a_o epistolary_a discourse_n wherein_o among_o other_o particular_n these_o follow_a question_n be_v brief_o resolve_v i._o whether_o or_o no_o the_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v the_o independent_a government_n ii_o if_o they_o shall_v tolerate_v it_o how_o far_o and_o with_o what_o limitation_n iii_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o tolerate_v it_o what_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o presbyterials_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n dury_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n mr._n philip_n nye_n mr._n samuel_n hartlib_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n for_o more_o common_a use_n julâ—_n 27._o 1644._o imprimatur_fw-la ja_fw-la cranford_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n greene_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o lvie_n lane_n 1644._o the_o copy_n of_o letter_n to_o mr._n tho._n goodwin_n and_o mr._n philip_n nye_n worthy_a sir_n although_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o settle_v here_o nor_o can_v promise_v unto_o myself_o any_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n from_o other_o necessary_a thought_n which_o my_o present_a condition_n do_v oblige_v i_o unto_o and_o although_o i_o may_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v little_a use_n as_o yet_o to_o be_v make_v among_o you_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v propose_v tend_v to_o moderation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o distract_a condition_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o do_v promise_v you_o that_o i_o will_v put_v something_o to_o paper_n concern_v the_o scope_n of_o my_o negotiation_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v use_v to_o persuade_v man_n spirit_n unto_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o because_o i_o know_v that_o if_o one_o will_v observe_v the_o wind_n very_o narrow_o he_o shall_v hardly_o ever_o sow_v his_o seed_n eccles_n 11.4_o or_o if_o he_o regard_v the_o cloud_n reap_v his_o corn_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o delay_v any_o long_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v which_o that_o i_o may_v do_v in_o some_o order_n i_o will_v branch_v out_o this_o discourse_n into_o these_o particular_n first_o i_o will_v relate_v unto_o you_o the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n with_o the_o lutheran_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o moderation_n towards_o we_o second_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o this_o endeavour_n and_o which_o i_o use_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o that_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v press_v upon_o they_o three_o i_o will_v let_v you_o know_v my_o opinion_n concern_v you_o case_n for_o which_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v these_o matter_n that_o you_o may_v understand_v how_o far_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o that_o which_o hitherto_o i_o have_v agitate_a and_o what_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o do_v in_o it_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o your_o brethren_n the_o true_a state_n of_o my_o negotiation_n be_v this_o that_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o lutheran_n to_o some_o orderly_a treaty_n with_o we_o and_o joint_a resolution_n among_o themselves_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o scandalous_a and_o unconscionable_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n some_o joint_a course_n may_v be_v seâ—led_v to_o set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n of_o protestant_a church_n unto_o that_o period_n whereunto_o it_o may_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o effect_n have_v first_o deal_v with_o our_o own_o side_n and_o get_v their_o consent_n unto_o this_o aim_n i_o have_v offer_v myself_o also_o unto_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o solicitor_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o this_o matter_n in_o this_o posture_n i_o have_v take_v the_o freedom_n to_o provoke_v all_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o of_o good_a work_n either_o by_o propose_v or_o ask_v council_n of_o they_o or_o make_v motion_n tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n for_o have_v make_v my_o spirit_n void_a of_o partiality_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o private_a aim_n i_o take_v up_o universal_a rule_n which_o i_o think_v appâ—â—â—â—e_v unto_o all_o man_n understanding_n in_o theoreticis_fw-la and_o to_o their_o conâ—â—â—â—â—â—es_n in_o practicis_fw-la that_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o fâ—llow_n the_o apostle_n council_n unto_o the_o philippian_n chap._n 3.15.16_o which_o be_v that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v come_v we_o shall_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o it_o become_v those_o that_o indeed_o be_v brethren_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o i_o do_v not_o aim_v so_o mâ—ch_o at_o a_o â—are_a toleration_n betwixt_o we_o and_o lutheran_n as_o at_o a_o pub_fw-la iâ—ue_fw-la profession_n of_o brotherhood_n whereupon_o i_o conceive_v a_o toleration_n will_v follow_v of_o itself_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a difference_n which_o câ—uld_v be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o a_o breach_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n wherein_o some_o do_v seem_v to_o find_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o break_v of_o brotherhood_n from_o we_o i_o suppose_v these_o may_v be_v remove_v two_o way_n first_o by_o a_o fundamental_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o duty_n requisite_a unto_o salvation_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o open_o profess_v as_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o badge_n of_o our_o fraternal_a union_n second_o by_o a_o common_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o interpret_n the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o all_o doubt_n incident_a in_o other_o matter_n not_o fundamental_a