principal_o guilty_a of_o the_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o division_n betwixt_o evangelicall_n church_n by_o which_o also_o without_o any_o further_a enlargement_n sufficient_o appear_v that_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a cause_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o long_o continue_a schism_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a evangelicall_n church_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n from_o thence_o arise_v principal_o refide_v not_o in_o the_o reform_a but_o in_o the_o lutheran_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o divine_n yet_o not_o general_o in_o all_o but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o have_v refuse_v and_o stop_v without_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n the_o reconciliation_n we_o seek_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o for_o although_o they_o use_v to_o pretend_v for_o their_o excuse_n many_o damnable_a doctrine_n yea_o many_o terrible_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o reform_a 2._o chap._n 2._o yet_o partly_o and_o most_v of_o they_o consist_v in_o such_o slander_n and_o aspersion_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n never_o profess_v but_o rather_o many_o time_n have_v express_o and_o unanimous_o reject_v so_o that_o those_o do_v but_o aggravate_v their_o fault_n before_o god_n and_o man_n who_o restrain_v and_o hinder_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n by_o false_a testimony_n or_o by_o their_o own_o unreasonable_a misconstruction_n of_o strange_a word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o which_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o divert_v if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v way_n to_o a_o peaceable_a conference_n partly_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o controvert_v point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n before_o which_o can_v afford_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o condemn_a and_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o reform_a neither_o for_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o suppose_v we_o do_v err_v in_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o will_v only_o exempt_v we_o from_o all_o heretical_a damnable_a error_n that_o we_o beside_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a fundamental_a doctrine_n do_v not_o make_v any_o way_n our_o own_o particular_a opinion_n to_o be_v a_o by-ground_n as_o the_o lutheran_n nor_o impose_v they_o on_o any_o man_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n except_o so_o far_o as_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o himself_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v thereunto_o not_o by_o our_o word_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o also_o congregation_n whether_o the_o lutheran_n may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n have_v communion_n &_o fellowship_n with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o reform_a congregation_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n as_o long_o as_o they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o because_o of_o their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n yet_o they_o can_v pretend_v any_o reasonable_a cause_n why_o they_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o it_o in_o regard_v no_o man_n on_o our_o side_n be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v somewhat_o against_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o but_o stand_v firm_a to_o the_o universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o labour_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 21.26_o to_o which_o end_n also_o some_o few_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o a_o public_a synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n at_o charenton_n 1631._o anno_fw-la 1631._o that_o the_o lutheran_n desire_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o if_o they_o do_v but_o otherwise_o behave_v themselves_o peaceable_o and_o without_o scandal_n for_o those_o lutheran_n who_o refuse_v not_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a communion_n with_o we_o do_v even_o testify_v thereby_o that_o they_o condemn_v not_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o although_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o real_a and_o corporal_a presence_n and_o oral_a manducation_n of_o christ_n body_n yet_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o as_o necessay_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o receive_v we_o also_o in_o our_o opinion_n as_o fellow-member_n and_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v general_o all_o thus_o mind_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n be_v soon_o conclude_v and_o the_o way_n prepare_v to_o a_o total_a unity_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o further_a cause_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o communion_n and_o other_o godly_a exercise_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o peace_n and_o unity_n sake_n to_o tolerate_v the_o other_o defect_n and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o walk_v with_o they_o as_o brethren_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v phil._n 3._o v._n 15_o 16._o till_o god_n may_v reveal_v unto_o we_o on_o both_o side_n even_o what_o be_v remain_v 11._o chap._n 11._o wherein_o we_o disagree_v but_o those_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n condescend_v unto_o this_o shall_v not_o with_o all_o their_o sophistry_n and_o art_n wind_v themselves_o out_o from_o bear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o long_o continue_v most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v hereafter_o ensue_v thereupon_o lutheran_n cause_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lutheran_n now_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n that_o same_o declare_v and_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o place_n where_o both_o a_o general_a and_o particular_a reformation_n be_v settle_v for_o where_o the_o whole_a congregation_n acknowledge_v with_o one_o consent_n the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o different_a and_o controvert_v point_n there_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o its_o unanimous_a and_o general_a reformation_n wherein_o it_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v though_o some_o few_o private_a man_n dissent_v from_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o have_v rather_o adhere_v to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o way_n restrain_v but_o where_o the_o congregation_n in_o any_o city_n or_o province_n disagree_v so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n but_o adhere_v so_o close_o to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n concern_v oral_a manducation_n and_o omni-presence_n of_o christ_n body_n exorcism_n image_n hosty_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o