do_v our_o part_n on_o this_o occasion_n and_o make_v all_o those_o step_n to_o peace_n and_o agreement_n which_o be_v propose_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o set_v ourselves_o right_a with_o they_o as_o to_o this_o but_o if_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o hereon_o come_v in_o and_o comply_v with_o we_o they_o will_v so_o plain_o manifest_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o obstinate_a and_o unreasonable_a people_n that_o the_o whole_a nation_n shall_v condemn_v they_o and_o justify_v we_o and_o be_v thereby_o firm_o fix_v on_o our_o side_n ever_o after_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o part_n but_o break_v our_o promise_n and_o reject_v the_o present_a opportunity_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n of_o do_v our_o best_a towards_o the_o restore_a peace_n to_o this_o poor_a divide_a church_n and_o nation_n which_o all_o now_o so_o earnest_o desire_v and_o the_o exigency_n of_o our_o present_a affair_n do_v make_v so_o necessary_a for_o our_o safety_n we_o shall_v so_o far_o lose_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o give_v our_o adversary_n that_o advantage_n over_o we_o thereby_o as_o i_o fear_v may_v become_v our_o total_a ruin_n but_o three_o another_o reason_n there_o be_v which_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o do_v what_o be_v propose_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o most_o certain_o the_o parliament_n will_n for_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o remember_v that_o in_o the_o last_o session_n the_o bill_n past_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n in_o order_n hereto_o and_o when_o it_o come_v down_o into_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o it_o be_v by_o their_o desire_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v refer_v to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o now_o do_v nothing_o in_o it_o you_o may_v assure_v yourself_o the_o parliament_n will_v resume_v it_o again_o and_o do_v it_o their_o own_o way_n and_o they_o have_v the_o whole_a thanks_o for_o it_o and_o we_o only_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o refuse_v it_o to_o prevent_v which_o let_v we_o not_o cast_v the_o present_a opportunity_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n of_o do_v the_o thing_n ourselves_o for_o we_o as_o divine_v be_v best_a able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o we_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o layman_n they_o may_v instead_o of_o alter_v circumstantial_o strike_v at_o essential_o and_o so_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o religion_n itself_o to_o the_o undo_n of_o all_o and_o although_o this_o shall_v be_v avoid_v as_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v not_o in_o some_o particular_n i_o can_v instance_n as_o particular_o in_o that_o of_o our_o order_n yet_o the_o least_o mischief_n we_o can_v expect_v will_v be_v total_o to_o extinguish_v all_o convocation_n for_o the_o future_a and_o resolve_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o thereby_o perpetual_o fix_v that_o reproach_n of_o the_o papist_n upon_o we_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o parliamentary_a religion_n and_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v now_o meet_v together_o only_o to_o be_v felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la be_v that_o which_o the_o member_n of_o this_o present_a convocation_n be_v earnest_o desire_v to_o consider_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o all_o this_o your_o three_o head_n of_o objection_n tell_v we_o that_o how_o necessary_a soever_o this_o may_v be_v from_o the_o abovementioned_a reason_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a time_n for_o it_o when_o so_o many_o of_o the_o father_n of_o our_o church_n and_o other_o eminent_a person_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o their_o suspension_n stand_v incapacitate_v to_o act_v with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o because_o if_o this_o be_v now_o do_v when_o their_o consent_n can_v be_v have_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o all_o and_o by_o stick_v to_o the_o present_a form_n create_v a_o new_a schism_n among_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o great_a a_o breach_n be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o possible_o can_v be_v make_v up_o on_o the_o other_o and_o this_o i_o hear_v be_v a_o reason_n much_o insist_v on_o to_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n and_o intent_n of_o this_o convocation_n but_o in_o answer_n hereto_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o those_o excellent_a person_n be_v very_o little_o behold_v to_o they_o that_o talk_v of_o they_o at_o this_o rate_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o more_o bitter_a libel_n against_o they_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o who_o have_v so_o eminent_o signallize_v themselves_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o ready_o yield_v themselves_o