to_o acquit_v they_o from_o any_o concernment_n in_o what_o be_v do_v against_o they_o so_o nothing_o can_v be_v invent_v that_o tend_v more_o direct_o to_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n for_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o church-censure_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o approve_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n see_v their_o displeasure_n be_v no_o way_n declare_v against_o they_o so_o they_o be_v not_o dissenter_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_n that_o they_o be_v safe_a here_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o eternity_n let_v they_o look_v to_o themselves_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v this_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o future_a judgement_n be_v this_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o declaration_n of_o what_o he_o own_v and_o what_o alone_o he_o disavow_v god_n forbid_v that_o such_o thought_n shall_v have_v any_o countenance_n give_v unto_o they_o ecclesiastical_a law_n have_v be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o cobweb_n that_o catch_v the_o small_a fly_n whilst_o the_o great_a break_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o among_o those_o lesser_a to_o spare_v those_o that_o be_v noxious_a or_o poisonous_a and_o to_o cast_v the_o net_n over_o the_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a be_v that_o which_o the_o spider_n give_v no_o pattern_n of_o nor_o can_v imitate_v i_o shall_v not_o mention_v the_o avow_a end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o present_a excommunication_n only_o i_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o many_o good_a man_n tremble_v to_o consider_v the_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o thing_n sacred_a which_o they_o manifest_a to_o be_v in_o they_o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o evidence_n the_o nullity_n of_o these_o proceed_n which_o may_v be_v plead_v if_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o have_v already_o be_v speak_v be_v abundant_o suffitcien_fw-fr to_o satisfy_v my_o engagement_n unto_o you_o namely_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o present_a excommunication_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v be_v do_v just_a nothing_o or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o as_o not_o concern_v the_o present_a case_n for_o these_o of_o who_o we_o treat_v pretend_v no_o power_n in_o foro_n interiore_fw-la or_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n or_o unto_o nothing_o that_o shall_v immediate_o affect_v it_o their_o authority_n be_v only_o in_o foro_n exteriore_fw-la in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v at_o doctor_n commons_o wherefore_o by_o their_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n they_o oblige_v man_n only_o unto_o their_o outward_a concernment_n as_o unto_o what_o concern_v conscience_n they_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v so_o plead_v but_o before_o they_o quit_v their_o hand_n well_o of_o this_o business_n they_o will_v understand_v that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o especial_a way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o pretend_v what_o it_o will_v be_v nothing_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o dispenser_n therefore_o of_o the_o word_n it_o do_v alone_o belong_v and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n they_o seem_v herein_o to_o say_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v carnal_a and_o mighty_a through_o the_o aid_n of_o some_o body_n to_o cast_v man_n into_o prison_n or_o to_o bring_v their_o person_n into_o captivity_n and_o indeed_o this_o outward_a court_n of_o they_o be_v part_n of_o that_o court_n without_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v measure_v in_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o distinction_n itself_o be_v silly_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v intend_v by_o this_o outward_a court_n but_o only_o the_o outward_a declaration_n of_o what_o be_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o the_o inward_a or_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n but_o let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o name_n nor_o place_n nor_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n who_o attend_v not_o at_o all_o in_o what_o they_o do_v unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v nor_o do_v pretend_v any_o authority_n from_o christ_n in_o and_o for_o what_o they_o do_v be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v heed_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o only_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o external_a compulsion_n which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o with_o quietness_n and_o patience_n i_o find_v i_o confess_v by_o the_o book_n with_o i_o send_v we_o weekly_o into_o the_o country_n that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n some_o of_o the_o reverend_a clergy_n do_v manifest_a great_a compassion_n towards_o the_o dissenter_n in_o write_v and_o publish_v many_o discourse_n contain_v persuasive_n unto_o and_o argument_n for_o conformity_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v free_v from_o their_o troublesome_a circumstance_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o commend_v their_o prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o season_n for_o this_o work_n as_o much_o their_o charity_n in_o the_o work_n itself_o for_o the_o conformity_n they_o press_v need_v no_o other_o recommendation_n at_o this_o time_n nor_o need_v they_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n for_o it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v better_a than_o be_v hang_v or_o keep_v in_o perpetual_a durance_n or_o stifle_v in_o prison_n or_o beggar_a they_o and_o their_o family_n or_o be_v starve_v in_o exile_n and_o it_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v that_o argument_n which_o march_v with_o halberd_n bill_n staff_n sergeant_n bailiff_n writ_n warrant_n and_o capiasses_n be_v very_o forcible_a and_o prevalent_a but_o i_o have_v do_v and_o shall_v leave_v it_o unto_o other_o to_o declare_v what_o mischief_n do_v ensue_v on_o these_o proceed_n on_o civil_a