may_v be_v clear_v and_o decide_v and_o as_o the_o fundamental_a confession_n shall_v serve_v for_o all_o in_o common_a so_o this_o rule_n of_o interpretation_n shall_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o join_v the_o more_o learned_a sort_n in_o one_o sense_n and_o meaning_n lest_o their_o difference_n about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n may_v rend_v the_o body_n in_o piece_n notwithstanding_o the_o former_a tie_n of_o union_n in_o fundamental_a truth_n for_o see_v we_o see_v daily_o that_o among_o man_n of_o good_a repute_n otherwise_o for_o godliness_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o for_o zeal_n in_o their_o profession_n of_o religion_n great_a dispute_n fall_v out_o for_o small_a matter_n as_o for_o the_o different_a acception_n of_o a_o word_n in_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n which_o may_v be_v diverse_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o different_a relation_n which_o it_o have_v unto_o the_o matter_n precedent_n and_o consequent_a and_o these_o dispute_v ofttimes_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o not_o only_o lose_v all_o charitable_a affection_n and_o amicablenesse_n of_o conversation_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o also_o involve_v other_o their_o hearer_n into_o the_o same_o breach_n of_o christian_a love_n from_o whence_o schism_n and_o separation_n at_o last_o arise_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o church_n although_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substantial_a and_o material_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n see_v i_o say_v we_o daily_o see_v that_o this_o do_v fall_v out_o and_o that_o this_o alone_a be_v able_a to_o breed_v many_o division_n among_o the_o learned_a notwithstanding_o all_o other_o tie_v of_o brotherly_a union_n and_o friendship_n betwixt_o they_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v expedient_a if_o not_o necessary_a to_o find_v some_o remedy_n for_o this_o inconvenient_a which_o at_o last_o i_o suppose_v be_v find_v and_o if_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o enable_v i_o to_o propose_v it_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v prove_v effectual_a towards_o man_n that_o be_v not_o self-conceited_a but_o tractable_a either_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n or_o of_o conscience_n lead_v in_o aspirituall_a way_n which_o be_v above_o but_o not_o contrary_a unto_o reason_n for_o spiritual_a truth_n be_v rational_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n although_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o rational_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o sense_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n i_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n to_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v agree_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n we_o may_v have_v also_o some_o undoubted_a rule_n whereby_o to_o reduce_v all_o matter_n which_o be_v extra-substantiall_a unto_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o the_o doubt_n which_o arise_v concern_v the_o same_o may_v be_v decide_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clear_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n regular_o analyse_v so_o that_o the_o rule_n first_o of_o determine_v fundamental_n in_o faith_n and_o
but_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o state_n the_o question_n true_o without_o mistake_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n thereof_o by_o the_o evident_a word_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n of_o conference_n may_v be_v describe_v in_o due_a time_n if_o the_o state_n shall_v incline_v to_o yield_v unto_o a_o toleration_n upon_o the_o term_n forenamed_a and_o then_o in_o the_o interim_n while_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o debate_n the_o whole_a difference_n of_o their_o course_n in_o public_a and_o the_o underhand_a practice_n which_o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o may_v intend_v shall_v be_v so_o limit_v as_o that_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o government_n own_v by_o the_o state_n shall_v suffer_v nothing_o thereby_o and_o to_o find_v out_o these_o limitation_n so_o as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o except_v against_o the_o same_o the_o state_n may_v command_v they_o to_o give_v up_o a_o draught_n of_o the_o whole_a way_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v in_o gather_v frame_v and_o govern_v their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n require_v they_o to_o show_v witwall_a what_o limitation_n they_o will_v admit_v of_o voluntary_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o that_o the_o latitude_n of_o difference_n wherein_o they_o desire_v to_o stand_v may_v be_v no_o disturbance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o this_o draught_n be_v give_v up_o than_o the_o state_n may_v give_v it_o to_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v consider_v desire_v they_o to_o declare_v if_o any_o thing_n more_o shall_v just_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o prevent_v scandal_n and_o maintain_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o that_o religious_a profession_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v most_o honour_a and_o advance_v till_o in_o due_a time_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n may_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o when_o these_o have_v give_v up_o their_o consideration_n to_o that_o effect_n the_o state_n may_v show_v the_o same_o to_o the_o non-communionists_a to_o see_v what_o they_o will_v except_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o except_v not_o against_o the_o limitation_n require_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n may_v ratify_v the_o same_o but_o if_o they_o do_v except_v against_o the_o foresay_a superadded_a limitation_n than_o the_o state_n be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o it_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o outward_a edification_n