to_o be_v confessor_n for_o it_o as_o all_o well_o know_v in_o the_o late_a reign_n shall_v now_o on_o a_o sudden_a turn_n their_o hand_n against_o it_o to_o wound_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o all_o this_o only_a out_o of_o a_o desperate_a peevishness_n because_o they_o have_v some_o infelicity_n at_o present_a upon_o they_o which_o none_o of_o we_o can_v help_v far_o be_v it_o from_o those_o eminent_a father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o become_v guilty_a of_o so_o great_a a_o wickedness_n against_o it_o and_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o ever_o shall_v whatsoever_o some_o man_n may_v talk_v hereof_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o purpose_n for_o how_o can_v they_o who_o have_v so_o longâ—_n preach_v and_o write_v against_o schism_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o in_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n without_o a_o just_a cause_n now_o become_v guilty_a hereof_o themselves_o when_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o it_o shall_v we_o indeed_o put_v any_o thing_n either_o into_o our_o liturgy_n or_o constitution_n which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o must_v confess_v then_o there_o will_v be_v reason_n for_o they_o to_o separate_v and_o i_o myself_o will_v make_v one_o of_o their_o number_n but_o those_o that_o be_v most_o hot_a against_o the_o design_n of_o this_o present_a convocation_n do_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v do_v therein_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o liturgy_n after_o its_o present_a review_n will_v have_v nothing_o of_o this_o therein_o and_o that_o any_o than_o shall_v separate_v from_o we_o in_o that_o where_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n to_o object_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o of_o such_o only_a as_o be_v most_o perverse_o bend_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o do_v all_o the_o wickedness_n they_o can_v to_o gratify_v a_o peevish_a humour_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n of_o those_o excellent_a and_o most_o religious_a person_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o to_o they_o for_o the_o injury_n which_o they_o do_v they_o by_o this_o slanderous_a and_o vile_a imputation_n but_o since_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o we_o will_v for_o once_o beg_v their_o pardon_n for_o do_v so_o suppose_v what_o they_o suggest_v to_o be_v true_a that_o those_o who_o be_v now_o of_o so_o tender_a a_o conscience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o oath_n will_v have_v none_o at_o all_o as_o to_o this_o which_o be_v a_o much_o plain_a case_n but_o go_v on_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o present_a convocation_n to_o make_v that_o schism_n which_o they_o will_v fright_v we_o with_o the_o hurt_n will_v be_v so_o little_a which_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o thereby_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o need_n either_o to_o be_v fear_v or_o regard_v by_o we_o for_o their_o number_n be_v so_o small_a and_o the_o proselyte_n they_o be_v like_a to_o get_v so_o few_o and_o the_o resentment_n of_o the_o state_n will_v be_v so_o heavy_a upon_o they_o as_o be_v enemy_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o in_o this_o opposition_n that_o they_o can_v no_o soon_o appear_v in_o the_o schism_n which_o be_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o but_o they_o must_v immediate_o be_v crush_v and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o to_o talk_v of_o this_o as_o some_o do_v in_o so_o formidable_a a_o manner_n for_o the_o obstruct_v all_o the_o good_a intention_n of_o this_o present_a convocation_n be_v a_o scarecrow_n which_o knave_n may_v lift_v up_o but_o none_o but_o fool_n can_v be_v fright_v therewith_o and_o thus_o far_o have_v show_v you_o the_o necessity_n which_o urge_v we_o to_o do_v what_o may_v become_v we_o in_o this_o present_a convocation_n methinks_v the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o can_v imagine_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o present_a opposition_n may_v arise_v unless_o it_o be_v that_o some_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o reformation_n be_v afraid_a of_o their_o church_n power_n and_o church_n promotion_n if_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n as_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v that_o make_v so_o many_o hang_v off_o from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n i_o desire_v they_o will_v consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o bring_v that_o about_o which_o they_o fear_v if_o by_o such_o moderate_a abatement_n as_o be_v require_v we_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o nation_n they_o will_v be_v the_o better_o incline_v to_o bear_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o make_v the_o continuance_n of_o our_o establishment_n more_o last_v among_o they_o but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o our_o refusal_n