sinful_a separation_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n urge_v their_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n of_o church-government_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o whereas_o they_o only_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v such_o liberty_n as_o to_o their_o separate_a congregation_n as_o be_v now_o plead_v for_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n 21._o this_o say_v they_o will_v give_v countenance_n to_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n still_o draw_v away_o some_o from_o the_o church_n under_o the_o rule_n which_o also_o will_v breed_v irritation_n between_o the_o party_n and_o will_v introduce_v all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o desire_v distinct_a and_o separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o they_o think_v no_o person_n be_v to_o be_v indulge_v as_o to_o any_o error_n or_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n 22._o but_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n they_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o be_v under_o the_o government_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o this_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n answer_v 25._o that_o such_o a_o variation_n or_o forbearance_n can_v neither_o be_v a_o schism_n nor_o endanger_v it_o and_o that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o schism_n have_v be_v a_o strict_a obligation_n of_o all_o to_o uniformity_n that_o as_o long_o as_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n they_o do_v practice_v most_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a in_o their_o rule_n it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v a_o total_a separation_n especial_o consider_v that_o they_o profess_v their_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o have_v occasional_a communion_n with_o they_o 30._o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o plea_n make_v use_v of_o at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o to_o which_o the_o assembly_n party_n smart_o reply_v that_o since_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o church_n to_o be_v so_o true_a 47._o that_o they_o can_v occasional_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o conceive_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v with_o they_o in_o joint_a communion_n by_o one_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o different_a rule_n and_o in_o separate_a congregation_n 55._o and_o they_o add_v that_o to_o leave_v all_o ordinary_a communion_n in_o any_o church_n with_o dislike_n when_o opposition_n or_o offence_n offer_v itself_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n such_o separation_n be_v not_o in_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n unless_o it_o be_v use_v by_o false_a teacher_n all_o who_o profess_v christianity_n hold_v communion_n together_o as_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o difference_n of_o judgement_n 56._o or_o corruption_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o if_o they_o can_v hold_v occasional_a communion_n without_o sin_n they_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v ordinary_a without_o sin_n too_o and_o then_o separation_n will_v be_v needless_a to_o which_o they_o subjoin_v these_o remarkable_a word_n which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v our_o brethren_n at_o this_o day_n will_v think_v serious_o upon_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v without_o sin_n seemth_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n so_o that_o whatever_o false_a colour_n and_o pretence_n some_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a practice_n if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o most_o serious_a deliberation_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o plain_a and_o downright_a separation_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o never_o see_v any_o cause_n more_o weak_o defend_v no_o not_o that_o of_o polygamy_n and_o anabaptism_n than_o that_o of_o those_o who_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o go_v about_o to_o vindicate_v the_o separate_a meeting_n among_o we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o sinful_a separation_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a plea_n they_o have_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v that_o it_o do_v aggravate_v the_o fault_n for_o as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o assembly_n say_v though_o they_o do_v not_o pronounce_v a_o affirmative_a judgement_n against_o we_o 71._o yet_o the_o very_a separate_n be_v a_o tacit_n and_o practical_a condemn_v of_o our_o church_n if_o not_o as_o false_a yet_o as_o impure_a but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o other_o plea_n for_o their_o present_a practice_n my_o text_n seem_v to_o afford_v the_o strong_a of_o all_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v and_o not_o to_o be_v strain_v up_o to_o a_o uniformity_n beyond_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o to_o be_v let_v alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n direct_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n if_o any_o one_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o that_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o will_v give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n viz._n 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v if_o man_n can_v come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o this_o can_v never_o justify_v man_n in_o not_o do_v what_o they_o lawful_o may_v do_v for_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v communion_n necessary_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o general_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o as_o far_o as_o you_o have_v attain_v walk_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o word_n say_v cajetan_n the_o apostle_n subjoin_v to_o the_o former_a leave_v the_o person_n he_o there_o speak_v to_o shall_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v as_o to_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n which_o our_o brethren_n pretend_v to_o for_o so_o many_o of_o they_o to_o live_v so_o many_o year_n in_o a_o neglect_n of_o that_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o themselves_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a i_o dare_v say_v if_o most_o of_o the_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v sober_o ask_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o people_n that_o frequent_v they_o general_o judge_v otherwise_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o