now_o because_o difficulty_n may_v be_v incident_a and_o many_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o state_n how_o to_o determine_v of_o such_o limitation_n as_o may_v be_v disputable_a betwixt_o party_n of_o several_a interest_n therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v without_o some_o rule_n whereby_o it_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v justice_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o its_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n it_o will_v then_o not_o be_v amiss_o to_o set_v down_o some_o proposition_n tend_v this_o way_n which_o if_o all_o side_n agree_v unto_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o limitation_n will_v not_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o be_v find_v first_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n to_o look_v both_o to_o the_o ou_fw-fr ward_n visible_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o the_o frame_n of_o humane_a society_n wherein_o god_n be_v public_o worship_v that_o neither_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n nor_o in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worshipper_n any_o thing_n be_v admit_v which_o may_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o cross_v any_o maxim_n of_o civil_a righteousness_n and_o tranquillity_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v be_v bind_v to_o suffer_v no_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o to_o repress_v all_o confuse_a tumul_n vous_fw-fr and_o factious_a meeting_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o second_o as_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n only_o within_o themselves_o and_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o civil_a belong_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v within_o themselves_o by_o the_o ground_n of_o right_a reason_n teach_v the_o fundamental_n of_o humane_a society_n consist_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a order_n and_o mutual_a innocence_n to_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o their_o subject_n so_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n the_o care_n thereof_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a &_o civil_a office-bearer_n joint_o wherein_o both_o be_v to_o concur_v to_o determine_v the_o matter_n according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n therein_o by_o which_o rule_n as_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v bind_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o the_o spiritual_a nor_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n with_o the_o civil_a charge_n and_o authority_n so_o both_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v their_o charge_n useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n therefore_o whatsoever_o may_v tend_v to_o make_v a_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o these_o charge_n such_o as_o be_v in_o popery_n and_o papal_a episcopacy_n or_o to_o break_v the_o amiable_a correspondency_n which_o shall_v be_v betwixt_o they_o in_o their_o distinct_a charge_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n three_o although_o the_o spiritual_a charge_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o progress_n or_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o christianite_n that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o be_v take_v away_o but_o also_o to_o the_o convenience_n advance_v that_o truth_n that_o these_o may_v be_v further_v so_o far_o as_o his_o sphere_n do_v reach_v in_o the_o nurse_n care_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o rule_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n be_v bind_v as_o i_o suppose_v to_o these_o follow_a duty_n first_o to_o satisfy_v itself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o infallible_a true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o state_n and_o none_o suffer_v therein_o that_o will_v oppose_v the_o same_o second_o to_o bear_v a_o hand_n over_o it_o to_o nurse_n and_o protect_v it_o from_o outward_a and_o inward_a enemy_n whensoever_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o state_n and_o three_o to_o oversee_v within_o itself_o the_o outward_a discharge_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o god_n ordinance_n that_o for_o the_o matter_n justice_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n good_a order_n may_v be_v observe_v therein_o for_o although_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n himself_o yet_o the_o just_a and_o orderly_a behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v administrate_n the_o same_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n belong_v unto_o his_o cognizance_n and_o if_o he_o find_v that_o injustice_n and_o disorder_n be_v practise_v by_o any_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o discharge_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v council_n with_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n own_v and_o as_o the_o case_n may_v be_v also_o of_o the_o church_n tolerate_v how_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o prevent_v in_o time_n to_o come_v four_o because_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o outward_a call_v and_o authorise_v of_o minister_n to_o a_o spiritual_a charge_n and_o the_o appropriate_a of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n wherein_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o outward_a settlement_n of_o congregation_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n therefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o unto_o this_o that_o by_o the_o congregation_n tolerate_v no_o root_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v plant_v or_o admit_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o trouble_v many_o in_o their_o public_a society_n but_o all_o prudent_a and_o circumspect_a limitation_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o prevent_v so_o far_o as_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o magistrate_n charge_v in_o this_o kind_n reach_v that_o neither_o the_o multitude_n have_v itch_a ear_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o heap_v unto_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o lust_n nor_o the_o teacher_n
