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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n separate_v separation_n 2,045 5 10.3917 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33206 The Difference of the case, between the separation of Protestants from the Church of Rome, and the separation of Dissenters from the Church of England Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Williams, John, 1636?-1709. 1683 (1683) Wing C4377; ESTC R12185 45,320 73

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the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o fincham_n gardener_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o happy_a reformation_n of_o this_o church_n they_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n have_v with_o their_o utmost_a art_n insinuate_v that_o our_o reformation_n proceed_v upon_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n to_o this_o end_n they_o have_v lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o advantage_n which_o the_o division_n among_o protestant_n have_v offer_v they_o and_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v hold_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v so_o indiscreet_a to_o say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o allege_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sorry_a that_o man_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o impious_a error_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n shall_v give_v so_o much_o countenance_n to_o that_o grievous_a charge_n upon_o the_o reformation_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v the_o papist_n be_v too_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o for_o give_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o accusation_n but_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o charge_n be_v too_o great_a a_o kindness_n in_o all_o reason_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o insinuate_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o separation_n on_o either_o part_n or_o else_o that_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_a reformation_n we_o be_v still_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o that_o we_o have_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o god_n help_v to_o show_v in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n that_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a and_o that_o we_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n wherewith_o to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o forsake_v our_o communion_n can_v by_o any_o good_a consequence_n from_o those_o reason_n warrant_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n in_o this_o attempt_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v adversary_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o it_o often_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o hazardous_a business_n to_o determine_v between_o two_o extreme_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v great_a danger_n in_o this_o case_n since_o it_o be_v the_o same_o false_a charge_n against_o the_o reformation_n in_o which_o these_o extreme_a party_n agree_v and_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o i_o confute_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n or_o against_o the_o protestant_a separatist_n for_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v against_o one_o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v unjust_a in_o both_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o as_o we_o charge_v those_o of_o the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n with_o schism_n so_o do_v the_o romanist_n charge_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o schism_n too_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n as_o we_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o that_o so_o have_v not_o they_o for_o this_o for_o schism_n be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n and_o we_o think_v we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o disinterest_v and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o we_o have_v show_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v show_v none_o such_o for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o shall_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v either_o with_o the_o romanist_n or_o with_o the_o dissenter_n because_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o we_o and_o by_o we_o against_o the_o separtist_n with_o equal_a confidence_n unless_o he_o see_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v with_o equal_a justice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o when_o some_o protestant_n demand_v a_o far_a reformation_n separate_v from_o our_o church_n this_o pretence_n will_v soon_o after_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n both_o by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n it_o lay_v fair_a for_o they_o both_o and_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v take_v up_o by_o both_o since_o it_o will_v serve_v exceed_o well_o to_o help_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o to_o give_v popular_a colour_n to_o the_o weak_a argument_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o side_n the_o romanist_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o forego_v such_o a_o advantage_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o dissenter_n give_v he_o to_o disgrace_v the_o reformation_n among_o those_o that_o love_a unity_n nor_o be_v the_o separatist_n likely_a to_o omit_v that_o advantage_n which_o our_o reformation_n give_v he_o to_o commend_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o far_a separation_n from_o rome_n to_o those_o that_o abhor_a popery_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v stand_v all_o discreet_a person_n in_o hand_n to_o weigh_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v any_o prejudice_n against_o our_o communion_n in_o favour_n either_o of_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o sectary_n mere_o because_o they_o both_o say_v that_o in_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o papist_n we_o vindicate_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o sectary_n from_o ourselves_o i_o must_v not_o in_o this_o narrow_a compass_n pretend_v to_o enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o several_a question_n controvert_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n on_o both_o side_n but_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a objection_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o our_o communion_n have_v be_v well_o argue_v against_o they_o and_o likewise_o that_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o several_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v make_v her_o communion_n intolerable_a we_o have_v say_v upon_o each_o point_n no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v well_o prove_v against_o that_o church_n and_o which_o upon_o all_o fit_a