from_o their_o own_o writer_n by_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n 2_o d._n 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 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 vary_v 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
the_o case_n state_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n wherein_o the_o first_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o the_o latter_a plain_o demonstrate_v from_o their_o own_o write_n and_o those_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v downright_a schismatic_n collect_v from_o the_o best_a author_n on_o either_o side_n and_o make_v public_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o have_v revive_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o be_v find_v fault_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n with_o the_o london_n case_n when_o they_o drop_v the_o dispute_n while_o their_o author_n be_v live_v by_o e._n s._n d._n d._n victrix_n causa_fw-la this_o placuit_fw-la sed_fw-la victa_fw-la catoni_fw-la lucan_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o john_n nut_n neâ—â—_n stationers-hall_n mdcc_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o dissenter_n have_v again_o take_v the_o field_n and_o revive_v a_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v some_o time_n lay_v aside_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o useless_a or_o impertinent_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n against_o which_o they_o be_v declare_v enemy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o best_a of_o church_n in_o its_o excellency_n of_o government_n and_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o though_o many_o learned_a person_n have_v already_o oblige_v the_o public_a with_o unanswerable_a discourse_n in_o her_o favour_n and_o leave_v we_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o her_o worship_n and_o discipline_n yet_o since_o her_o adversary_n have_v rally_v again_o and_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o death_n of_o some_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o dr._n scot_n dr._n calamy_n etc._n etc._n be_v employ_v in_o pick_v holes_n in_o the_o london_n case_n i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o very_o proper_a to_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o they_o be_v attacking_z and_o give_v they_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o her_o beauty_n whilst_o they_o be_v make_v inquiry_n after_o her_o fault_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o have_v collect_v the_o argument_n which_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o on_o both_o side_n and_o give_v the_o reader_n the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o controversy_n which_o none_o but_o man_n of_o invincible_a obstinacy_n will_v maintain_v after_o such_o clear_a conviction_n that_o the_o church_n which_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o by_o make_v use_n of_o her_o ceremony_n worship_n god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o by_o breathe_v forth_o her_o desire_n in_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n show_v a_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o that_o make_v she_o i_o need_v say_v very_o little_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o author_n i_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o on_o either_o side_n they_o be_v gentleman_n of_o know_a authority_n by_o their_o write_n and_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o several_a congregation_n they_o belong_v to_o but_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v satisfy_v after_o a_o due_a perusal_n that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o have_v ear_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o like_o the_o adder_n be_v deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n charm_v he_o never_o so_o wise_o else_o they_o will_v fling_v themselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v unity_n and_o who_o purity_n so_o persuasive_a as_o may_v make_v even_o her_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o she_o the_o case_n state_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o give_v a_o be_v to_o man_n and_o do_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o permit_v he_o to_o wear_v his_o maker_n image_n he_o appoint_v he_o no_o other_o guide_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o the_o government_n of_o which_o he_o live_v the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o his_o creation_n but_o as_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o that_o unalterable_a obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o creator_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o give_v he_o more_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherefore_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a and_o sometime_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o law_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o consist_v chief_o of_o type_n and_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o not_o have_v that_o plainess_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o humane_a capacity_n 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_o and_o instruct_v they_o more_o immediate_o in_o the_o way_n he_o will_v have_v they_o go_v by_o and_o the_o path_n it_o be_v his_o will_n they_o shall_v shun_v and_o man_n live_v under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n till_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o pleasure_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 which_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v absolve_v by_o it_o from_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a vid._n galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_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 precept_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a have_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o be_v either_o superfluous_a or_o want_v towards_o the_o lead_a man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o reasonable_a condition_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 three_o 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
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 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 of_o 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 presbyte_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
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 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 melevianus_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 de_fw-fr 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 liturgles_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