they_o therefore_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n the_o other_o party_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o they_o there_o these_o since_o they_o of_o necessity_n must_v separate_a themselves_o from_o their_o condemner_n be_v force_v also_o to_o a_o particular_a reformation_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n may_v discharge_v it_o towards_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n especial_o when_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n after_o the_o example_n of_o king_n asae_n josaphat_n hiskia_n josia_n chief_o depend_v upon_o give_v assent_n to_o the_o true-beleeving_a party_n wherein_o neither_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o any_o temporal_a constitution_n or_o ordinance_n of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o posterity_n nor_o can_v tie_v they_o to_o any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n on_o all_o side_n who_o do_v not_o ground_n or_o build_v their_o religion_n upon_o temporal_a ordinance_n like_o the_o heathen_a and_o mahumetan_n but_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o such_o reformation_n most_o common_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o great_o offend_v the_o err_a party_n yet_o a_o more_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o scandalize_a first_o their_o own_o conscience_n than_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o true-beleever_n and_o last_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o err_a lest_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o error_n then_o of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a the_o affection_n of_o the_o err_a whereby_o other_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o zeal_n to_o their_o error_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n which_o zeal_n nevertheless_o i_o hope_v shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o with_o the_o lutheran_n that_o they_o against_o their_o legal_a magistrate_n who_o have_v give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o religion_n without_o any_o impediment_n shall_v
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o 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 and_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 among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o
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
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
of_o they_o that_o hate_v and_o abhor_v reconciliation_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n be_v unite_v nay_o be_v already_o unite_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o evident_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o universal_a save_a faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n who_o also_o upon_o this_o only_a solid_a and_o firm_a ground_n of_o the_o universal_a save_a truth_n and_o unity_n may_v in_o safenesse_n quiet_a and_o pacify_v their_o own_o conscience_n among_o so_o many_o division_n and_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o withal_o declare_v themselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n against_o all_o different_a dissent_v party_n and_o yet_o show_v themselves_o peaceable_a and_o without_o scandal_n chap._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 there_o may_v be_v several_a objection_n make_v against_o this_o our_o declaration_n doctrine_n the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o aforementioned_a doctrine_n as_o first_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n a_o great_a gap_n will_v be_v open_v to_o all_o sect_n arrian_n photinian_o socinian_o weigelian_o anabaptist_n arminian_o or_o of_o what_o name_n soever_o who_o though_o they_o refer_v themselves_o on_o all_o side_n to_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o obscure_a and_o pervert_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a place_n of_o it_o so_o that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v retain_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o they_o also_o without_o controversy_n and_o dispute_n but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o consider_v the_o matter_n this_o will_v be_v rather_o the_o only_a true_a sure_a easy_a and_o most_o efficacious_a mean_v not_o only_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o true_a believer_n but_o also_o to_o silence_n and_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n yea_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o occasion_n lest_o they_o disturb_v seduce_v or_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o more_o by_o their_o perverse_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n namely_o first_o that_o we_o know_v that_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n &_o inference_n must_v not_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v either_o assert_v &_o affirm_v some_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o deny_v some_o what_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o deny_v therein_o that_o both_o we_o and_o other_o christian_n can_v in_o conscience_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o or_o the_o primitive_a undoubted_a true-beleeving_a church_n can_v have_v unanimous_o receive_v such_o a_o meaning_n &_o sense_n thereof_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a &_o infallible_a sign_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o false_a pervert_v or_o at_o least_o a_o unnecessary_a interpretation_n or_o meaning_n and_o that_o we_o therefore_o may_v reject_v it_o as_o unnecessary_a with_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o they_o may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n disturb_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o such_o unnecessary_a new_a doctrine_n second_o when_o they_o cry_v up_o such_o interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o though_o we_o certain_o know_v they_o not_o to_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o for_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o god_n commandment_n and_o their_o own_o word_n for_o mere_a word_n of_o god_n then_o we_o know_v further_o undoubted_o that_o they_o be_v just_o such_o prophet_n as_o god_n have_v warn_v we_o from_o who_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o to_o speak_v deut._n 18.19_o 20._o who_o shall_v say_v the_o lord_n speak_v thus_o when_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v it_o exod._n 13._o especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opinion_n that_o they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o for_o the_o same_o or_o revile_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n or_o otherwise_o know_o purposely_o and_o wilful_o draw_v thereby_o some_o distraction_n and_o division_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o shun_v and_o eschew_v they_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 3.6_o to_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o they_o 2_o