occasion_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o make_v good_a again_o but_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistence_n in_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o schism_n charge_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o accuse_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n of_o that_o fault_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o the_o romanist_n can_v take_v our_o argument_n against_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o condemn_v our_o reformation_n nor_o the_o separatist_n our_o reason_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romanist_n to_o acquit_v himself_o in_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n this_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o by_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n those_o by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o 2._o by_o compare_v they_o together_o that_o we_o may_v judge_n wherein_o and_o how_o far_o these_o case_n agree_v with_o or_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o this_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n separate_v from_o we_o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n charge_v we_o with_o schism_n we_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o her_o communion_n which_o we_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n more_o particular_o we_o say_v
that_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o she_o may_v not_o lawful_o throw_v off_o and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o owe_v any_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o have_v just_a power_n without_o ask_v his_o leave_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o consent_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o withal_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ought_v to_o have_v reform_v herself_o as_o we_o have_v do_v since_o there_o be_v most_o necessary_a cause_n for_o so_o do_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v defile_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o those_o damnable_a error_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o we_o have_v do_v away_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o challenge_v those_o of_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n their_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o abomination_n whereof_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n when_o we_o reform_v ourselves_o but_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o this_o church_n owe_v no_o subjection_n to_o that_o but_o withal_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o we_o pretend_v they_o to_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o communion_n that_o ensue_v upon_o our_o be_v and_o their_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v be_v on_o our_o side_n just_a and_o necessary_a upon_o that_o account_n also_o and_o therefore_o not_o schismatical_a so_o that_o our_o answer_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o right_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a or_o any_o foreign_a bishop_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o foreigner_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o this_o we_o say_v will_v have_v clear_v she_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v if_o before_o the_o reformation_n there_o have_v be_v no_o unlawful_a condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v have_v be_v find_v in_o they_o have_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o bare_a inconvenience_n and_o imprudence_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discipline_n or_o in_o order_v the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n it_o have_v yet_o be_v free_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o have_v reform_v those_o lesser_a fault_n within_o herself_o though_o no_o other_o church_n will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a and_o though_o for_o such_o defect_n remain_v in_o other_o church_n abroad_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v separate_v from_o their_o communion_n yet_o she_o may_v very_o just_o and_o commendable_o free_v herself_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o if_o a_o foreign_a church_n suppose_v that_o of_o rome_n shall_v hereupon_o have_v abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n till_o we_o have_v return_v to_o the_o former_a inconvenient_a though_o lawful_a rite_n and_o custom_n that_o foreign_a church_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o so_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o her_o liberty_n and_o to_o prostitute_v her_o authority_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n shall_v have_v adhere_v to_o her_o own_o reformation_n she_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o communion_n follow_v that_o her_o resolution_n because_o she_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o her_o just_a power_n to_o do_v and_o in_o which_o she_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v control_v by_o any_o other_o church_n we_o say_v with_o st._n cyprian_n that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o 52._o spread_v abroad_o among_o bishop_n many_o in_o number_n but_o hearty_o agree_v together_o but_o with_o the_o same_o excellent_a man_n we_o say_v too_o that_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o 55._o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o management_n to_o god_n which_o he_o say_v in_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o african_a church_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a this_o we_o think_v be_v just_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n once_o indeed_o under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o at_o length_n rescue_v from_o that_o servitude_n we_o be_v at_o present_a united_n together_o by_o common_a rule_n for_o government_n and_o worship_n consult_v upon_o and_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o convocation_n and_o then_o make_v law_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sovereign_n these_o law_n show_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o do_v not_o want_v any_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n upon_o who_o we_o have_v neither_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o civil_a dependence_n for_o if_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n of_o the_o african_a church_n may_v determine_v cause_n and_o judge_v matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cognisance_n which_o yet_o be_v seldom_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o moment_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o colleague_n when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n and_o this_o without_o allow_v appeal_n to_o rome_n much_o more_o may_v the_o bishop_n of_o a_o who_o christian_a kingdom_n confederate_a together_o to_o order_v church_n matter_n independent_o upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n especial_o be_v