this_o the_o college_n appoint_v other_o tutor_n or_o public_a lecturer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o public_a hall_n some_o for_o philosophy_n some_o for_o disputation_n and_o other_o exercise_n these_o public_a tutor_n be_v change_v every_o year_n which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o student_n by_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o several_a method_n and_o opinion_n of_o such_o variety_n of_o learned_a men._n thus_o they_o spend_v the_o first_o four_o year_n and_o then_o after_o very_o strict_a examination_n by_o all_o the_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v in_o the_o public_a hall_n for_o six_o day_n together_o if_o they_o be_v find_v qualify_v they_o commence_v bachelor_n of_o art_n if_o not_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o next_o year_n after_o they_o have_v take_v their_o bachelor_n degree_n they_o begin_v to_o apply_v themselves_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n but_o be_v still_o 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church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o separate_a from_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n or_o to_o endeavour_v too_o hasty_o the_o reform_n of_o it_o for_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o book_n of_o travel_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o switzerland_n he_o meet_v with_o several_a letter_n from_o some_o of_o our_o english_a clergy_n to_o bullinger_n who_o have_v procure_v a_o kind_a reception_n to_o be_v give_v to_o several_a of_o they_o in_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 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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 prâ—â—end_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 lare_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
though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o 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 aurelius_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 15_o mile_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 presecute_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 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 still_v fleet_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
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 stand_a or_o loll_v on_o their_o elbow_n and_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o even_o of_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o though_o they_o be_v the_o very_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o all_o sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n and_o many_o of_o they_o with_o their_o hat_n on_o but_o pray_v how_o come_v the_o posture_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fit_a posture_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o the_o posture_n christ_n use_v no_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v most_o learned_a man_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o christ_n give_v it_o lean_v which_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v any_o one_o set_a posture_n for_o lean_v be_v a_o mean_a as_o it_o be_v between_z kneeling_z and_o stand_v and_o seem_v to_o incline_v equal_o to_o both_o why_o do_v they_o not_o take_v it_o lean_v as_o christ_n do_v and_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n why_o do_v they_o not_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n if_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o without_o sin_n why_o not_o another_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o will_v they_o not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n take_v it_o either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v as_o be_v posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o because_o they_o do_v our_o english_a dissenter_n will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o posture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o irreverent_a and_o far_a from_o adoration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o sit_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o ease_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o we_o own_v it_o be_v a_o feast_n but_o not_o a_o common_a but_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o not_o in_o the_o posture_n we_o use_v at_o our_o common_a table_n but_o in_o a_o more_o decent_a and_o reverend_a posture_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o this_o matter_n vine_n in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o say_v it_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o vary_v in_o occasional_a circumstance_n in_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o posture_n etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n have_v several_a time_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o herewith_o agree_v hooker_n in_o his_o eccles_n polity_n lib._n 5._o p._n 366._o as_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o admission_n into_o society_n to_o use_v some_o particular_a ceremony_n therefore_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n we_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o use_v it_o as_o a_o dedicative_a sign_n to_o god_n we_o only_o as_o a_o token_n or_o declarative_a sign_n to_o man_n they_o use_v it_o before_o baptism_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o it_o we_o after_o and_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o baptism_n but_o allow_v the_o baptism_n to_o be_v good_a without_o it_o and_o it_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o private_a baptism_n if_o it_o be_v scruple_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o since_o these_o ceremony_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v scruple_v by_o the_o dissenter_n why_o will_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o convenient_a that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v think_v necessary_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v aside_o to_o humour_v some_o over_o scrupulous_a and_o restless_a mind_n and_o who_o it_o be_v like_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v be_v that_o grant_v second_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o do_v allow_v and_o practice_v they_o than_o such_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n as_o the_o dissenter_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o there_o be_v as_o insignificant_a ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v now_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n scruple_n concern_v they_o as_o the_o love_n feast_n and_o holy_a kiss_n etc._n etc._n till_o abolish_v by_o general_a consent_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o their_o own_o divine_n at_o westminster_n tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 111._o the_o next_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v for_o that_o we_o tie_v up_o our_o minister_n to_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o argument_n which_o they_o common_o use_v against_o write_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o they_o say_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o they_o call_v preach_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v humane_a because_o subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o error_n but_o if_o