let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a in_o this_o narrative_a and_o as_o full_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v second_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o good_a disposition_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o commend_v themselves_o be_v full_o in_o these_o man_n and_o will_v be_v in_o their_o successor_n which_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v yet_o i_o think_v under_o correction_n that_o except_o they_o can_v make_v it_o clear_o appear_v to_o the_o state_n that_o their_o church_n way_n of_o non-communion_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o call_v it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o wherein_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o i_o say_v except_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v these_o two_o thing_n clear_o appear_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n to_o give_v they_o the_o toleration_n which_o they_o do_v desire_v and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o state_n do_v intend_v to_o erect_v the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n except_o than_o they_o can_v show_v that_o the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n but_o in_o their_o way_n of_o non-communion_n they_o have_v no_o plea_n for_o their_o request_n for_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o every_o ordinance_n full_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o desire_v the_o toleration_n of_o another_o way_n of_o church_n government_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o yield_v it_o except_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n some_o of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n can_v be_v enjoy_v second_o because_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o a_o state_n to_o reject_v a_o approve_a way_n of_o government_n which_o all_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v receive_v all_o this_o while_n and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n way_n and_o by_o experience_n find_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o sound_a and_o a_o strong_a hold_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o to_o take_v up_o another_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o be_v nor_o be_v ever_o try_v but_o in_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o three_o church_n and_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n wherein_o a_o most_o dangerous_a paroxysm_n of_o a_o great_a rent_n do_v arise_v among_o they_o as_o i_o be_o credible_o inform_v and_o which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o their_o own_o apology_n three_o it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o authorise_v two_o different_a way_n of_o church_n government_n in_o a_o state_n except_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n therein_o which_o may_v agree_v with_o sour_a machivilian_n but_o with_o no_o christian_a policy_n therefore_o if_o the_o toleration_n sue_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v by_o divine_a right_n unto_o those_o that_o sue_v for_o it_o but_o be_v crave_v only_o as_o a_o humane_a favour_n as_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v crave_v it_o will_v be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o state_n to_o yield_v unto_o the_o suit_n except_o it_o be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o avoid_v some_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o a_o seed_n of_o perpetual_a division_n within_o itself_o which_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o most_o opposite_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o less_o cause_n the_o state_n have_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o make_n of_o it_o four_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o state_n may_v retort_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o suitor_n thus_o if_o these_o man_n that_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n and_o if_o those_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v their_o brethren_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a church_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o difference_n be_v very_o small_a and_o such_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n as_o they_o profess_v and_o by_o their_o practice_n show_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o few_o ought_v not_o to_o stand_v by_o themselves_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o they_o shall_v join_v to_o they_o not_o make_v a_o rent_n and_o thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o banishment_n and_o want_n of_o livelihood_n in_o a_o strange_a country_n now_o these_o man_n be_v but_o few_o and_o their_o difference_n as_o they_o say_v themselves_o be_v but_o small_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o separation_n lest_o a_o schism_n arise_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o church_n and_o further_a trouble_n to_o the_o state_n and_o true_o this_o conclusion_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o their_o premise_n with_o more_o strength_n then_o that_o which_o they_o draw_v from_o it_o if_o then_o they_o will_v punish_v themselves_o with_o exile_n because_o they_o can_v have_v their_o will_n they_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o themselves_o for_o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v judge_v they_o persecute_v by_o their_o own_o discontentednes_n nor_o will_v the_o plea_n of_o christian_a liberty_n avail_v here_o for_o the_o liberty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v in_o christ_n do_v not_o give_v occasion_n to_o singularity_n or_o permission_n to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n which_o by_o the_o allowance_n of_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o different_a church_n government_n may_v be_v occasion_v therefore_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n entire_a and_o to_o