we_o provoke_v they_o against_o we_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o instead_o of_o that_o moderate_a and_o just_a reformation_n which_o they_o will_v now_o be_v content_v with_o they_o may_v take_v the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o of_o scotland_n which_o we_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v they_o grant_v any_o moderate_a concession_n to_o the_o just_a demand_n of_o the_o german_n and_o yield_v they_o but_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o and_o which_o they_o will_v be_v glad_o rid_v of_o if_o they_o can_v with_o reputation_n i_o doubt_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v retain_v its_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a latin_a church_n till_o this_o time_n but_o their_o jealousy_n of_o this_o power_n make_v they_o rigorous_a to_o yield_v nothing_o have_v put_v they_o in_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o lose_v all_o and_o if_o we_o follow_v the_o same_o course_n i_o doubt_v the_o same_o effect_n will_v ensue_v in_o sum_n such_o bye_n end_n be_v always_o most_o unjustifiable_a in_o ecclesiastical_a council_n in_o which_o no_o consideration_n of_o secular_a interest_n but_o those_o only_o which_o may_v best_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o influence_n all_o our_o determination_n and_o can_v we_o but_o all_o come_v together_o with_o this_o mind_n i_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o so_o sure_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o all_o our_o endeavour_n that_o i_o dare_v promise_v you_o all_o the_o good_a success_n from_o this_o convocation_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v whatever_o appearance_n there_o may_v at_o present_a be_v to_o the_o contrary_n as_o to_o the_o account_n which_o you_o desire_v of_o our_o proceed_n hitherto_o i_o can_v only_o tell_v you_o that_o on_o monday_n last_o we_o choose_v our_o prolocutor_n and_o adjourn_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v now_o again_o adjourn_v till_o monday_n next_o and_o then_o we_o expect_v to_o have_v our_o commission_n to_o act_v and_o fall_v to_o business_n the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o we_o will_v be_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o calendar_n that_o be_v whether_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n shall_v be_v strike_v out_o or_o no_o and_o here_o i_o apprehend_v the_o main_a question_n will_v come_v to_o the_o debate_n whether_o alteration_n or_o no_o alteration_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v carry_v you_o will_v have_v your_o desire_n and_o i_o my_o liberty_n again_o to_o return_v home_o where_o the_o old_a say_n quos_fw-la deus_fw-la perdet_fw-la dementat_fw-la must_v necessary_o have_v that_o influence_n upon_o my_o mind_n as_o to_o make_v i_o fear_v our_o total_a ruin_n can_v be_v long_o behind_o after_o so_o great_a a_o infatuation_n if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v it_o and_o god_n endue_v we_o with_o patience_n to_o submit_v thereto_o i_o be_o sir_n your_o affectionate_a humble_a servant_n a._n b._n nou._n 27._o 1689._o finis_fw-la
ruin_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v have_v already_o a_o twenty_o year_n war_n about_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o ever_o since_o our_o deliverance_n from_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o trifle_n we_o have_v for_o these_o thirty_o year_n last_o pass_v drive_v up_o our_o division_n and_o animosity_n against_o each_o other_o to_o that_o height_n as_o that_o we_o have_v almost_o total_o give_v up_o our_o church_n to_o popery_n and_o our_o government_n to_o tyranny_n thereby_o certain_o after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v time_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o great_a value_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n to_o this_o poor_a distress_a church_n and_o nation_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v abate_v of_o that_o unreasonable_a rigour_n whereby_o we_o have_v hitherto_o maintain_v they_o and_o if_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n past_o can_v move_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o present_a posture_n of_o our_o affair_n we_o have_v a_o formidable_a enemy_n in_o our_o neighbourhood_n now_o engage_v in_o war_n against_o we_o who_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o than_o subjugate_a these_o three_o kingdom_n to_o his_o absolute_a tyranny_n and_o impose_v popish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n upon_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o they_o and_o that_o which_o give_v he_o the_o great_a advantage_n against_o we_o and_o the_o great_a hope_n for_o our_o destruction_n be_v our_o division_n among_o ourselves_o at_o home_n which_o enfeeble_v both_o our_o heart_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o battle_n and_o make_v we_o unable_a to_o resist_v he_o with_o that_o success_n which_o former_o use_v to_o attend_v most_o of_o our_o other_o expedition_n against_o enemy_n