so_o then_o must_v we_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o write_a prayer_n but_o the_o whole_a bible_n too_o unless_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n for_o all_o translation_n of_o it_o be_v humane_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o also_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o pastor_n must_v be_v exclude_v for_o the_o error_n in_o the_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o pastor_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n must_v be_v also_o exclude_v another_o argument_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o outward_a help_n in_o the_o action_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n they_o say_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o write_v form_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a help_n be_v sinful_a but_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o voice_n of_o another_o that_o pray_v or_o fast_v or_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o or_o kneel_v be_v prayer_n itself_o or_o only_o outward_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o more_o fervent_a sure_o they_o be_v outward_a help_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n again_o they_o say_v read_v a_o prayer_n can_v be_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o pour_v forth_o supplication_n to_o god_n the_o other_o a_o receive_n in_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v but_o when_o one_o hear_v a_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o another_o his_o hear_n do_v receive_v it_o into_o his_o soul_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n he_o do_v power_n it_o forth_o as_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n why_o then_o may_v not_o this_o be_v do_v as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v read_v as_o when_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o so_o why_o will_v they_o hear_v the_o extempore_o prayer_n of_o another_o man_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n as_o any_o write_a form_n can_v be_v doubtless_o it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o as_o much_o stint_v when_o they_o join_v in_o this_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v join_v in_o a_o write_a form_n but_o since_o our_o
dissenter_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o affirm_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v sinful_a and_o be_v never_o use_v among_o christian_n till_o late_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o lazyness_n of_o our_o clergy_n i_o will_v show_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n have_v be_v use_v by_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o have_v be_v practise_v 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 ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la 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_n 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
my_o conscience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o what_o the_o most_o tender_a conscience_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v use_n of_o the_o proper_a mean_n yet_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v lay_v aside_o if_o that_o will_v purchase_v a_o union_n between_o we_o if_o thing_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a as_o posture_n and_o ceremony_n and_o such_o like_a be_v neither_o impose_v nor_o abolish_v but_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o he_o think_v best_o and_o as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n be_v and_o some_o other_o alteration_n make_v such_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o proposal_n offer_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o the_o unite_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n by_o dr._n s._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n leave_v for_o separation_n but_o if_o nothing_o else_o must_v purchase_v our_o peace_n but_o the_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v too_o dear_a a_o purchase_n till_o we_o have_v find_v another_o to_o exchange_v for_o more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o nation_n but_o that_o we_o have_v not_o find_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o a_o plain_a experimental_a proof_n which_o these_o nation_n late_o have_v it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_n and_o other_o party_n pray_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o against_o establish_v that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o other_o of_o they_o pray_v for_o divers_a person_n make_v their_o own_o passion_n singular_a opinion_n and_o error_n great_a part_n of_o their_o prayer_n other_o reject_v all_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o no_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o many_o place_n of_o england_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o for_o 12_o or_o 15_o year_n together_o so_o be_v infant_n baptism_n some_o will_v pray_v for_o the_o king_n one_o way_n some_o another_o other_o not_o at_o all_o and_o in_o that_o time_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v lay_v aside_o there_o be_v more_o error_n sect_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n broach_v and_o vent_v than_o ever_o before_o or_o since_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o see_v a_o book_n call_v gangrena_fw-la part_n 1_o st_z p._n 175._o writ_n about_o the_o year_n 1646._o where_o many_o of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o say_v they_o in_o these_o four_o last_o year_n for_o so_o long_o have_v presbytery_n be_v uppermost_a have_v overpass_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o who_o time_n never_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o many_o error_n be_v hear_v of_o much_o less_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o confusion_n we_o have_v worse_a thing_n among_o we_o more_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o in_o 80._o year_n before_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o nothing_o must_v purchase_v peace_n between_o we_o but_o the_o part_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o overthrow_v our_o whole_a constitution_n to_o set_v up_o another_o which_o experience_n have_v teach_v we_o be_v neither_o so_o consistent_a with_o god_n glory_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o these_o nation_n they_o must_v excuse_v we_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o their_o late_a carriage_n in_o scotland_n have_v give_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o religion_n they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o in_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o which_o by_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o never_o teach_v any_o to_o affront_n and_o revile_v his_o lawful_a minister_n and_o to_o burn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v now_o more_o than_o once_o i_o pray_v god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o repent_v finis_fw-la