a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o piece_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o you_o will_v confess_v that_o the_o latter_a two_o rent_n the_o one_o between_o the_o christian-protestants_a and_o roman-catholic_n the_o other_o between_o we_o and_o the_o evangelical-lutherans_a which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n then_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universal-occidental-christian-world_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desolation_n and_o devastation_n of_o christendom_n be_v foment_v with_o more_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n bitterness_n calumny_n slander_n oppression_n persecution_n and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n then_o ever_o you_o hear_v or_o read_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o from_o a_o unseasonable_a uncharitable_a rash_a presumptuous_a and_o unjust_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o exact_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n be_v guilty_a or_o innocent_a of_o such_o a_o prejudicial_a schism_n and_o separation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v which_o side_n to_o embrace_v and_o give_v assent_n unto_o and_o which_o not_o and_o that_o the_o true_a undeniable_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a evangelical_n reform_v protestant_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v by_o any_o incompetent_a judge_n as_o false_a erroneous_a heretical_a and_o damnable_a in_o regard_n that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v common_o as_o much_o obnoxious_a to_o ill_a manage_n as_o civil_a and_o temporal_a it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v expedient_a and_o requisite_a for_o we_o to_o repair_v to_o such_o a_o judge_n who_o betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o may_v determine_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n by_o a_o infallible_a sentence_n from_o which_o we_o can_v appeal_v and_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_v such_o full_a and_o absolute_a determination_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n either_o himself_o alone_o or_o with_o assistance_n of_o a_o council_n of_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o with_o all_o christian_a protestant_n can_v nor_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o other_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n have_v prescribe_v his_o will_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o only_o close_o and_o positive_o must_v adhere_v and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o far_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o roman-catholic_n and_o lutheran_n
mistake_n shall_v they_o judge_v we_o presumptuous_o in_o our_o misconstruction_n of_o their_o pretend_a understanding_n neither_o shall_v they_o bewray_v any_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o contradiction_n but_o also_o that_o they_o together_o with_o we_o shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o and_o diligent_o inquire_v further_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v yet_o or_o doubt_v of_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o on_o both_o side_n attain_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o give_v no_o offence_n till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o we_o even_o what_o be_v remain_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o only_a way_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a mean_n to_o settle_v and_o maintain_v a_o true_a unity_n among_o all_o true_a christian_n whereby_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o spirit_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a christian_n for_o all_o those_o that_o now_o adays_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v agree_v therein_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereof_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v original_o write_v in_o hebrew_n those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o submit_v their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o practise_v it_o not_o only_o with_o word_n but_o also_o with_o true_a and_o sincere_a heart_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n in_o all_o thing_n agree_v that_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o teach_v therein_o nay_o they_o be_v already_o unite_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v true_a fellow-member_n of_o the_o only_a apostolic_a catholic_a church_n if_o together_o with_o this_o universal_a christian_a faith_n they_o do_v but_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n and_o other_o thing_n 5._o chap._n 5._o that_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o may_v thorough_o and_o general_o agree_v beside_o this_o we_o know_v no_o other_o mean_n on_o earth_n that_o either_o god_n have_v give_v and_o ordain_v for_o we_o or_o may_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n wit_n whereby_o a_o true_a universal_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o maintain_v church_n the_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o fit_a mean_n for_o unity_n but_o rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o the_o jesuit_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o catholic_a uniformity_n that_o same_o be_v rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o make_v impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n see_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o inexcusable_a withal_o that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o man_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v subject_v and_o submit_v in_o every_o thing_n their_o conscience_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o jesus_n christ_n to_o one_o man_n solely_n who_o have_v no_o charge_n and_o warrant_v for_o the_o same_o from_o god_n which_o though_o they_o urge_v and_o press_v as_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n to_o salvation_n and_o unity_n yet_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o of_o some_o roman_a catholic_n themselves_z who_o extol_v the_o general_a counsel_n above_o the_o pope_n time_n neither_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o unity_n in_o these_o last_o time_n nor_o be_v concilia_fw-la vniversalia_fw-la in_o these_o last_o time_n the_o true_a mean_n for_o unity_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a impossibility_n in_o these_o last_o thousand_o year_n since_o the_o ancient_a roman_a empire_n destruction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v be_v impossible_a till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o