altogether_o as_o potent_a and_o what_o remedy_n have_v we_o leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o terrible_a ruin_n that_o now_o so_o formidable_o threaten_v we_o but_o to_o come_v to_o as_o firm_a a_o union_n among_o ourselves_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o can_v but_o this_o be_v once_o happy_o effect_v we_o need_v not_o fear_v all_o the_o power_n of_o france_n and_o rome_n in_o the_o firm_a union_n against_o we_o but_o shall_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o resist_v all_o their_o effort_n for_o our_o ruin_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n still_o continue_v in_o safety_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o both_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o move_v the_o king_n to_o call_v we_o together_o in_o convocation_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n i_o hope_v we_o shall_v not_o let_v slip_v this_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o utmost_a we_o be_v able_a to_o unite_v the_o nation_n now_o our_o affair_n do_v so_o much_o require_v it_o for_o the_o public_a safety_n thereof_o for_o the_o expectation_n of_o all_o man_n be_v now_o upon_o we_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o preserve_a church_n and_o state_n in_o the_o great_a danger_n under_o which_o they_o be_v now_o both_o involve_v do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v for_o our_o common_a peace_n now_o meet_v together_o and_o put_v in_o a_o way_n to_o remove_v those_o obstacle_n which_o have_v so_o long_o disturb_v it_o have_v we_o not_o already_o lose_v our_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n by_o insist_v too_o rigorous_o on_o those_o thing_n and_o now_o we_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n again_o retrieve_v it_o by_o our_o firm_a and_o successful_a engagement_n against_o the_o popish_a cause_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o far_o infatuate_v as_o again_o to_o run_v the_o same_o risk_a will_v we_o but_o now_o come_v to_o that_o temper_n and_o moderation_n in_o our_o establishment_n as_o may_v remove_v that_o bone_n of_o contention_n which_o have_v so_o long_o disturb_v we_o and_o think_v of_o such_o abatement_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o settle_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o we_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o this_o people_n shall_v bless_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v acquire_v thereby_o that_o veneration_n and_o regard_n among_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o look_v on_o we_o as_o the_o only_a faithful_a shepherd_n who_o voice_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o we_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o ministry_n among_o they_o with_o that_o comfort_n to_o ourselves_o and_o benefit_n to_o they_o as_o shall_v soon_o fix_v our_o church_n upon_o a_o foundation_n never_o more_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o any_o of_o its_o enemy_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o still_o persist_v in_o our_o old_a rigour_n and_o abate_v no_o expression_n in_o our_o liturgy_n nor_o ceremony_n in_o our_o worship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v expect_v nothing_o less_o than_o that_o we_o become_v abhor_v of_o the_o whole_a nation_n as_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o its_o peace_n and_o be_v treat_v according_o in_o every_o parish_n where_o we_o live_v among_o they_o be_v those_o matter_n in_o which_o abatement_n be_v desire_v of_o we_o by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n thing_n of_o that_o moment_n that_o they_o either_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n or_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o necessary_a to_o our_o worship_n that_o either_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n salvation_n shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o prejudice_n by_o their_o omission_n it_o will_v become_v we_o then_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n shall_v be_v to_o stick_v to_o they_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o with_o the_o same_o constancy_n as_o former_o the_o ancient_a christian_n do_v against_o the_o arrian_n not_o yield_v a_o letter_n to_o they_o to_o end_v the_o whole_a controversy_n between_o we_o but_o notwithstanding_o what_o our_o learned_a prolocutor_n have_v be_v please_v in_o his_o latin_a speech_n to_o the_o convocation_n to_o suggest_v this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n our_o present_a case_n for_o what_o article_n of_o faith_n what_o necessary_a requisite_a of_o our_o worship_n be_v it_o in_o which_o any_o alteration_n be_v at_o all_o intend_a to_o be_v propose_v in_o this_o present_a convocation_n if_o he_o know_v of_o any_o such_o he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o discover_v they_o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v offer_v oppose_v they_o to_o the_o utmosh_fw-mi but_o alas_o the_o alteration_n intend_v how_o great_a opposition_n