faction_n among_o they_o shall_v so_o common_o prevail_v beyond_o interest_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n they_o will_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o keep_v up_o as_o such_o a_o mighty_a secret_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o teacher_n why_o do_v they_o not_o preach_v it_o to_o they_o in_o their_o congregation_n be_v it_o for_o fear_n they_o shall_v have_v none_o leave_v to_o preach_v to_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v of_o mortify_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o condemn_v themselves_o while_o they_o preach_v against_o separation_n in_o a_o separate_a congregation_n this_o i_o confess_v look_v odd_o and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v out_o of_o mere_a shamefacedness_n keep_v he_o from_o declare_v a_o truth_n which_o fly_v in_o his_o face_n while_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v it_o that_o they_o fear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o people_n which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v find_v they_o must_v undergo_v if_o they_o touch_v upon_o this_o subject_a for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o godly_a people_n among_o they_o can_v the_o least_o endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o be_v it_o not_o as_o plain_o write_v by_o s._n paul_n 10._o if_o i_o yet_o please_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o therefore_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o like_o
honest_a and_o conscientious_a man_n let_v they_o tell_v the_o people_n plain_o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o time_n if_o they_o find_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v here_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n 2._o if_o the_o bare_a dissatisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n do_v justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o break_v a_o establish_a rule_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o make_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o which_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a man_n shall_v not_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o because_o what_o we_o say_v may_v not_o weigh_v so_o much_o with_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o what_o be_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n by_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o the_o assembly_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v not_o so_o much_o want_v to_o their_o cause_n as_o not_o to_o plead_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o advantage_n and_o earnestness_n as_o any_o man_n now_o can_v do_v it_o to_o which_o they_o answer_v 1._o that_o though_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v 61._o yet_o it_o can_v never_o justify_v separation_n we_o much_o doubt_n say_v they_o whether_o such_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o arise_v out_o of_o a_o opinion_n cui_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la which_o may_v be_v false_a when_o the_o conscience_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o it_o may_v be_v withal_o a_o err_a conscience_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o material_a separation_n as_o our_o brethren_n plead_v for_o for_o though_o it_o may_v bind_v to_o forbear_v or_o suspend_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o man_n conceive_v they_o can_v hold_v communion_n without_o sin_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v contrary_a unto_o conscience_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v such_o a_o positive_a prescript_n as_o possible_o may_v be_v divers_a from_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n of_o which_o kind_n we_o conceive_v this_o of_o gather_v separate_v church_n out_o of_o other_o true_a church_n to_o be_v one_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o hope_v to_o give_v satisfation_n to_o err_a conscience_n 66._o the_o ground_n say_v they_o upon_o which_o this_o separation_n be_v desire_v be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o possible_a scruple_n which_o err_v conscience_n may_v in_o any_o other_o case_n be_v subject_a unto_o may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o like_a indulgence_n and_o so_o this_o toleration_n be_v the_o first_o shall_v indeed_o but_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o open_v the_o gap_n whereat_o as_o many_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n shall_v upon_o the_o self_n same_o equity_n be_v let_v in_o and_o again_o 68_o that_o this_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n 73._o and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o protection_n against_o schism_n 68_o no_o cause_n of_o separate_a nor_o do_v it_o take_v off_o causeless_a separation_n from_o be_v schism_n 73._o which_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o ex_fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la will_v bear_v it_o out_o 4._o that_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n 111._o for_o say_v they_o they_o suppress_v the_o contention_n of_o man_n by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o and_o ordain_v the_o same_o practice_n in_o all_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o our_o brethren_n distinction_n of_o difference_n of_o light_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 17._o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n bind_v the_o burden_n of_o some_o necessary_a thing_n on_o the_o church_n albeit_o there_o be_v in_o those_o church_n gradual_a difference_n of_o light_n 5._o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n 114._o do_v not_o intend_v to_o allow_v brethren_n who_o agree_v in_o all_o substantial_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o in_o those_o very_a substantial_o wherein_o they_o agree_v be_v this_o say_v they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o church_n in_o those_o very_a thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o 115._o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o we_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v 6._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n ibid._n and_o rule_n of_o uniformity_n for_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n charge_v the_o assembly_n with_o set_v up_o a_o uniformity_n for_o uniformity_n sake_n i._n e._n affect_v uniformity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n and_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o variety_n of_o light_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o lesser_a nature_n which_o