thes_n 3.6.14_o 2_o joh._n 10._o who_o by_o judgeing_a other_o and_o cause_v therewith_o division_n and_o sect_n separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d judas_n 19_o and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v condemn_v of_o themselves_o tit._n 3.11_o who_o also_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n and_o convince_v by_o sound_a better_a sure_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n and_o inference_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sometime_o sharp_o rebuke_v tit._n 1.9_o 10.13_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o and_o to_o restrain_v they_o with_o all_o other_o spiritual_a mean_n that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v lest_o they_o may_v prejudicate_v and_o hurt_v the_o christian_a church_n by_o their_o seduction_n and_o spread_v far_o their_o leaven_n and_o sow_v tare_n three_o how_o much_o more_o when_o they_o by_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o conclusion_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n do_v not_o only_o affirm_v or_o deny_v some_o what_o which_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o express_o affirm_v or_o deny_v but_o also_o do_v affirm_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o express_o deny_v therein_o or_o deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o express_o affirm_v therein_o that_o all_o learned_a christian_n who_o will_v but_o understand_v they_o and_o not_o out_o of_o carnal_a affection_n stick_v unto_o they_o may_v comprehend_v they_o without_o any_o difficulty_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o palpable_a to_o every_o one_o that_o those_o interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v but_o mere_o strain_v and_o spin_v out_o of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o not_o ground_v upon_o the_o text_n and_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o equivalent_a place_n of_o it_o especial_o the_o true_a primitive_a undoubted_a church_n have_v with_o one_o accord_n teach_v absolute_o the_o contrary_a those_o if_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n obtrude_v and_o urge_v their_o own_o force_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o perversion_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o without_o and_o against_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o thereby_o deny_v or_o pervert_v the_o true_a necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o precept_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obstinate_o as_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o they_o be_v not_o only_o like_a to_o those_o prophet_n who_o presume_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o to_o speak_v but_o also_o like_o they_o that_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n deut._n 18.20_o because_o they_o will_v thrust_v as_o out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v command_v to_o walk_v in_o deut._n 13.25_o from_o who_o he_o have_v warn_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v nor_o hearken_v unto_o their_o word_n though_o they_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n deut._n 13.1_o 2._o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o whereby_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o may_v see_v that_o by_o the_o often-mentioned_n ground_n of_o the_o manifest_a scripture_n not_o only_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o erroneous_a sect_n but_o rather_o the_o sectary_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v with_o much_o facility_n and_o safety_n and_o with_o more_o efficacy_n then_o by_o many_o subtle_a and_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n or_o by_o all-excommunication_n and_o persecution_n of_o heretic_n although_o we_o do_v disapprove_v also_o this_o to_o be_v use_v against_o manifest_a obstinate_a blasphemer_n as_o servetus_n be_v who_o vomit_v such_o terrible_a and_o horrid_a blasphemy_n and_o contumelious_a word_n against_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n that_o they_o be_v noways_o to_o be_v suffer_v among_o christian_n or_o when_o they_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n plot_n tumult_n and_o insurrection_n against_o legal_a magistrate_n as_o former_o munzerus_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n do_v which_o be_v not_o justifiable_a though_o it_o happen_v for_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o for_o erroneous_a doctrine_n sake_n but_o those_o that_o peaceable_o and_o close_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o maintain_v and_o introduce_v singular_a by-interpretation_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o as_o have_v be_v tell_v those_o i_o say_v though_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n true_a interpretation_n and_o expression_n we_o can_v nor_o will_v therefore_o judge_v as_o heretic_n but_o aught_o to_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n
point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v ereoneous_a and_o false_a and_o if_o not_o direct_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n nevertheless_o if_o but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n yet_o of_o such_o consequence_n account_v their_o own_o opinion_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v not_o impose_v they_o or_o they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v therein_o our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o also_o will_v leave_v to_o our_o freedom_n such_o ceremony_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v hold_v as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o consequent_o will_v tolerate_v and_o receive_v we_o and_o our_o teacher_n as_o true_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n though_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a opinion_n as_o some_o peaceable_a divine_n among_o they_o paulus_n eberus_n david_n chytraeus_n christopherus_n donaver_n nicolaus_n hemmingius_n and_o principal_o philippus_n melanchton_n beside_o many_o other_o of_o his_o follower_n yea_o whole_a congregation_n and_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o poland_n and_o great_a duchy_n of_o lithuania_n a_o great_a while_n since_o have_v declare_v themselves_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o yea_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o shall_v be_v schismatic_n indeed_o if_o we_o of_o our_o own_o accord_n shall_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o of_o such_o different_a opinion_n and_o ceremony_n of_o who_o we_o yet_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o for_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_a point_n they_o retain_v with_o we_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o christ_n save_a doctrine_n and_o be_v exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o a_o public_a and_o manifest_a idolatry_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n have_v our_o church_n and_o divine_n at_o all_o time_n