indict_v and_o gather_v any_o true_a universal_a council_n compose_v of_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o establish_v any_o other_o unity_n then_o by_o reiteration_n and_o renovation_n of_o that_o which_o with_o one_o accord_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o primitive_a universal_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o evident_a and_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n on_o earth_n though_o its_o meeting_n at_o once_o in_o one_o place_n be_v possible_a can_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o power_n to_o astrain_v and_o oblige_v its_o posterity_n to_o any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n further_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o predecessor_n or_o rather_o by_o god_n himself_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o church_n nor_o the_o confession_n &_o formulae_fw-la of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o shall_v neither_o the_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o less_o other_o disperse_a sect_n to_o and_o fro_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o tolerable_a ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n either_o by_o their_o vehement_a disceptation_n and_o dispute_n or_o exhortation_n to_o peace_n or_o by_o colloquia_fw-la and_o conference_n or_o by_o national_a and_o provincial_a synod_n or_o per_fw-la synodales_n formulas_fw-la or_o any_o other_o mean_n as_o long_o as_o they_o insist_v and_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n consequence_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o will_v of_o necessity_n judge_v other_o thereby_o see_v chief_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v nor_o approve_v that_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v submit_v and_o agree_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o far_o more_o will_v thereby_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n about_o the_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n in_o make_v necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n thereof_o by_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n as_o woeful_a experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v increase_n and_o grow_v dangerous_a even_o to_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o 7._o chap._n 7._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o v._n 15._o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o christian_n yea_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o the_o east_n south_n and_o west_n which_o know_v nothing_o or_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o augspourge_n or_o of_o other_o confession_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o europe_n much_o less_o of_o the_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v undergo_v to_o settle_v by_o such_o mean_n and_o writ_n a_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v other_o church_n thereunto_o now_o notwithstanding_o we_o conceive_v also_o no_o hope_n to_o obtain_v a_o total_a and_o universal_a reconcilement_n of_o the_o modern_a unhappy_a difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o side_n among_o those_o that_o be_v incline_v and_o give_v to_o contradiction_n and_o contention_n because_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v division_n heresy_n and_o sect_n partly_o for_o punishment_n partly_o for_o trial_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 19_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n unity_n in_o what_o manner_n &_o how_o far_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n but_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a heart_n which_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n whereof_o yet_o a_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n
in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o which_o treatise_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a to_o peruse_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o my_o worthy_a friend_n and_o countryman_n master_n jaspar_n godeman_n who_o i_o always_o in_o his_o frequent_a conversation_n perceive_v a_o singular_a wellwisher_n to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n i_o have_v immediate_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o translation_n thereof_o much_o animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o his_o and_o divers_a other_o good_a advice_n accompany_v with_o these_o two_o pregnant_a motive_n the_o one_o that_o this_o subject_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a of_o all_o theological_a controversy_n and_o question_n that_o now_o adays_o be_v in_o agitation_n and_o may_v much_o conduce_v if_o not_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o universal_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v always_o earnest_o desire_v of_o man_n true_o zealous_a and_o christian_n so_o that_o learned_a calvin_n offer_v his_o service_n therein_o to_o that_o worthy_a man_n doctor_n cranmer_n say_v it_o will_v not_o grieve_v he_o to_o sail_v over_o ten_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n yet_o prove_v a_o work_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n at_o least_o to_o promote_v the_o christian_a agreement_n and_o reconciliation_n or_o mitigation_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o kingdom_n principality_n and_o free-state_n that_o have_v abandon_v the_o superstition_n and_o pernicious_a leaven_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o not_o only_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o divine_n in_o germany_n have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n several_a conference_n at_o marpurg_n wittenberg_n and_o of_o late_a at_o leipzig_n but_o also_o at_o these_o present_a time_n that_o famous_a and_o reverend_a divine_a master_n john_n durey_n first_o stir_v up_o by_o that_o excellent_a instrument_n master_n james_n godeman_n father_n of_o the_o worthy_a gentleman_n aforemention_v one_o of_o his_o majesty_n the_o king_n of_o sweden_n privy_a counsellor_n and_o precedent_n of_o his_o court_n of_o appellation_n in_o the_o precinct_n of_o prussia_n and_o then_o second_v with_o hearty_a wish_n tnd_v prayer_n of_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a divine_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n have_v these_o fifteen_o year_n to_o my_o knowledge_n employ_v his_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n and_o singular_a industry_n in_o germany_n sweden_n denmark_n and_o low-countries_n and_o not_o without_o hopeful_a success_n have_v at_o length_n prevail_v so_o much_o with_o the_o lutheran_n