say_v they_o will_v prove_v a_o perfect_a tyranny_n and_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o stretch_v a_o low_a man_n to_o the_o same_o length_n with_o a_o tall_a or_o to_o cut_v a_o tall_a man_n to_o the_o stature_n of_o one_o that_o be_v low_a for_o uniformity_n sake_n to_o which_o the_o other_o answer_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v uniformity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o tyranny_n but_o only_o for_o order_n and_o order_n for_o edification_n but_o for_o aught_o they_o can_v perceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v one_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o foundation_n of_o tyranny_n which_o be_v their_o own_o word_n 116._o as_o to_o variety_n of_o light_n they_o desire_v their_o brethren_n to_o answer_v they_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o then_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o variety_n of_o light_n 117._o without_o any_o tyranny_n at_o all_o as_o to_o their_o similitude_n they_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v pretty_a and_o plausible_a but_o such_o argument_n be_v popular_a and_o inartificial_a have_v more_o of_o flourish_n than_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o do_v not_o they_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v low_a church_n to_o a_o great_a height_n will_v they_o permit_v other_o church-government_n if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n because_o man_n must_v not_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n be_v pare_v or_o stretch_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v they_o endure_v the_o low_a sucker_n at_o the_o root_n of_o their_o tree_n to_o grow_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v the_o tree_n itself_o ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phaleras_fw-la from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_n after_o uniformity_n be_v acquit_v from_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o such_o we_o do_v not_o question_v they_o choose_v to_o manage_v this_o debate_n upon_o which_o the_o turn_n of_o their_o whole_a affair_n depend_v 3._o a_o wilful_a error_n or_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v from_o sin_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o divide_v the_o church_n by_o a_o sinful_a separation_n that_o separation_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o sin_n for_o his_o think_a himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o 9_o for_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 15._o for_o what_o he_o do_v under_o that_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n 2._o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v god_n service_n but_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a mistake_n when_o they_o take_v kill_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v very_o bad_a thing_n
misery_n be_v in_o their_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n they_o have_v not_o know_v but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o if_o all_o those_o who_o agree_v in_o renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n can_v as_o easy_o join_v together_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o our_o common_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o continual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o it_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o abate_v man_n passion_n and_o to_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o dispose_v their_o inclination_n and_o thereby_o lie_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o bless_a union_n among_o ourselves_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o enemy_n upon_o we_o who_o expect_v to_o see_v that_o religion_n destroy_v by_o our_o own_o folly_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o hope_v to_o accomplish_v by_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o endeavour_v and_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o joint_a prayer_n and_o devotion_n to_o he_o 8._o lift_v up_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o dispute_v this_o be_v therefore_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o our_o peace_n and_o union_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o our_o common_a safety_n and_o preservation_n that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v any_o real_a concernment_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o fit_a but_o in_o our_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v lawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n for_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o full_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o a_o unhappy_a schism_n or_o wilful_a breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n have_v begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n upon_o the_o difference_n that_o arise_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o which_o make_v the_o schism_n the_o more_o dangerous_a be_v that_o the_o first_o beginner_n of_o it_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o jerusalem_n 2d_o and_o be_v extreme_o busy_a and_o industrious_a to_o gain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o party_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o antioch_n they_o bear_v so_o great_a a_o sway_n that_o st._n peter_n himself_o comply_v with_o they_o 13_o and_o not_o only_o other_o jew_n but_o barnabas_n also_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o their_o dissimulation_n insomuch_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o st._n paul_n all_o the_o gentile_a christian_n have_v be_v either_o force_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n of_o which_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v in_o probability_n the_o head_n and_o not_o of_o the_o church_n unity_n if_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o vigorous_o oppose_v so_o dangerous_a a_o compliance_n but_o find_v so_o good_a success_n in_o his_o endeavour_n at_o antioch_n he_o pursue_v those_o false_a apostle_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o christian_n from_o each_o other_o communion_n through_o all_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v or_o be_v like_a to_o make_v any_o great_a impression_n he_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n purposely_o against_o they_o he_o warn_v the_o christian_n at_o rome_n of_o they_o 17._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o and_o because_o he_o have_v understand_v they_o have_v be_v busy_a at_o philippi_n to_o make_v a_o party_n there_o too_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v