account_n and_o what_o a_o inroad_n be_v make_v by_o they_o on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o a_o new_a tenure_n be_v erect_v by_o they_o whereon_o all_o man_n must_v hold_v their_o birthright_n privilege_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n whereon_o they_o all_o do_v grow_v namely_o their_o personal_a liberty_n they_o hold_v they_o no_o long_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n nor_o can_v pretend_v unto_o security_n whilst_o they_o forfeit_v they_o not_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v all_o put_v into_o the_o power_n of_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n commissary_n and_o official_o they_o may_v deprive_v they_o of_o they_o all_o at_o their_o pleasure_n against_o the_o protection_n of_o that_o law_n under_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o which_o have_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o subject_n liberty_n privilege_n and_o possession_n these_o thing_n tend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o disturbance_n but_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o trust_n among_o man_n and_o of_o all_o good_a government_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v all_o that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v so_o by_o their_o own_o law_n on_o the_o other_o and_o then_o procure_v capiass_n for_o they_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o king_n may_v want_v subject_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n unless_o he_o shall_v do_v as_o they_o do_v of_o old_a at_o rome_n in_o great_a distress_n open_v the_o goal_n and_o arm_v the_o prisoner_n or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o lesser_a part_n will_v at_o length_n find_v it_o troublesome_a to_o keep_v the_o great_a in_o prison_n but_o these_o thing_n concern_v not_o you_o nor_o i_o i_o beg_v your_o excuse_n as_o not_o know_v whether_o you_o will_v judge_v this_o hasty_a write_n too_o little_a for_o the_o cause_n or_o too_o much_o for_o a_o letter_n as_o it_o be_v accept_v it_o from_o finis_fw-la
with_o laughter_n indignation_n and_o confusion_n and_o if_o dissenter_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v it_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o penal_a statute_n which_o as_o now_o prosecute_v and_o interpret_v be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o rather_o than_o that_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n shall_v mere_o for_o that_o end_n be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n the_o last_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o with_o at_o present_a be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o present_a excommunication_n be_v bluster_v with_o the_o pretend_a cause_n of_o they_o these_o be_v they_o who_o they_o call_v dissenter_n concern_v who_o we_o may_v inquire_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o pretend_a ecclesiastical_a severity_n towards_o they_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o enqury_n they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v and_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o do_v so_o as_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o contrary_n charge_v on_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o determine_v by_o the_o ancient_a council_n to_o belong_v unto_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o disbelieve_v nor_o do_v they_o own_o any_o doctrine_n condemn_v by_o they_o they_o profess_v a_o equal_a interest_n of_o consent_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o protestant_a confession_n with_o any_o other_o protestant_n whatever_n they_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o nothing_o recede_v from_o it_o nor_o have_v they_o any_o novel_a or_o uncatholick_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v therefore_o utter_o impossible_a to_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith_n or_o to_o cast_v they_o from_o that_o rock_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v thereby_o they_o do_v also_o attend_v unto_o divine_a worship_n in_o their_o own_o assembly_n and_o herein_o they_o do_v practice_v all_o that_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o else_o for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o worship_n so_o as_o to_o omit_v nothing_o prescribe_v therein_o to_o that_o purpose_n nor_o to_o observe_v any_o thing_n prohibit_v thereby_o but_o their_o worship_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n nothing_o do_v they_o omit_v that_o be_v ever_o use_v by_o it_o nothing_o do_v they_o observe_v that_o be_v ever_o condemn_v by_o it_o and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o measure_n of_o catholic_n union_n in_o worship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o expect_v it_o in_o any_o other_o observance_n be_v vain_a and_o foolish_a offer_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o expound_v of_o it_o sing_v of_o psalm_n to_o god_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o religious_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n unto_o these_o end_n all_o according_a as_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v prescribe_v and_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v all_o difference_n about_o this_o worship_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o inhuman_a contention_n arise_v from_o man_n arbitrary_a addition_n of_o form_n rite_n modes_n ceremony_n language_n cringing_n adoration_n which_o they_o will_v have_v observe_v in_o it_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a and_o primitive_a antiquity_n utter_o ignorant_a and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v one_o day_n understand_v that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o catholic_n worship_n according_a as_o god_n enable_v any_o thereunto_o leave_v other_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v such_o help_n unto_o their_o devotion_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a be_v the_o only_a communion_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v or_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v attain_v about_o the_o imposition_n of_o other_o thing_n there_o ever_o be_v since_o they_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v endless_a