most_o faithful_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o seek_v to_o procure_v and_o settle_v a_o christian_a reconcilement_n and_o unity_n as_o former_o in_o luther_n time_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o marpurg_n an._n 1529_o in_o the_o concordia_fw-la at_o wittenberg_n anno_fw-la 1536._o and_o in_o late_a year_n the_o palatine_a and_o other_o in_o their_o declaration_n for_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o also_o be_v reassume_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o leiprig_n anno_fw-la 1631._o as_o likewise_o at_o those_o present_a time_n many_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n who_o opinion_n and_o assistance_n therein_o as_o that_o reverend_a and_o worthy_a man_n mr._n john_n duray_n have_v solicit_v with_o a_o singular_a industry_n and_o zeal_n to_o a_o peaceable_a unity_n and_o reconcilement_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o wish_v &_o advise_v in_o their_o public_a write_n such_o a_o unanimity_n &_o uniformity_n among_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n whence_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v not_o incline_v to_o judge_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o lutheran_n or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o which_o have_v last_v already_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n again_o it_o be_v know_v and_o manifest_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o lutheran_n on_o their_o part_n will_v hearken_v and_o condescend_v not_o only_o to_o no_o absolute_a agreement_n and_o reconcilement_n but_o also_o to_o no_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a toleration_n or_o moderation_n in_o this_o unhappy_a ecclesiastical_a difference_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o divine_n upom_n who_o also_o many_o layman_n depend_v especial_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n and_o defend_v their_o zeal_n maintain_v their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n not_o only_o as_o agreeable_a with_o scripture_n but_o impose_v they_o also_o as_o necessary_a ground_n and_o principal_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o which_o man_n may_v not_o be_v count_v true_a christian_n nor_o be_v save_v and_o so_o in_o some_o manner_n falsify_v therewith_o the_o groundwork_n itself_o by_o their_o own_o additional_a opinion_n which_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o by-ground_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o effectual_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o themselves_o call_v adiaphora_fw-it free_z indifferent_a thing_n nor_o consequent_o receive_v we_o or_o our_o teacher_n as_o fellow-christians_a unless_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v with_o they_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o carnal_a eat_n thereof_o in_o the_o bread_n and_o other_o such_o like_a point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o their_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la much_o less_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o ministry_n but_o most_o vehement_o condemn_v we_o as_o the_o worst_a heretic_n who_o do_v ovorthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n exclude_v we_o from_o civil_a society_n from_o dignity_n and_o office_n from_o senate_n from_o privilege_n of_o the_o city_n from_o marriage_n and_o from_o honourable_a burial_n moreover_o they_o yet_o daily_o and_o most_o spiteful_o pervert_v calumniate_v and_o slander_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o continual_o and_o most_o unjust_o without_o the_o least_o ground_n against_o our_o own_o so_o often_o reiterated_a declaration_n charge_v it_o with_o dreadful_a and_o abominable_a blasphemy_n which_o neither_o luther_n himself_o nor_o other_o his_o ancient_a follower_n ever_o do_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v pretend_v so_o much_o more_o cause_n for_o to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o divine_v what_o be_v most_o reprovable_a in_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a lutheran_n most_o reprovable_a and_o damnable_a not_o simple_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o they_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o therefore_o so_o uncharitable_o and_o un-christian_a like_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o lutheran_n why_o the_o reform_a must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n whereby_o also_o every_o one_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o we_o therefore_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n constrain_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religion_n from_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n tolerate_v we_o nor_o receive_v we_o as_o christian_n lest_o we_o profess_v and_o addict_v ourselves_o against_o conscience_n to_o such_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_a faith_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n of_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o it_o wherewith_o we_o will_v give_v a_o dangerous_a scandal_n and_o offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o fellow_n christian_n as_o well_o to_o the_o true-beleever_n who_o with_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v by_o our_o example_n proceed_v against_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o err_a that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o example_n in_o their_o error_n and_o here_o again_o we_o be_v not_o those_o that_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o they_o be_v those_o that_o separate_a and_o reject_v we_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v but_o because_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n interpretation_n inference_n formaâ—ls_n and_o expression_n whereby_o they_o put_v a_o very_a dangerous_a stumble_a block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o our_o and_o their_o own_o way_n yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o though_o they_o proceed_v not_o against_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a charity_n especial_o whereas_o also_o the_o christian_a unity_n or_o brotherly_a toleration_n which_o have_v be_v of_o our_o side_n offer_v to_o they_o at_o several_a time_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o in_o writring_n not_o only_o hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o refuse_v by_o they_o but_o also_o by_o many_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o worst_a revile_v slander_v so_o that_o the_o most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o grow_v thereby_o more_o dangerous_a &_o lamentable_a which_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v yet_o with_o a_o christian_a patience_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a judge_n and_o therefore_o not_o omit_v to_o seek_v and_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o they_o that_o be_v peaceable_o affect_v church_n some_o lutheran_n divine_n be_v