prevent_v occasion_n which_o may_v be_v take_v to_o abuse_v liberty_n a_o few_o shall_v yield_v unto_o many_o except_o they_o can_v fair_o persuade_v those_o many_o to_o yield_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o both_o side_n in_o matter_n tolerable_a shall_v intend_v mutual_o to_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o their_o way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o but_o to_o keep_v the_o interest_n of_o love_n and_o communion_n entire_a till_o god_n open_v all_o our_o eye_n to_o approve_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o we_o that_o be_v spiritual_a or_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o be_v command_v not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o our_o brethren_n to_o edification_n if_o then_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o more_o than_o other_o spiritual_a towards_o god_n and_o his_o church_n let_v we_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o other_o in_o all_o forbearance_n and_o long_a suffering_n with_o meekness_n bear_v the_o weak_a and_o their_o burden_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o notto_o open_a a_o sluice_n to_o let_v in_o strife_n and_o debate_n chief_o in_o public_a and_o for_o matter_n confess_v to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n and_o if_o to_o all_o man_n chief_o then_o unto_o their_o near_a brother_n for_o such_o we_o be_v command_v especial_o to_o consider_v to_o exhort_v daily_o and_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o as_o at_o all_o time_n this_o duty_n be_v requisite_a so_o now_o chief_o in_o this_o sad_a conjuncture_n of_o public_a affair_n and_o at_o this_o occasion_n of_o public_a deliberation_n whereunto_o the_o state_n have_v call_v they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o settle_a reformation_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o this_o will_v be_v and_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o those_o to_o who_o i_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v my_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n so_o i_o desire_v from_o my_o heart_n their_o perfection_n that_o i_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o in_o the_o great_a liberty_n thereof_o which_o in_o my_o judgement_n can_v stand_v very_o well_o with_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n only_o two_o rock_n must_v be_v avoid_v in_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o matter_n towards_o public_a edification_n the_o one_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n no_o licentious_a and_o self-seeking_a singularity_n take_v place_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o unity_n become_v not_o a_o yoke_n to_o tyranny_n to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n child_n in_o bondage_n under_o humane_a ordinance_n if_o these_o that_o be_v call_v to_o give_v advice_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n unpartial_o can_v as_o good_a pilot_n steer_v their_o course_n in_o
this_o trouble_a and_o grow_v sea_n of_o the_o state_n betwixt_o these_o two_o hide_a rock_n which_o be_v beset_v with_o dangerous_a quicksand_n on_o all_o side_n then_o they_o shall_v by_o god_n grace_n help_v to_o save_v the_o weather-beaten_a ship_n of_o the_o church_n from_o shipwreck_n and_o bring_v she_o to_o a_o safe_a harbour_n in_o the_o quiet_v state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o hope_n that_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o to_o help_v the_o furtherance_n of_o so_o good_a a_o work_n i_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o compose_v difference_n phil._n 3.16_o may_v be_v practise_v in_o this_o case_n among_o those_o that_o be_v profess_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n sai_fw-fr h_o then_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v already_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o be_v like_o mind_a or_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o such_o then_o as_o be_v spiritual_o dispose_v let_v i_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o joint_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o set_v down_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v attain_v and_o wherein_o they_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o when_o this_o be_v know_v let_v rule_n be_v think_v upon_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o let_v these_o be_v receive_v on_o all_o side_n for_o the_o order_n of_o their_o course_n without_o offence_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o of_o the_o engagement_n to_o mutual_a subjection_n and_o yield_n to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n these_o rule_n be_v take_v from_o the_o clear_a precept_n of_o the_o word_n the_o tie_n of_o the_o conscience_n bind_v every_o one_o â—o_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n or_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a each_o towards_o another_o shall_v be_v superad_v thereunto_o the_o thing_n then_o which_o shall_v be_v mind_v unanimous_o by_o all_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a edification_n by_o serve_v each_o other_o through_o love_n this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v tie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o some_o special_a promise_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v profe_o subject_a to_o his_o will_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v over_o to_o he_o in_o christ_n may_v by_o the_o same_o tie_n of_o love_n be_v knit_v each_o to_o other_o as_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n by_o our_o spiritual_a relation_n these_o relation_n than_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o one_o member_n owe_v to_o another_o as_o they_o stand_v joint_o under_o the_o same_o head_n christ_n jesus_n and_o very_o i_o think_v this_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o man_n of_o spiritual_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n to_o do_v free_o among_o themselves_o without_o trouble_v the_o secular_a magistrate_n with_o debate_n of_o the_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n