soever_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o be_v so_o far_o from_o touch_v upon_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o i_o can_v assure_v he_o and_o he_o himself_o well_o know_v it_o as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o commission_n where_o they_o be_v prepare_v that_o they_o be_v only_o in_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o have_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v ever_o allow_v to_o be_v alterable_a whensoever_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v it_o and_o therefore_o since_o at_o present_a as_o i_o have_v show_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o its_o peace_n among_o we_o but_o also_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o state_n too_o in_o order_n to_o its_o preservation_n in_o its_o present_a exigency_n do_v so_o much_o require_v that_o those_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v why_o do_v we_o so_o obstinate_o stick_v at_o those_o matter_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n but_o our_o own_o also_o in_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v so_o great_o prejudice_v by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a error_n in_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o allow_v nothing_o lawful_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o our_o public_a worship_n but_o what_o they_o find_v particular_a warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o a_o mistake_n in_o we_o to_o hold_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n not_o prescribe_v there_o to_o be_v unalterable_a for_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o his_o divine_a law_n and_o therein_o among_o other_o precept_n command_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o sacrament_n and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o better_a influence_n of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n descend_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a manner_n rite_n and_o constitution_n which_o his_o church_n afterward_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o this_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o unalterable_a rule_n can_v at_o all_o be_v give_v of_o those_o matter_n for_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o be_v only_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v as_o help_v therein_o the_o better_a to_o influence_n the_o
mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a according_a as_o to_o the_o different_a variation_n of_o time_n circumstance_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o man_n they_o more_o or_o less_o become_v capable_a of_o answer_v the_o end_n design_v and_o therefore_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o constitute_v alter_v and_o abolish_v they_o according_a as_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v best_o promote_v thereby_o as_o long_o therefore_o as_o these_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n and_o those_o rite_n and_o constitution_n which_o be_v receive_v therein_o do_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o first_o establishment_n in_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o promote_a the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n so_o long_o they_o ought_v with_o constancy_n always_o to_o be_v retain_v but_o when_o either_o the_o infirmity_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n have_v make_v that_o alteration_n in_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o humour_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o they_o that_o these_o thing_n instead_o of_o conduce_v any_o long_o to_o that_o good_a end_n propose_v do_v on_o the_o contrary_n administer_v only_o to_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o distraction_n and_o discord_n in_o the_o state_n whereby_o the_o peace_n of_o both_o be_v miserable_o disturb_v as_o be_v too_o manifest_o our_o case_n from_o hence_o there_o arise_v a_o reason_n altogether_o as_o strong_a for_o their_o alteration_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v at_o first_o for_o their_o institution_n be_v they_o become_v only_o useless_a and_o no_o long_o answer_v their_o end_n this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n alone_o for_o a_o alteration_n in_o they_o but_o when_o over_o and_o above_o they_o become_v mischievous_a too_o in_o the_o evil_n that_o they_o bring_v both_o upon_o church_n and_o state_n this_o add_v a_o obligation_n which_o can_v i_o think_v without_o guilt_n be_v resist_v of_o come_v to_o a_o change_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a thing_n controvert_v between_o we_o i_o ready_o assent_v that_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n for_o its_o first_o institution_n for_o when_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o heathen_n make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o constant_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o worship_v a_o crucify_a god_n they_o for_o this_o reason_n appoint_v the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n