require_v thereunto_o by_o their_o christian_a sovereign_a to_o who_o they_o all_o owe_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n save_v their_o common_a christianity_n so_o that_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o weighty_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n thereupon_o ensue_v be_v whole_o guiltless_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v necessary_a unless_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannous_a claim_n of_o a_o foreign_a bishop_n 2._o to_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n lay_v against_o we_o by_o the_o romanist_n we_o answer_v also_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v many_o of_o they_o unlawful_a to_o be_v submit_v unto_o since_o we_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o without_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n nor_o without_o do_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o particular_o forbid_v by_o it_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o adherent_n upon_o those_o term_n but_o because_o catholic_n communion_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v away_o those_o scandal_n from_o among_o themselves_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o do_v though_o the_o separation_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o the_o schism_n be_v not_o we_o but_o they_o only_o and_o therefore_o we_o far_o say_v that_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o god_n forbid_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n again_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o have_v abolish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o that_o case_n we_o have_v that_o reverence_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o determination_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n but_o if_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o determination_n and_o to_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n we_o have_v that_o sense_n also_o of_o the_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o maintain_v church-communion_n that_o if_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v but_o observe_v we_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o comply_v
with_o what_o our_o own_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n at_o home_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o go_v abroad_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n though_o perhaps_o very_o different_a from_o we_o and_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n of_o christian_n every_o be_v but_o neither_o abroad_o nor_o at_o home_o can_v we_o purchase_v unity_n of_o communion_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n for_o it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v but_o one_o communion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o even_o this_o good_a may_v come_v and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o evil_n which_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n authority_n be_v in_o great_a part_n design_v to_o prevent_v for_o as_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n form_v his_o disciple_n into_o a_o spiritual_a society_n so_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o one_o main_a end_n hereof_o be_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n under_o their_o governor_n the_o holy_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o worship_n and_o our_o salvation_n may_v be_v more_o advantageous_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o effectual_o guard_v and_o maintain_v and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v this_o communion_n one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n require_v by_o our_o superior_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o free_a to_o do_v or_o not_o but_o to_o deny_v that_o holy_a truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o break_v any_o of_o those_o divine_a law_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o this_o communion_n itself_o be_v institute_v neither_o of_o these_o thing_n dare_v we_o do_v to_o prevent_v division_n and_o separation_n and_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a that_o transubstantiation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v of_o image_n pray_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v repugnant_a to_o several_a express_a text_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o say_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n we_o be_v i_o say_v as_o sure_o that_o they_o be_v the_o plain_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o withal_o that_o to_o guard_v these_o truth_n god_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n institute_v or_o church_n communion_n require_v and_o true_o if_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v such_o cause_n for_o it_o as_o we_o pretend_v be_v not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n it_o may_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o scandalous_a impiety_n and_o damnable_a error_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n one_o communion_n be_v either_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o excuse_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v break_v and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o much_o as_o his_o salvation_n be_v worth_a to_o break_v away_o from_o it_o and_o we_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_a upon_o this_o account_n we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schismatic_n that_o they_o be_v god_n martyr_n in_o so_o do_v and_o have_v it_o be_v or_o shall_v it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o have_v this_o choice_n so_o hard_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o seal_v this_o cause_n with_o their_o blood_n meek_o suffer_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o that_o just_a authority_n the_o unjust_a command_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o honest_o obey_v this_o plain_a though_o general_n account_n we_o give_v of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o pretend_v no_o more_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n against_o that_o church_n than_o we_o can_v prove_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o safe_a on_o that_o side_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o plea_n the_o dissenter_n defend_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o we_o therefore_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o answer_v also_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_a and_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n to_o divide_v from_o we_o but_o in_o make_v out_o this_o general_a answer_n they_o do_v not_o all_o go_v the_o same_o way_n nor_o do_v some_o of_o they_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o a_o separation_n which_o other_o think_v substantial_a enough_o that_o in_o which_o most_o of_o they_o do_v agree_v be_v in_o assign_v some_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n