contention_n wherefore_o these_o dissenter_n practise_v nothing_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v approve_v by_o all_o christian_n particular_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n omit_v nothing_o that_o either_o the_o scripture_n or_o catholic_n tradition_n direct_v unto_o they_o be_v notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a excommunication_n secure_a of_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o evangelical_n worship_n moreover_o they_o plead_v that_o their_o conversation_n be_v unblamable_a that_o they_o be_v peaceable_a in_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o useful_a among_o their_o neighbour_n if_o they_o do_v evil_a in_o these_o thing_n let_v they_o that_o prosecute_v they_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o evil_a but_o if_o they_o do_v well_o why_o be_v they_o smite_v if_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o immorality_n with_o any_o disobedience_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v thus_o prosecute_v be_v high_o concern_v if_o not_o in_o conscience_n yet_o in_o honour_n and_o interest_n to_o manage_v the_o charge_n against_o they_o that_o some_o countenance_n may_v be_v give_v unto_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v as_o penal_a for_o a_o righteous_a man_n but_o for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o for_o sinner_n for_o unholy_a and_o profane_a and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o the_o law_n about_o these_o excommunication_n they_o neither_o belong_v to_o nor_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v indeed_o great_a clamour_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v schismatic_n and_o separatist_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v dissenter_n but_o in_o this_o case_n the_o whole_a force_n of_o any_o inference_n from_o hence_o be_v build_v on_o this_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o those_o who_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o unblamable_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o a_o interest_n in_o and_o participation_n of_o these_o odinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o institution_n who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o and_o observe_v such_o right_n and_o practice_n in_o that_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o so_o but_o confess_o of_o humane_a invention_n but_o no_o colour_n of_o proof_n can_v be_v give_v hereunto_o for_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o express_a scripture-rule_n to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o unheard_a of_o in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o brand_a usurpation_n of_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n a_o assertion_n of_o it_o be_v to_o prostitute_v the_o wisdom_n authority_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o disciple_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n oftentimes_o prepossessed_n with_o darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o other_o lust_n as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o manifest_v if_o there_o be_v occasion_n let_v any_o colour_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o supposition_n from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n and_o the_o whole_a cause_n shall_v be_v give_v up_o yet_o thus_o be_v it_o and_o no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a excommunication_n person_n of_o all_o sort_n every_o way_n find_v in_o the_o faith_n unreprovable_a in_o the_o catholic_n worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n profess_v love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n without_o blame_n be_v exclude_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o who_o manage_v these_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o enjoin_v without_o pretence_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o reason_n but_o only_o their_o not_o observance_n in_o that_o worship_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v he_o that_o can_v believe_v this_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n neither_o know_v he_o nor_o his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o secure_a from_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o wherein_o such_o a_o open_a defiance_n be_v bid_v unto_o evangelical_n precept_n and_o rule_n with_o apostolical_a example_n and_o further_o to_o manifest_v the_o iniquity_n of_o these_o proceed_n whilst_o these_o dissenter_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n ignorant_a profane_a hater_n of_o godliness_n and_o open_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n be_v allow_v in_o the_o full_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o disciplinary_a admonition_n or_o control_n but_o as_o this_o serve_v
a_o letter_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a excommunication_n london_n print_v for_o benjamin_n alsop_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o bible_n in_o the_o poultry_n over-against_o the_o church_n 1683._o errata_fw-la page_n 5._o line_n 17._o read_v these_o excommunication_n p._n 10._o l._n last_o r._n this_o work_n p._n 11._o l._n 17._o for_o by_o they_o r._n to_o they_o p._n 13._o l._n 1._o for_o by_o r._n in_o p._n 20._o l._n 6._o r._n demand_n l._n 16._o for_o this_o r._n the._n p._n 27._o l._n 5._o for_o these_o ordinance_n r._n these_o excommunication_n from_o those_o ordinance_n p._n 32._o l._n 11._o r._n as_o much_o as_o a_o letter_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a excommunication_n sir_n you_o judge_v aright_o that_o at_o my_o last_o be_v in_o london_n i_o do_v consider_v the_o unusual_a hurry_n of_o excommunication_n against_o those_o call_v dissenter_n and_o because_o of_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o proceed_n therein_o i_o do_v moreover_o endeavour_v my_o own_o satisfaction_n as_o unto_o the_o design_n cause_n and_o end_n of_o they_o and_o i_o find_v it_o a_o thing_n easy_o attainable_a without_o difficulty_n or_o curiosity_n of_o enquiry_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o cover_n of_o religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n appertain_v thereunto_o save_v only_o a_o name_n or_o title_n cast_v upon_o they_o they_o open_o discover_v