to_o be_v thenceforth_o put_v as_o a_o badge_n upon_o all_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a hereof_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n in_o those_o time_n to_o fortify_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o their_o heathen_a adversary_n among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o now_o heathenism_n have_v so_o many_o age_n since_o be_v total_o extinguish_v in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o live_v in_o a_o state_n which_o be_v total_o christian_a so_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o long_o liable_a of_o be_v object_v to_o we_o as_o a_o reproach_n by_o any_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o ceremony_n have_v now_o total_o lose_v its_o use_n and_o although_o it_o may_v innocent_o enough_o be_v still_o retain_v yet_o may_v it_o with_o as_o much_o innocency_n also_o be_v total_o lay_v aside_o now_o the_o alteration_n of_o time_n have_v make_v it_o whole_o useless_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v first_o design_v but_o in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n when_o it_o be_v become_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o also_o mischievous_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o dissension_n and_o schism_n which_o it_o occasion_n in_o his_o church_n and_o be_v thereby_o instead_o of_o a_o badge_n of_o union_n and_o christian_a constancy_n under_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o be_v first_o intend_v become_v a_o ensign_n of_o war_n to_o make_v we_o fight_v against_o each_o other_o and_o a_o cross_n of_o torment_n thereon_o again_o to_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n in_o his_o body_n the_o church_n and_o rend_v its_o bowel_n asunder_o by_o those_o lamentable_a division_n which_o it_o cause_v among_o we_o in_o this_o case_n i_o think_v we_o have_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o not_o to_o be_v resist_v from_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n either_o total_o to_o lay_v this_o ceremony_n aside_o or_o else_o make_v such_o abatement_n concern_v its_o use_n as_o may_v allay_v all_o these_o heat_n of_o contention_n and_o mischief_n of_o separation_n which_o have_v be_v cause_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thereby_o and_o i_o here_o plain_o aver_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n can_v be_v guiltless_a in_o this_o matter_n if_o she_o do_v not_o on_o this_o opportunity_n now_o put_v into_o her_o hand_n by_o this_o present_a meeting_n of_o the_o convocation_n do_v something_o herein_o and_o that_o especial_o since_o by_o a_o unwary_a expression_n in_o her_o canon_n wherein_o she_o have_v explain_v this_o ceremony_n to_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n she_o have_v wrongful_o attribute_v thereto_o the_o sacramental_a effect_n which_o belong_v to_o baptism_n only_o and_o thereby_o administer_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o occasion_n to_o all_o the_o division_n which_o have_v be_v rise_v about_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o surplice_n i_o be_o sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o those_o cavil_n which_o be_v rise_v against_o it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o habit_n of_o distinction_n which_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o function_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o be_v practise_v in_o all_o other_o office_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n and_o those_o that_o except_o against_o it_o may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o the_o robe_n of_o a_o judge_n on_o the_o bench_n or_o the_o gown_n of_o a_o mayor_n when_o he_o preside_v in_o his_o corporation_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o reasonable_a that_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v by_o a_o proper_a habit_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n as_o they_o in_o they_o but_o when_o through_o the_o malice_n of_o some_o in_o work_v strange_a objection_n against_o it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o other_o in_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o it_o be_v now_o become_v so_o great_a a_o stumbling-block_n of_o offence_n as_o to_o drive_v multitude_n to_o forsake_v our_o church_n and_o be_v disaffect_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o its_o first_o appointment_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o from_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a total_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o appoint_v another_o that_o may_v be_v less_o offensive_a in_o its_o stead_n the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v receive_v thereby_o be_v certain_o thing_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n than_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o so_o trivial_a a_o matter_n as_o that_o of_o a_o garment_n 3._o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o posture_n so_o proper_a to_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o