worship_n other_o of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o and_o these_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o scrupulous_a and_o unsatisfy_a mind_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n though_o this_o be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o minister_n wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o other_o fault_n they_o find_v with_o the_o liturgy_n however_o they_o be_v think_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n to_o be_v a_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o ground_n separation_n upon_o be_v not_o i_o think_v produce_v by_o those_o that_o shall_v best_o understand_v the_o cause_n as_o amount_v to_o make_v our_o communion_n direct_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o prefer_v a_o worse_a mode_n of_o serve_v god_n before_o a_o better_a and_o the_o mode_n which_o themselves_o observe_v be_v better_a they_o be_v to_o prefer_v that_o before_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n other_o go_v yet_o further_o from_o we_o and_o take_v liturgy_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o all_o these_o do_v general_o dislike_v the_o form_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n however_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n upon_o that_o since_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o although_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o because_o the_o civil_a authority_n concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o our_o church_n law_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v those_o law_n to_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v they_o rather_o choose_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suspect_v unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o upon_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o better_a communion_n than_o we_o be_v but_o out_o of_o these_o i_o must_v except_v the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n unite_a one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n under_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n as_o can_v at_o once_o assemble_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o man_n think_v the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o no_o other_o dissenter_n at_o present_a but_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o 1._o that_o a_o national_a church_n authority_n be_v a_o usurpation_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o every_o such_o church_n have_v full_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o be_v not_o of_o right_a accountable_a to_o any_o other_o authority_n for_o the_o order_n it_o shall_v take_v to_o govern_v
we_o be_v now_o teach_v authority_n must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o strange_a fire_n that_o be_v not_o command_v and_o of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n make_v all_o imposition_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o unlawful_a as_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n show_v so_o many_o particular_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o worship_n to_o be_v but_o leave_v these_o attempt_n of_o they_o to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o more_o particular_a controversy_n who_o see_v not_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a management_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o impurity_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o between_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o we_o be_v secure_a against_o all_o just_a accusation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o this_o one_o proposition_n be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o to_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o keep_v they_o but_o the_o dissenter_n can_v avoid_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o charge_n against_o they_o unless_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n to_o prescribe_v such_o in_o divine_a service_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o chrstianity_n now_o if_o what_o we_o say_v in_o these_o thing_n will_v hang_v well_o together_o that_o be_v if_o the_o former_a proposition_n be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o truth_n thereof_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o latter_a from_o be_v false_a then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v we_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_a from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n or_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v no_o just_a ground_n from_o our_o example_n to_o pretend_v the_o same_o in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o i_o think_v the_o difference_n be_v plain_o enough_o confess_v by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o be_v who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o we_o upon_o occasion_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n member_n of_o separate_a church_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v pollute_v with_o sinful_a condition_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o occasional_a communion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o lawful_a than_o constant_a communion_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a sometime_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o not_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o ordinary_o but_o i_o know_v they_o will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v that_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n become_v member_n of_o our_o church_n though_o without_o sin_n they_o can_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v order_v better_a or_o worse_o as_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o prudent_a or_o as_o they_o take_v great_a or_o less_o heed_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o gravity_n decency_n simplicity_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o their_o worship_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o let_v it_o fall_v or_o in_o practice_n to_o prefer_v we_o before_o it_o but_o by_o this_o i_o think_v any_o body_n may_v see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o what_o we_o and_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v a_o wickedness_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o any_o time_n but_o they_o mean_v no_o such_o thing_n against_o we_o since_o without_o scruple_n they_o can_v sometime_o communicate_v with_o we_o only_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o more_o perfect_a communion_n and_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o prefer_v a_o better_a before_o it_o so_o that_o in_o this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n these_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n or_o break_v any_o of_o god_n commandment_n but_o purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o less_o convenient_a or_o prudent_a order_n