as_o matter_n mere_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o he_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n but_o if_o these_o spiritual_a relation_n can_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_a affection_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n within_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o than_o it_o be_v just_a that_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o spiritual_a right_n and_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o they_o and_o fall_v under_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o a_o secular_a power_n which_o ought_v to_o look_v unto_o its_o own_o safety_n lest_o those_o that_o make_v division_n and_o multiply_v breach_n in_o the_o church_n about_o small_a matter_n disturb_v also_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o state_n and_o then_o the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o charge_n over_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a behaviour_n and_o action_n of_o man_n as_o well_o religious_a so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v public_a as_o civil_a in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v natural_a aught_o to_o become_v a_o zorobabel_n and_o take_v the_o plummet_n of_o just_a authority_n in_o hand_n to_o interpose_v and_o make_v ordinance_n of_o innocence_n and_o harmless_a carriage_n among_o those_o that_o in_o their_o strife_n about_o spiritual_a matter_n forget_v their_o moral_a dutifulnesse_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o civility_n if_o then_o these_o man_n that_o pretend_v a_o freedom_n of_o non-communion_n shall_v gather_v every_o one_o their_o own_o church_n and_o get_v follower_n unto_o themselves_o which_o will_v have_v the_o same_o privilege_n to_o be_v under_o no_o authority_n result_v from_o the_o spiritual_a combination_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o if_o the_o state_n shall_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o tolerate_v such_o non-communionists_a for_o a_o time_n to_o avoid_v great_a public_a evil_n than_o i_o think_v that_o the_o second_o question_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n namely_o what_o latitude_n of_o difference_n from_o other_o shall_v be_v permit_v unto_o these_o in_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o what_o limitation_n of_o behaviour_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o trouble_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v principal_o allow_v in_o the_o state_n for_o if_o a_o christian_a state_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o only_a church_n which_o it_o show_v d_o own_o as_o the_o child_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o nurse_n mother_n and_o if_o the_o own_n of_o many_o church_n alike_o will_v be_v a_o inevitable_a cause_n of_o division_n within_o itself_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o church_n which_o we_o tolerate_v public_o beside_o that_o which_o it_o ow_v shall_v be_v so_o tolerate_v as_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n unto_o that_o whereof_o itself_o be_v profess_o the_o nurse_n mother_n and_o because_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v but_o one_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o state_n shall_v tolerate_v nothing_o that_o may_v darken_v oppose_v or_o eat_v out_o the_o substantial_a truth_n but_o because_o all_o those_o that_o make_v true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v it_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v substantial_a in_o that_o truth_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o profession_n as_o think_v it_o a_o injury_n to_o have_v their_o conscience_n restrain_v from_o serve_v christ_n or_o any_o thing_n force_v upon_o it_o which_o it_o can_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v christ_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_a christian_a in_o this_o case_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n for_o as_o no_o honest_a heart_a christian_n will_v have_v his_o conscience_n at_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n force_v upon_o it_o nor_o will_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v assent_n thereunto_o before_o he_o shall_v know_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o lest_o no_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o undoubted_a ordinance_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v at_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n nor_o shall_v it_o suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v force_v upon_o itself_o which_o it_o be_v not_o sure_o be_v of_o god_n and_o subordinate_a unto_o his_o will_n but_o in_o case_n to_o avoid_v a_o great_a evil_n it_o be_v find_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o admit_v a_o doubtful_a profession_n in_o public_a than_o a_o good_a conscience_n of_o two_o unavoidable_a evil_n mâ—â—_n choose_v the_o least_o as_o we_o see_v david_n do_v 1_o sam._n 21._o and_o 2_o sam._n 3_o 39_o and_o at_o other_o time_n yet_o it_o will_v endure_v that_o evil_a no_o long_o than_o it_o needs_o must_v but_o it_o will_v take_v it_o up_o only_o as_o a_o burden_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o again_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o may_v be_v with_o conveniency_n thus_o than_o if_o the_o non-communion_n way_n be_v find_v unavoidable_a and_o yet_o not_o know_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n it_o may_v be_v admit_v till_o it_o câ—n_v be_v either_o lay_v down_o or_o rectify_v or_o approve_v to_o be_v of_o god_n all_o which_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v declare_v in_o the_o act_n of_o toleration_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o non-communionists_a themselves_o if_o they_o will_v not_o go_v from_o their_o principle_n will_v desire_v a_o toleration_n upon_o other_o term_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o no_o a_o course_n of_o o_o derly_a conference_n shall_v â—e_v settle_v which_o may_v not_o turn_v to_o any_o heat_n or_o breach_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n