of_o all_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n this_o be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o because_o i_o think_v the_o high_a posture_n of_o devotion_n be_v that_o which_o be_v always_o most_o natural_a for_o we_o to_o be_v in_o when_o we_o be_v receive_v from_o christ_n so_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n as_o those_o which_o be_v reach_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o that_o holy_a mystery_n but_o since_o the_o weakness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v good_a and_o well_o mean_v man_n have_v be_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o by_o several_a fallacious_a argument_n which_o they_o have_v not_o skill_n enough_o to_o see_v through_o as_o to_o think_v it_o sinful_a to_o receive_v in_o this_o posture_n and_o hereby_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n become_v desert_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o spiritual_a food_n which_o be_v administer_v thereon_o contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v by_o no_o mean_n empower_v we_o on_o any_o such_o account_n as_o this_o to_o debar_v
in_o the_o true_a worship_v of_o god_n though_o open_o profess_v so_o false_a a_o worship_n as_o that_o of_o popery_n and_o must_v we_o also_o be_v force_v still_o to_o put_v that_o abuse_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n as_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o thereby_o thrust_v out_o of_o our_o church_n sometime_o the_o best_a of_o our_o people_n for_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n overthrow_v in_o some_o penny_n or_o twopenny_a cause_n in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o must_v we_o always_o be_v necessitate_v to_o pronounce_v all_o damn_a that_o do_v not_o believe_v every_o tittle_n in_o athanasius_n creed_n which_o so_o few_o do_v understand_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o declare_v every_o man_n save_v at_o his_o burial_n how_o wicked_o soever_o he_o live_v all_o his_o life_n before_o and_o must_v we_o always_o be_v bind_v to_o many_o other_o grievance_n and_o defect_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o of_o and_o still_o deny_v ourselves_o all_o redress_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o by_o refuse_v all_o those_o desirable_a alteration_n and_o improvement_n which_o be_v now_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o effect_v because_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o do_v nothing_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o sum_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o our_o liturgy_n which_o may_v be_v amend_v and_o improve_v many_o defect_n in_o our_o discipline_n and_o constitution_n which_o may_v be_v supply_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o particular_n in_o our_o church_n which_o may_v receive_v a_o great_a advance_v for_o the_o better_a enable_v we_o to_o promote_v religion_n and_o piety_n and_o suppress_v sin_n and_o iniquity_n among_o we_o and_o since_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n be_v now_o so_o well_o incline_v to_o comply_v with_o we_o in_o all_o these_o particular_n which_o we_o have_v so_o often_o labour_v for_o in_o vain_a in_o other_o time_n provide_v that_o we_o will_v on_o our_o side_n do_v what_o just_o we_o may_v to_o satisfy_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o we_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o present_a circumstance_n do_v so_o much_o require_v for_o our_o common_a safety_n it_o be_v a_o barter_n of_o that_o advantage_n on_o our_o side_n that_o none_o i_o think_v can_v refuse_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n or_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o but_o to_o all_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o very_o well_o know_v many_o objection_n will_v be_v make_v which_o i_o daily_o hear_v from_o those_o who_o be_v of_o your_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v that_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o now_o constitute_v church_n will_v be_v like_o the_o pluck_n of_o a_o beam_n out_o of_o a_o well_o build_v house_n and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o endanger_v the_o whole_a fabric_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v if_o all_o have_v be_v of_o this_o mind_n we_o can_v never_o have_v reform_v from_o popery_n because_o this_o argument_n will_v have_v be_v as_o strong_a against_o all_o alteration_n then_o as_o now_o but_o i_o thank_v god_n we_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a then_o and_o still_o preserve_v our_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o still_o without_o any_o prejudice_n thereto_o 2._o it_o be_v object_v if_o we_o once_o begin_v to_o alter_v where_o shall_v we_o stop_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v whensoever_o any_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v 3._o it_o be_v object_v if_o we_o yield_v now_o they_o will_v still_o be_v crave_v more_o and_o never_o rest_n till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v