of_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o urge_v that_o pretence_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o as_o we_o do_v urge_v it_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o consequent_o our_o reason_n of_o separate_n from_o that_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n do_v not_o hold_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v find_v no_o protestant_n of_o our_o church_n easy_a and_o silly_a enough_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o such_o superficial_a colour_n as_o these_o be_v you_o see_v say_v they_o what_o be_v become_v of_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n the_o protestant_n at_o first_o forsake_v the_o catholic_n i._n e._n roman_a church_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o so_o do_v the_o independent_o set_v up_o their_o congregation_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o quaker_n from_o they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o break_v communion_n upon_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v as_o good_a against_o yourselves_o as_o they_o be_v against_o we_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v choose_v whether_o you_o will_v return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o you_o first_o break_v away_o under_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v follow_v your_o principle_n till_o you_o be_v refine_v into_o quaker_n or_o it_o may_v be_v into_o a_o more_o absurd_a and_o mad_a sort_n of_o people_n than_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o be_v it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o see_v man_n of_o common_a understanding_n cozen_v by_o such_o palpable_a fallacy_n as_o these_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o agent_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o they_o can_v since_o a_o foul_a cause_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o such_o artifices_fw-la as_o these_o to_o blanch_v it_o over_o but_o i_o pray_v may_v there_o not_o be_v such_o corruption_n in_o your_o church_n that_o we_o with_o good_a reason_n may_v pretend_v it_o necessary_a to_o forsake_v your_o communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v none_o in_o we_o to_o give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n to_o leave_v we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n be_v it_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o her_o corruption_n because_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mouth_n and_o can_v speak_v may_v say_v if_o he_o please_v that_o he_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o say_v so_o or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o deal_v by_o we_o as_o we_o have_v do_v by_o you_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o great_a purity_n as_o we_o have_v forsake_v you_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o therefore_o we_o also_o must_v needs_o proceed_v upon_o mistake_n in_o so_o do_v what_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v erroneous_o persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o human_a order_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o
his_o soul_n to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n be_v just_o for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o case_n wherein_o a_o mere_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o secure_v a_o man_n act_v according_a to_o it_o from_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o plea_n that_o we_o can_v in_o conscience_n hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v in_o our_o mouth_n be_v a_o very_a good_a plea_n against_o the_o papist_n as_o without_o question_n it_o be_v if_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v as_o to_o the_o point_n controvert_v between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o the_o same_o plea_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v not_o be_v good_a as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o church_n have_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n for_o their_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v at_o least_o hope_n that_o they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o now_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o which_o they_o be_v now_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n bind_v to_o do_v since_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o city_n have_v make_v the_o do_v of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o person_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o bring_v down_o the_o particular_a question_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o use_v this_o opportunity_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n and_o they_o most_o of_o all_o that_o dissuade_v they_o from_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n whereas_o the_o papist_n declaim_v against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o this_o have_v show_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sectary_n to_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n we_o hope_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v will_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o misguide_a conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n on_o the_o other_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o separation_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o just_a and_o necessary_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o so_o to_o be_v that_o they_o will_v acquit_v we_o from_o all_o their_o blame_n who_o separate_a without_o such_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v very_o foolish_a and_o unjust_a not_o to_o allow_v the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a in_o any_o case_n because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o all_o case_n sure_o if_o one_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o rebel_n while_o himself_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v rebellion_n he_o be_v go_v about_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o another_o man_n may_v lawful_o and_o just_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o his_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o government_n and_o though_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v sovereign_a prince_n who_o extend_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o god_n holy_a truth_n and_o all_o the_o while_n believe_v that_o they_o use_v their_o power_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o prince_n who_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o withal_o protect_v and_o encourage_v it_o with_o their_o authority_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v for_o this_o receive_v god_n thanks_o and_o reward_n while_o the_o former_a shall_v go_v without_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n conscience_n may_v be_v pretend_v for_o disobey_v the_o just_a law_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v his_o plea_n from_o