themselves_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o belong_v unto_o and_o among_o many_o other_o indecency_n wherewith_o they_o be_v accompany_v one_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o notable_a and_o this_o be_v the_o collection_n of_o whole_a drove_n together_o by_o summons_n and_o citation_n then_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o such_o a_o clamorous_a manner_n as_o make_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o public_a market_n or_o fair_a for_o chaffer_v about_o soul_n but_o that_o i_o find_v which_o do_v principal_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o event_n which_o these_o proceed_n do_v tend_v unto_o and_o will_v produce_v and_o they_o general_o conclude_v that_o they_o will_v be_v high_o prejudicial_a if_o not_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o trust_n and_o trade_n among_o the_o peaceable_a subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o they_o say_v that_o if_o the_o commissary_n will_v do_v as_o in_o the_o old_a roman_a proscription_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sylla_n and_o of_o the_o triumvirate_n afterward_o and_o set_v up_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o in_o public_a table_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o those_o concern_v may_v shift_v for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o occasion_n but_o whilst_o they_o retain_v a_o unmeasurable_a reserve_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o unto_o person_n to_o be_v ruin_v by_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o know_v not_o who_o name_n their_o own_o or_o of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o be_v concern_v they_o shall_v see_v the_o next_o day_n affix_v on_o the_o church_n door_n in_o order_n unto_o excommunication_n it_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o repose_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o public_a justice_n and_o break_v all_o their_o measure_n about_o the_o disposal_n of_o their_o affair_n how_o far_o this_o be_v already_o come_v to_o pass_v you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n know_v better_o than_o i_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o the_o very_a rumour_n of_o it_o give_v a_o general_a discomposure_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n hear_v no_o other_o discourse_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v with_o your_o letter_n wherein_o you_o require_v my_o thought_n what_o influence_n these_o excommunication_n may_v have_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o excommunicate_v for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o will_v have_v any_o question_n be_v make_v about_o it_o but_o since_o you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v the_o enquiry_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o respect_n unto_o you_o though_o as_o unto_o any_o other_o end_n i_o judge_v it_o needless_a give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o my_o judgement_n concern_v these_o proceed_n which_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o with_o that_o of_o all_o sober_a person_n with_o who_o i_o ever_o converse_v excommunication_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n of_o christ_n wherein_o and_o in_o who_o due_a and_o just_a administration_n the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v and_o this_o as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a representation_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ_n himself_o he_o do_v appoint_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v providential_a dispensation_n be_v various_a and_o no_o certain_a judgement_n can_v be_v make_v on_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o final_a and_o eternal_a determination_n of_o thing_n and_o cause_n no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o the_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o be_v before_o he_o but_o this_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o just_a representation_n of_o his_o future_a judgement_n with_o a_o recognition_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o will_v proceed_v upon_o therefore_o it_o be_v divine_o instructive_a in_o what_o he_o himself_o will_v do_v in_o the_o great_a day_n it_o be_v futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la but_o he_o will_v scarce_o be_v think_v well_o advise_v who_o shall_v send_v man_n to_o doctors-common_n to_o learn_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o christ_n judgement_n of_o his_o church_n with_o the_o cause_n which_o he_o will_v proceed_v upon_o he_o give_v himself_o another_o account_n of_o it_o mat._n 25.32_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n of_o what_o he_o there_o declare_v there_o be_v neither_o name_n nor_o thing_n find_v among_o the_o man_n of_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o treat_v about_o the_o mention_v of_o they_o will_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sedition_n against_o their_o authority_n or_o else_o make_v they_o ashamed_a as_o a_o thief_n when_o he_o be_v find_v but_o for_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o undertake_v the_o administration_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o other_o not_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o and_o his_o gospel_n wherefore_o no_o person_n whatever_o wise_a or_o unwise_a good_a or_o bad_a can_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o excommunication_n in_o conscience_n or_o on_o a_o religious_a account_n i_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o they_o who_o be_v force_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o but_o of_o they_o also_o by_o who_o they_o be_v administer_v and_o denounce_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o forsake_v of_o all_o understanding_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proceed_n therein_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n any_o otherwise_o but_o as_o a_o debasement_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v any_o man_n ever_o the_o less_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o these_o excommunication_n though_o he_o may_v by_o force_n be_v debar_v from_o some_o advantage_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o