especial_o in_o sweden_n that_o they_o not_o only_o have_v give_v over_o their_o slander_n and_o calumniation_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o also_o be_v content_v to_o be_v call_v evangelical_n protestant_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o name_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o what_o be_v remain_v the_o other_o motive_n be_v that_o also_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o these_o tempestuous_a and_o turbulent_a time_n which_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o england_n at_o this_o present_a groan_v and_o labour_v under_o and_o which_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o inquire_v into_o do_v proceed_v original_o from_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o uncharitableness_n and_o acrimony_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o reverend_a sir_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a whereby_o be_v peradventure_o carry_v away_o with_o rashness_n and_o vehemency_n as_o natural_o all_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o prone_a unto_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o as_o unfaithful_a that_o err_v rather_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o mere_a ignorance_n than_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n much_o good_a he_o may_v here_o learn_v and_o be_v advise_v how_o to_o moderate_v and_o temperate_a his_o passion_n and_o affection_n with_o more_o charity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n and_o steadfast_o maintain_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o substance_n viz._n the_o universal_a christian_a save_v faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n lest_o in_o rash_o presumptuous_o and_o rigorous_o condemn_v other_o he_o may_v be_v inexcusable_a and_o condemn_v himself_o and_o contrariwise_o be_v either_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o or_o false_o and_o contumelious_o judge_v slander_v revile_v excommunicate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o true_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n on_o earth_n he_o may_v know_v without_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o word_n and_o offend_v thereby_o both_o his_o own_o and_o other_o true_a believe_a or_o err_a conscience_n how_o to_o appeal_v first_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n or_o to_o any_o legal_a and_o impartial_a ecclesiastical_a convocation_n synod_n or_o consistory_n or_o if_o he_o can_v be_v hear_v there_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o heaven_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v judge_v those_o judge_n themselves_o and_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n against_o all_o heresy_n schism_n and_o division_n and_o establish_v a_o universal_a harmony_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o now_o these_o two_o motive_n have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o slender_a endeavour_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o other_o interest_n or_o respect_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n lest_o the_o wellwisher_n and_o furtherer_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v too_o long_o debar_v from_o the_o lustre_n and_o use_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o jewel_n i_o think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o patronage_n as_o be_v suitable_a and_o adequate_a to_o your_o zeal_n and_o piety_n rely_v herein_o upon_o sir_n edwin_n sandys_n judgement_n deliver_v in_o his_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n pag._n 173._o where_o he_o write_v thus_o the_o end_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n will_v be_v that_o their_o enemy_n shall_v laugh_v when_o themselves_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o weep_v unless_o the_o graciousnesse_n of_o god_n stir_v up_o some_o worthy_a prince_n of_o renown_n and_o reputation_n on_o both_o side_n to_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n industry_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o unite_n these_o faction_n or_o at_o least_o for_o reconcile_n and_o compose_v those_o difference_n in_o some_o tolerable_a sort_n a_o work_n of_o immortal_a fame_n and_o desert_n and_o worthy_a of_o none_o but_o they_o of_o who_o this_o wicked_a base_a world_n be_v not_o worthy_a and_o hope_v that_o this_o weak_a attempt_n of_o my_o labour_n though_o some_o of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v perhaps_o either_o careless_o or_o censorious_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o as_o favourable_o accept_v by_o you_o as_o it_o be_v affectionate_o and_o hearty_o tender_v by_o reverend_a sir_n your_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n philip_n freher_n london_n the_o 23th_o of_o march_n 1646._o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o twelve_o chapter_n i._o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o general_n ii_o wherein_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n iii_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n iv_o that_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a vi_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a question_n in_o this_o present_a difference_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a unity_n vii_o that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n to_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n viii_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n no_o new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v teach_v ix_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_a protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n xi_o whether_o or_o how_o