be_v good_a who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o refuse_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n though_o all_o the_o power_n under_o heaven_n shall_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v man_n may_v by_o mistake_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o murder_v his_o servant_n for_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o in_o such_o plain_a case_n as_o these_o your_o understanding_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n be_v so_o pervert_v by_o interest_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o believe_v themselves_o countermand_v by_o god_n in_o thing_n require_v by_o their_o superior_n but_o in_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v their_o sin_n but_o a_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o yet_o i_o hope_v this_o answer_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n judge_v you_o be_v once_o true_o and_o pertinent_o make_v and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o now_o i_o know_v that_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v very_o little_a to_o any_o man_n that_o bring_v not_o a_o honest_a mind_n with_o he_o to_o consider_v it_o or_o who_o have_v rather_o take_v his_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n upon_o trust_n than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o judge_n for_o himself_o but_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n disparage_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o use_v that_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o salvation_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o not_o to_o let_v go_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n when_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o truth_n instead_o of_o it_o if_o he_o will_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o duty_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n in_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o in_o weigh_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v betray_v into_o error_n and_o sin_n 7._o by_o such_o a_o credulous_a reliance_n upon_o other_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n and_o be_v incapable_a of_o consideration_n god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o share_n of_o wit_n both_o to_o find_v out_o some_o thing_n by_o himself_o and_o to_o weigh_v those_o which_o he_o hear_v from_o other_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n to_o love_v wisdom_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o make_v fool_n of_o themselves_o who_o without_o discretion_n take_v the_o word_n of_o their_o leader_n for_o all_o that_o they_o say_v and_o follow_v they_o more_o like_a beast_n than_o like_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o word_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v as_o if_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a or_o dangerous_a to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o in_o learn_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o benefit_n of_o mutual_a endeavour_n to_o lead_v one_o another_o into_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o for_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a and_o unmanly_a part_n and_o it_o may_v betray_v we_o into_o very_o dangerous_a error_n not_o to_o use_v our_o own_o judgement_n at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o opinion_n lead_v to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o instead_o thereof_o to_o rely_v altogether_o upon_o their_o authority_n who_o we_o have_v take_v for_o our_o guide_n this_o be_v what_o we_o say_v both_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o popish_a and_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n that_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o with_o ordinary_a diligence_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o case_n they_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o great_a difficulty_n to_o perplex_v they_o in_o the_o way_n especial_o if_o they_o who_o authority_n they_o very_o much_o rely_v upon_o will_v speak_v as_o plain_o and_o clear_o to_o the_o point_n in_o question_n as_o without_o vanity_n i_o may_v say_v we_o have_v hitherto_o do_v we_o do_v not_o desire_v they_o to_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o those_o
with_o which_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o from_o differ_v with_o authority_n for_o the_o future_a about_o thing_n indifferent_a the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o themselves_o be_v so_o very_a 'slight_o that_o one_o will_v hope_v they_o shall_v be_v of_o themselves_o something_a afraid_a to_o venture_v their_o be_v schismatic_n upon_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o just_a cause_n give_v they_o to_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n popery_n which_o they_o dislike_v in_o our_o communion_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n since_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v they_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o popery_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v only_o of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n that_o can_v be_v defend_v but_o of_o some_o also_o that_o may_v and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o kindness_n that_o the_o indiscreet_a zeal_n of_o some_o protestant_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o have_v inveigh_v against_o some_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o justify_v as_o if_o they_o also_o be_v popish_a corruption_n and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o church_n have_v not_o be_v behind_o hand_n in_o make_v use_n of_o this_o advantage_n and_o that_o by_o strain_v their_o utmost_a wit_n to_o represent_v the_o protestant_a religion_n under_o such_o colour_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o episcopacy_n and_o liturgy_n and_o to_o all_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o dissenter_n can_v do_v the_o protestant_a religion_n a_o great_a kindness_n than_o by_o forbear_v to_o give_v they_o this_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a for_o let_v a_o cause_n be_v never_o so_o good_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o thrive_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o instead_o of_o press_v their_o adversary_n with_o what_o they_o can_v never_o maintain_v be_v still_o forward_o to_o deny_v what_o they_o be_v well_o able_a to_o prove_v as_o for_o the_o papist_n among_o we_o their_o mistake_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o foul_a that_o if_o they_o will_v give_v themselves_o a_o little_a time_n to_o consider_v what_o have_v and_o what_o may_v farther_o be_v say_v to_o convince_v they_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o all_o of_o they_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o competent_a understanding_n and_o a_o honest_a sense_n of_o thing_n will_v soon_o feel_v those_o palpable_a error_n