to_o without_o injure_v other_o or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o settle_a true_a christian_a church_n but_o to_o say_v no_o more_o in_o a_o matter_n
the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o pre-eminence_n see_v both_o these_o letter_n and_o a_o three_o from_o mounseur_fw-fr l'angle_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o large_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n misch_n of_o separ_fw-la thus_o much_o for_o the_o foreign_a divine_n now_o we_o will_v come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v what_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v first_o then_o several_a of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n do_v sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o they_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n notwithstanding_o any_o defilement_n or_o unwarrant_v power_n of_o church_n government_n exercise_v therein_o see_v the_o apologetical_a narrative_n p._n 5_o 6._o again_o they_o own_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o 56._o and_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a be_v a_o duty_n see_v paper_n for_o accomm_n p._n 47_o 51_o 56._o sometime_o a_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 38._o and_o 64._o corbet_n of_o schism_n p._n 41._o peace-offering_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congreg_n party_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o p._n 10._o true_a way_n of_o conc._n part_n 3._o c._n 1._o sect_n 40._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o last_o answer_n to_o bagshaw_n p._n 30_o 31._o have_v these_o word_n you_o little_o know_v what_o pernicious_a design_n the_o devil_n have_v upon_o you_o in_o persuade_v you_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v uphold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o bring_v they_o as_o low_a in_o reality_n and_o reputation_n as_o you_o can_v and_o contract_v the_o religious_a interest_n all_o into_o private_a meeting_n and_o see_v also_o mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o last_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o book_n of_o evangelical_n love_n p._n 54._o acknowledge_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n measure_v it_o by_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a i_o have_v prove_v 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