we_o can_v punctual_o explain_v it_o and_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v already_o abundant_o and_o often_o spend_v their_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o it_o wherefore_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o pious_a heart_n whether_o man_n have_v cause_n and_o ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v assure_v that_o what_o have_v not_o be_v for_o the_o first_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n in_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n without_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o so_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n be_v pious_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v also_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o we_o may_v live_v and_o die_v as_o religious_a christian_n without_o it_o for_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o faith_n or_o religion_n beside_o that_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v and_o die_v we_o have_v with_o they_o obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o old_a commandment_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o joh._n 2.7_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n 2.3_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o tae_n saint_n judas_n vers_fw-la 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a catholic_a what_o be_v to_o be_v true_a catholic_a or_o the_o universal_a christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o stand_v fast_o to_o it_o we_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a catholic_a christian_n whereas_o those_o that_o add_v thereunto_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o necessary_a which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o in_o use_n though_o they_o bear_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholic_a name_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a ancient_a catholic_a christian_n but_o new-catholikes_a which_o be_v equivalent_a with_o vn-catholikes_a and_o that_o church_n which_o by_o its_o own_o command_n impose_v such_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n though_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v but_o rather_o forbid_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o will_v condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o church_n do_v thereby_o discover_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o rather_o antichristian_a tyrannical_a church_n which_o also_o have_v need_n to_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o the_o apostolical_a curse_n if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o but_o we_o hope_v that_o all_o understanding_n and_o conscientious_a man_n and_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n will_v beware_v of_o this_o malediction_n and_o take_v serious_o to_o heart_n this_o declaration_n of_o we_o abstain_v hereafter_o from_o presumptuous_a judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o good_n and_o honour_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v which_o certain_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o undoubted_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v that_o arch-lyer_n and_o murderer_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v faithful_o warn_v we_o and_o especial_o the_o roman_a church_n lest_o it_o may_v imagine_v some_o special_a privilege_n before_o other_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n judge_v not_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o if_o this_o warning_n will_v do_v no_o good_a to_o they_o certain_o the_o other_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o city_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o rom._n 11.21_o 22._o chap._n v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a what_o we_o have_v speak_v now_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n concern_v its_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o the_o same_o we_o may_v partly_o well_o say_v of_o the_o lutheran_n which_o indeed_o together_o with_o we_o have_v protest_v against_o this_o judge_a and_o condemn_v of_o papist_n in_o the_o forename_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o yet_o no_o less_o although_o in_o few_o point_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o estate_n general_o all_o be_v call_v protestant_n do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v our_o church_n or_o teacher_n as_o heretic_n under_o the_o most-odious_a man_n name_n who_o nevertheless_o rely_v not_o upon_o any_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o nature_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a apostolical_a rule_n we_o may_v make_v appear_v yet_o more_o plain_o then_o to_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n thus_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n ceremony_n the_o principal_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n 1._o in_o ceremony_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o concern_v some_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o that_o we_o use_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a baptism_n the_o exorcism_n or_o conjure_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n because_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o possess_v by_o the_o devil_n although_o they_o natural_o be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o cast_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o they_o by_o such_o conjure_n and_o therefore_o do_v just_o abhor_v from_o take_v therein_o god_n holy_a name_n in_o vain_a that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o image_n in_o our_o church_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v abuse_v in_o popery_n unto_o idolatry_n but_o rather_o approve_v and_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n that_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o use_v not_o the_o hosty_n or_o wafer_n but_o ordinary_a nourish_a bread_n and_o observe_v the_o break_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o judge_v we_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o themselves_o hold_v their_o exorcism_n image_n hosty_n not_o even_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o itself_o erroneous_a but_o only_o to_o be_v adïaphora_fw-it indifferent_a thing_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v not_o account_v they_o absolute_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n necessary_a partly_o because_o of_o god_n command_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n at_o least_o for_o ourselves_o who_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n use_v the_o exorcism_n or_o the_o image_n or_o without_o any_o urgent_a cause_n omit_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n yet_o since_o we_o judge_v not_o nor_o condemn_v according_a to_o the_o abovementioned_a apostolical_a rule_n those_o that_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n necessary_a but_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o also_o shall_v not_o condemn_v we_o therein_o but_o to_o impart_v to_o we_o so_o much_o freedom_n that_o we_o may_v herein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v do_v more_o safe_o and_o without_o any_o sin_n as_o we_o likewise_o permit_v they_o to_o omit_v it_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o we_o in_o our_o catechism_n punctual_o retain_v all_o the_o commandment_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o exod._n 20._o deut._n 5_o and_o do_v not_o omit_v doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o doctrine_n