into_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o delude_v by_o a_o unreasonable_a deference_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o no_o long_o stand_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o big_a any_o fault_n be_v one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_o spy_v now_o these_o man_n separate_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o we_o have_v abandon_v those_o wicked_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o a_o most_o necessary_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v impose_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o of_o all_o man_n be_v the_o most_o notorious_a schismatic_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o to_o recover_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n all_o such_o as_o have_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v that_o those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v obstinate_a may_v prove_v all_o thing_n 21._o and_o that_o those_o who_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a rom._n 15._o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v we_o to_o be_v like_o mind_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n amen_n finis_fw-la erata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 18._o for_o term_n read_v form_n p._n 15._o l._n 31._o for_o cppear_v r._n appear_v p._n 25._o l._n 27._o r._n l_o cor._n 14._o ad_fw-la antonianum_fw-la ep._n 52._o ad_fw-la cornclium_fw-la ep._n 55._o case_n on_o behalf_n of_o diss_n p._n 5._o p._n 17._o p._n 16._o 17._o p._n 9_o p._n 20._o &_o c._n case_n on_o behalf_n of_o diss_n p._n 2._o p._n 3._o p._n 3._o case_n p._n 29_o 30._o case_n in_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n p._n 2._o p._n 3._o p._n 36._o p._n 3._o preface_n to_o the_o liturgy_n ad_fw-la januarium_fw-la ep._n 119._o ep._n 118._o ad_fw-la casulanum_fw-la ep._n 86._o ep._n 86._o ep._n 119._o lactant._n lib_n 2._o de_fw-fr origine_fw-la erroris_fw-la sect._n 7._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o
from_o she_o because_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a not_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n or_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n therefore_o also_o by_o say_v that_o we_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n we_o mean_v not_o that_o we_o have_v forsake_v but_o some_o corruption_n only_o of_o the_o roman_a worship_n as_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v now_o indeed_o pure_a than_o they_o though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o be_v not_o our_o meaning_n for_o we_o contend_v that_o this_o church_n have_v purge_v away_o all_o those_o practice_n and_o abolish_v all_o those_o rule_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o impurity_n leave_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n so_o that_o any_o man_n who_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v may_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n wherefore_o this_o comparative_a expression_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n respect_v the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v indeed_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o churches-communion_n be_v not_o impure_a but_o withal_o imply_v that_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o true_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o that_o her_o communion_n be_v not_o pure_a enough_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o join_v in_o it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n and_o how_o we_o maintain_v this_o plea_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o therefore_o although_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o plea_n in_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o we_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o that_o we_o do_v nor_o attempt_v to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_v with_o such_o condition_n as_o oblige_v the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v reveal_v this_o plea_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o by_o such_o particular_n as_o these_o be_v by_o they_o weak_o bring_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o by_o our_o example_n in_o separate_v from_o rome_n and_o though_o the_o general_a pretence_n may_v serve_v to_o delude_v injudicious_a people_n who_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o reason_n and_o colour_n yet_o it_o will_v neither_o acquit_v they_o before_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o will_v impartial_o consider_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o that_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o but_o a_o colour_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v impure_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o what_o be_v 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upon_o we_o than_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o when_o we_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o same_o plea_n against_o we_o that_o we_o produce_v against_o that_o for_o with_o we_o impurity_n be_v sin_n and_o a_o impure_a communion_n be_v a_o communion_n in_o which_o we_o can_v communicate_v without_o sin_n i._n e._n without_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v impurity_n with_o they_o must_v go_v for_o something_o else_o that_o be_v either_o for_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o that_o be_v pure_a against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o law_n their_o pretence_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n be_v altogether_o groundless_a unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o we_o without_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o do_v what_o he_o forbid_v therefore_o the_o former_a discourse_n concern_v term_n of_o communion_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o plea_n as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v order_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n or_o to_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o upon_o this_o principle_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v do_v the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o we_o and_o the_o main_a controversy_n we_o have_v with_o they_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a authority_n to_o prescribe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o 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trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n either_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o clear_a argument_n tend_v to_o my_o conviction_n or_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o a_o convince_a conscience_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n but_o to_o deal_v plain_o the_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o uncasiness_n of_o this_o task_n that_o be_v of_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o method_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o we_o