their_o design_n make_v use_n of_o this_o follow_a method_n 1._o he_o exhort_v the_o philippian_n to_o a_o unanimous_a and_o constant_a resolution_n in_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o threat_n and_o malice_n of_o their_o enemy_n 28._o that_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o your_o adversary_n if_o once_o the_o fear_n of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n make_v man_n afraid_a to_o own_o and_o maintain_v their_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o their_o enemy_n first_o to_o divide_v and_o then_o to_o subdue_v they_o but_o their_o courage_n and_o unanimity_n in_o a_o good_a cause_n baffle_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o most_o dare_a adversary_n and_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o retreat_v when_o they_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o disunite_v they_o nor_o make_v they_o afraid_a 2._o he_o beseech_v they_o in_o the_o most_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a manner_n not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o difference_n or_o division_n among_o they_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o have_v see_v the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o division_n in_o other_o church_n already_o how_o our_o religion_n have_v be_v reproach_v the_o gospel_n hinder_v and_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n render_v of_o little_a or_o no_o effect_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o let_v i_o therefore_o entreat_v you_o if_o you_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n if_o you_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o you_o have_v any_o tenderness_n or_o pity_n towards_o i_o avoid_v the_o first_o tendency_n to_o any_o breach_n among_o you_o entertain_v no_o unjust_a suspicion_n or_o jealousy_n of_o each_o other_o show_v all_o the_o kindness_n you_o be_v able_a to_o your_o fellow_n member_n live_v as_o those_o that_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a prevent_v any_o difference_n in_o opinion_n among_o you_o 3._o he_o warn_v they_o and_o give_v cautious_a against_o some_o person_n from_o who_o their_o great_a danger_n be_v viz._n such_o as_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o law_n and_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o mischief_n of_o their_o design_n under_o their_o specious_a pretence_n he_o bestow_v very_o severe_a character_n upon_o they_o vers_n 2._o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a worker_n beware_v of_o the_o concision_n all_o which_o character_n relate_v to_o the_o breach_n and_o division_n which_o they_o make_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o like_a dog_n they_o do_v tear_v in_o piece_n and_o thereby_o do_v unspeakable_a mischief_n and_o so_o be_v evil_a worker_n and_o by_o the_o concision_n st._n chrysostom_n understand_v such_o a_o cut_n in_o piece_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o endeavour_v to_o cut_v in_o piece_n and_o thereby_o to_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o lest_o they_o shall_v give_v out_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v this_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a pique_n he_o have_v take_v up_o against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o declare_v that_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a intention_n and_o design_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o christian_n vers_fw-la 3._o for_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o glory_n in_o legal_a privilege_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o vers_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v so_o prevail_v upon_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o now_o despise_v the_o thing_n he_o value_v before_o and_o make_v it_o his_o whole_a
fierce_a condender_n about_o they_o and_o such_o eager_a disputant_n be_v fit_a to_o make_v quarrel_n than_o to_o end_v they_o for_o they_o can_v be_v contentious_a for_o peace-sake_n and_o make_v new_a difference_n about_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n a_o good_a judgement_n a_o prudent_a temper_n and_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o end_v our_o difference_n than_o warm_a debate_n and_o long_a disputation_n which_o as_o greg._n nazianzen_n say_v once_o of_o council_n seldom_o have_v have_v any_o good_a end_n but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o fiery_a sort_n of_o zeal_n and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o this_o which_o may_v lie_v smother_a for_o a_o time_n till_o it_o meet_v with_o suitable_a matter_n and_o a_o free_a vent_n and_o then_o it_o break_v out_o into_o a_o dreadful_a flame_n this_o we_o have_v already_o see_v such_o dismal_a effect_n of_o in_o this_o age_n that_o we_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v less_o need_n to_o give_v man_n caution_n against_o it_o again_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o where_o reason_n can_v prevail_v experience_n will_v not_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v to_o such_o person_n that_o may_v be_v like_a to_o move_v they_o be_v that_o if_o their_o blind_a zeal_n transport_v they_o as_o it_o do_v samson_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n over_o their_o head_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o perish_v themselves_o in_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n while_o they_o and_o their_o friend_n perish_v together_o the_o philistines_n without_o will_n rejoice_v to_o make_v other_o the_o instrument_n to_o execute_v their_o design_n 2._o not_o to_o be_v always_o complain_v of_o their_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n as_o though_o no_o people_n have_v suffer_v so_o much_o since_o the_o day_n of_o dioclesian_n whereas_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o so_o much_o gentleness_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o that_o other_o have_v as_o much_o complain_v of_o indulgence_n as_o they_o of_o persecution_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o make_v such_o noise_n and_o outcry_n of_o their_o suffer_v so_o much_o when_o they_o will_v have_v be_v rather_o thankful_a that_o they_o suffer_v no_o more_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n to_o represent_v their_o case_n still_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o exasperate_n and_o provoke_a manner_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o incline_v their_o governor_n to_o more_o condescension_n to_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o ithacian_a persecute_v party_n where_o be_v the_o