take_v all_o from_o we_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v when_o they_o do_v this_o than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o resist_v they_o in_o the_o interim_n let_v we_o not_o refuse_v they_o what_o be_v just_a and_o sit_v for_o we_o to_o grant_v they_o lest_o thereby_o we_o make_v good_a the_o old_a say_v omnia_fw-la that_fw-mi qui_fw-la justa_fw-la negat_fw-la and_o we_o give_v they_o a_o advantage_n against_o we_o by_o our_o obstinate_a rigour_n against_o yield_v any_o thing_n to_o get_v that_o power_n on_o their_o side_n which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o 4._o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o those_o alteration_n which_o they_o require_v be_v in_o thing_n as_o ancient_a as_o the_o primitive_a church_n from_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o vary_v as_o may_v be_v instance_a in_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o retain_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o if_o so_o why_o have_v we_o not_o still_o their_o love-feast_n and_o their_o deaconess_n which_o have_v be_v long_o since_o disuse_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o the_o mention_n of_o they_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o for_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o ancient_a usage_n but_o the_o necessity_n and_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o its_o constitution_n and_o establishment_n which_o be_v to_o be_v frame_v in_o every_o age_n as_o will_v best_o suit_v with_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o people_n to_o which_o abundance_n of_o thing_n may_v very_o well_o serve_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o will_v not_o now_o and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o what_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n must_v be_v retain_v now_o for_o this_o reason_n only_o without_o any_o other_o to_o enforce_v it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o revive_v all_o the_o old_a saxon_a and_o british_a law_n because_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a constitution_n of_o this_o land_n without_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o we_o or_o no._n 5._o the_o five_o objection_n be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o change_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o great_a reproach_n obstinate_o to_o resist_v a_o change_n when_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v approve_v the_o confidence_n of_o that_o gentleman_n who_o have_v lift_v up_o his_o banner_n against_o the_o whole_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o this_o convocation_n with_o a_o nolumus_fw-la leges_fw-la angliae_fw-la mutare_fw-la for_o do_v he_o think_v we_o be_v bind_v never_o to_o make_v any_o new_a constitution_n in_o our_o church_n or_o abolish_v old_a one_o according_a as_o the_o exigency_n of_o it_o do_v require_v if_o so_o why_o have_v we_o any_o convocation_n at_o all_o for_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a intent_n and_o reason_n of_o these_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n to_o consider_v its_o grievance_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o parliament_n do_v those_o of_o the_o state_n and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o like_a manner_n provide_v remedy_n for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o abolish_n old_a constitution_n as_o well_o as_o by_o decree_a new_a one_o and_o have_v not_o the_o church_n ever_o assert_v this_o power_n as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a thing_n which_o belong_v to_o its_o constitution_n and_o must_v it_o now_o renounce_v all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o gentleman_n motto_n and_o now_o in_o this_o critical_a time_n when_o its_o safety_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v upon_o what_o it_o shall_v do_v for_o itself_o rather_o sit_v quiet_o down_o and_o languish_v to_o death_n than_o make_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o effort_n to_o save_v itself_o if_o this_o be_v it_o which_o this_o gentleman_n will_v have_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o thank_v he_o either_o for_o his_o speech_n or_o his_o motto_n the_o last_o of_o which_o i_o suppose_v please_v he_o best_o because_o it_o carry_v a_o double_a stab_n with_o it_o the_o one_o against_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o against_o he_o that_o be_v his_o great_a benefactor_n to_o promote_v he_o in_o it_o 6._o the_o six_o objection_n be_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o dissenter_n because_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o division_n be_v not_o from_o any_o constitution_n of_o we_o but_o from_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n in_o unreasonable_o dissent_v from_o they_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o division_n by_o any_o of_o its_o constitution_n or_o imposition_n which_o be_v all_o rational_a and_o good_a but_o they_o only_a who_o refuse_v to_o