use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o it_o will_v make_v a_o indifferent_a man_n suspect_v their_o cause_n to_o see_v what_o shift_v they_o use_v to_o make_v good_a their_o pretence_n they_o demand_v of_o we_o where_o scripture_n command_v or_o what_o need_n there_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o church_n require_v they_o pretend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o by_o man_n to_o be_v determine_v to_o any_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n to_o which_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o determine_v they_o they_o say_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o derogation_n from_o the_o royalty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o these_o pretence_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o intimate_v some_o such_o thing_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n but_o what_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o command_v except_v always_o those_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o action_n the_o choice_n whereof_o must_v yet_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n and_o as_o
to_o require_v nothing_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o run_v into_o a_o separate_a communion_n upon_o these_o principle_n we_o depart_v from_o rome_n and_o stick_v where_o we_o be_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v neither_o go_v back_o to_o rome_n nor_o run_v after_o the_o separation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o the_o former_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o of_o the_o late_a to_o avoid_v tyranny_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o main_a reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n without_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v plain_o forbid_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n be_v at_o first_o effect_v by_o and_o 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authority_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o determine_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n or_o what_o particular_a communion_n that_o be_v from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_a even_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o communion_n where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v mend_v in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o a_o word_n they_o that_o separate_a upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o stop_v there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o practice_n who_o separate_a without_o such_o cause_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v from_o our_o church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v proceed_v far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o themselves_o 2._o the_o principle_n of_o our_o 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authority_n and_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o church_n have_v express_o declare_v in_o these_o our_o do_n we_o condemn_v not_o other_o nation_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o our_o own_o people_n only_o for_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o every_o country_n shall_v use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v best_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n honour_n and_o glory_n liturgy_n and_o to_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o godly_a live_n without_o error_n or_o superstition_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v put_v away_o other_o thing_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o perceive_v to_o be_v most_o abuse_v as_o in_o man_n ordinance_n it_o often_o chance_v diverse_o in_o divers_a country_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o excellent_a and_o true_o catholic_n declaration_n i_o will_v not_o only_o communicate_v with_o foreign_a church_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o from_o and_o ceremony_n but_o if_o i_o be_v among_o they_o i_o shall_v observe_v their_o establish_v mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o though_o i_o think_v our_o own_o way_n at_o home_n worthy_a upon_o all_o the_o account_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n but_o religious_o abstain_v from_o create_v any_o prejudice_n against_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o those_o place_n and_o rather_o do_v all_o that_o honest_o i_o can_v to_o bring_v those_o to_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o it_o this_o be_v that_o rule_n which_o st._n austin_n think_v shall_v take_v place_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o synod_n of_o bishop_n but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o those_o custom_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o particular_a church_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o tell_v why_o or_o how_o they_o come_v in_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v he_o there_o be_v one_o most_o wholesome_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v januarium_fw-la that_o wherever_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o obtain_v which_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o faith_n nor_o good_a manner_n 119._o and_o have_v some_o tendency_n to_o edification_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o commend_v and_o practise_v they_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o he_o complain_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o ceremonious_a observation_n in_o which_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o and_o wish_n that_o a_o reformation_n be_v make_v by_o authority_n thus_o in_o the_o forego_n epistle_n speak_v of_o the_o different_a observation_n of_o divers_a place_n for_o instance_n that_o some_o fast_n upon_o the_o saturday_n and_o some_o do_v not_o 118._o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a nothing_o say_v he_o do_v more_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o prudence_n of_o a_o christian_a then_o to_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o church_n into_o which_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o come_v then_o he_o relate_v st._n ambrose_n his_o celebrate_a answer_n to_o monica_n about_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n i_o fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n when_o i_o be_o here_o at_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o fast_a and_o so_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o any_o church_n observe_v its_o custom_n if_o thou_o will_v neither_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n nor_o take_v offence_n without_o cause_n this_o advice_n st._n austin_n magnify_v high_o and_o the_o more_o he_o think_v of_o it_o the_o better_a he_o like_v it_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v often_o with_o great_a sorrow_n consider_v how_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n have_v be_v disturb_v by_o the_o
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