priscillian_o that_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o their_o instigation_n what_o do_v such_o insinuation_n mean_v but_o that_o our_o bishop_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o ithacius_n and_o idacius_n in_o their_o cruelty_n and_o they_o of_o the_o good_a and_o meek_a bishop_n s._n martin_n who_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o on_o that_o account_n if_o man_n do_v entertain_v such_o kind_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o such_o hard_a thought_n of_o their_o superior_n whatever_o they_o plead_v for_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o peace_n 3._o not_o to_o condemn_v other_o for_o that_o which_o themselves_o have_v practise_v and_o think_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o their_o own_o case_n what_o outcry_n have_v some_o make_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a for_o expect_v and_o require_v uniformity_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o such_o man_n even_o at_o this_o day_n contend_v for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o bind_v man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n 7_o but_o they_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o adonibezek_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o thumb_n and_o the_o toe_n which_o they_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o other_o and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o again_o if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n who_o can_v have_v be_v think_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o way_n than_o those_o who_o go_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o even_o in_o new_a england_n 1651._o when_o their_o own_o churchway_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v among_o they_o they_o make_v it_o no_o less_o than_o banishment_n for_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o set_v up_o other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o for_o any_o secret_o to_o seduce_v other_o from_o the_o approbation_n and_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o how_o they_o have_v since_o proceed_v with_o the_o quaker_n be_v very_o well_o know_v nay_o even_o these_o notwithstanding_o the_o single_a independency_n of_o every_o man_n light_n within_o he_o have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v rule_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o to_o govern_v their_o society_n to_o which_o they_o expect_v a_o uniform_a obedience_n and_o allow_v no_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n etc._n as_o they_o love_v to_o speak_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v the_o true_a controversy_n be_v not_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o uniformity_n but_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o now_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v load_v with_o bitter_a reproach_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a hatred_n of_o all_o party_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v practice_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o think_v it_o very_o justifiable_a so_o to_o do_v 4._o not_o to_o inflame_v the_o people_n heat_n by_o make_v their_o difference_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o appear_v to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v let_v they_o deal_v honest_o and_o faithful_o with_o they_o by_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o occasional_a communion_n at_o least_o with_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a that_o constant_a communion_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o abate_v man_n great_a prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o soften_v their_o spirit_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o close_a union_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o darken_v and_o confound_v thing_n and_o cast_v mist_n before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v see_v their_o way_n clear_a before_o they_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v conclude_v they_o prefer_v some_o little_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o before_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n 5._o not_o to_o harbâ—â—_n or_o foment_n unreasonable_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n in_o people_n mind_n concern_v we_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o successful_a art_n of_o keep_v up_o the_o distance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v be_v so_o great_a among_o we_o viz._n by_o private_a whisper_n by_o false_a suggestion_n by_o idle_a story_n by_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n of_o word_n beyond_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v they_o by_o such_o device_n as_o these_o great_a mischief_n have_v be_v do_v among_o we_o and_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a be_v do_v still_o for_o nothing_o set_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o our_o church_n than_o the_o apprehend_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o protestant_a cause_n which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o most_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a calumny_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o conscience_n or_o common_a ingenuity_n as_o not_o only_o to_o charge_v particular_a person_n but_o our_o church_n itself_o with_o march_v towards_o popery_n what_o injustice_n what_o uncharitableness_n what_o impudence_n be_v it_o to_o fasten_v such_o a_o imputation_n upon_o a_o church_n that_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v and_o long_o may_v it_o do_v so_o the_o chief_a bulwark_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n little_o do_v such_o person_n consider_v how_o much_o they_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v but_o be_v mighty_o please_v to_o find_v their_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n represent_v to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o secret_a friend_n 6._o not_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o for_o a_o show_n of_o great_a liberty_n to_o themselves_o for_o under_o this_o pretence_n our_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o their_o instrument_n to_o bring_v upon_o our_o neck_n 〈◊〉_d yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o universal_a toleration_n be_v that_o trojan_a horse_n which_o bring_v in_o our_o enemy_n without_o be_v see_v and_o which_o after_o a_o long_a siege_n they_o hope_v to_o bring_v in_o at_o last_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o set_v our_o gate_n wide_a enough_o