neither_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n to_o be_v value_v from_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v real_o and_o effectual_o expel_v by_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o excommunication_n be_v not_o only_o null_a as_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o its_o sentence_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o maladministration_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o sense_n that_o which_o it_o be_v call_v and_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v idol_n be_v call_v god_n but_o we_o know_v they_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o be_v this_o proceed_v call_v excommunication_n but_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v paint_v a_o rat_n or_o a_o hedgehog_n and_o write_v over_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o lion_n no_o man_n will_v believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v because_o of_o its_o magnificent_a title_n all_o that_o it_o can_v pretend_v unto_o be_v a_o political_a engine_n use_v to_o apply_v the_o displeasure_n of_o some_o upon_o a_o accidental_a advantage_n unto_o they_o who_o ruin_n they_o design_v and_o therein_o a_o satisfaction_n unto_o revenge_n for_o discountenance_v their_o suppose_a interest_n that_o there_o be_v any_o act_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n any_o representation_n of_o his_o love_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o his_o church_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v instructive_a in_o his_o mind_n or_o will_n any_o praeludium_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n no_o man_n i_o suppose_v do_v pretend_v nor_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v do_v so_o without_o reflect_v
the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a on_o christ_n himself_o and_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v these_o thing_n yet_o more_o evident_a and_o to_o show_v how_o remote_a the_o present_a excommunication_n be_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o i_o shall_v brief_o pass_v through_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o principal_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o whereunto_o all_o their_o efficacy_n be_v resolve_v and_o that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o be_v the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v administer_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o scene_n in_o this_o tragedy_n and_o such_o different_a actor_n in_o it_o from_o apparitor_n with_o who_o it_o begin_v unto_o the_o jailor_n with_o who_o it_o end_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o easy_a who_o to_o ascribe_v the_o animate_v power_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v in_o it_o unto_z but_o yet_o on_o a_o little_a consideration_n the_o matter_n be_v plain_a enough_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n wherein_o the_o excommunicate_v person_n be_v suppose_v to_o dwell_v by_o who_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v rehearse_v out_o of_o a_o paper_n from_o the_o court_n have_v no_o coneernment_n herein_o for_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o nor_o of_o the_o process_n therein_o nor_o do_v pretend_v unto_o any_o right_n for_o the_o cognizance_n of_o they_o nor_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n know_v the_o person_n at_o all_o on_o who_o qualification_n alone_o the_o validity_n or_o invalidity_n of_o the_o sentence_n do_v depend_v nor_o can_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n or_o man_n of_o what_o be_v do_v as_o to_o right_a and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o these_o who_o be_v learned_a and_o pious_a among_o they_o do_v hardly_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o be_v make_v such_o property_n those_o act_n and_o duty_n which_o appertain_v unto_o their_o ministerial_a function_n but_o it_o be_v know_v who_o they_o be_v who_o begin_v the_o work_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o process_n of_o it_o unto_o its_o final_a execution_n and_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o concern_v they_o but_o this_o alone_a that_o how_o meet_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o transaction_n of_o civil_a affair_n or_o for_o the_o skilful_a manage_n of_o that_o work_n herein_o which_o they_o suppose_v commit_v unto_o they_o yet_o as_o unto_o any_o thing_n wherein_o conscience_n may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o it_o if_o any_o man_n can_v but_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n by_o any_o act_n grant_v law_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o by_o any_o signification_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o will_n have_v commit_v or_o do_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o expel_v out_o of_o and_o admit_v into_o his_o church_n unto_o these_o or_o such_o person_n he_o have_v assure_o confidence_n enough_o to_o pretend_v unto_o a_o persuasion_n of_o whatever_o he_o please_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o themselves_o nor_o among_o themselves_o pretend_v unto_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o a_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o own_o law_n or_o canon_n they_o do_v not_o judge_n that_o any_o personal_a moral_a or_o spiritual_a qualification_n be_v require_v unto_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n which_o yet_o to_o deny_v be_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n without_o which_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o all_o church_n duty_n who_o be_v no_o better_a than_o that_o archdeacon_n of_o oxford_n who_o be_v charge_v with_o immorality_n in_o his_o conversation_n justify_v himself_o by_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n affirm_v that_o he_o believe_v three_o god_n in_o one_o person_n and_o beside_o he_o believe_v all_o that_o god_n himself_o do_v believe_v let_v a_o man_n out_o of_o interest_n or_o fear_v or_o ignorant_a superstition_n strive_v never_o so_o much_o to_o affect_v his_o conscience_n with_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o man_n he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o be_v the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o intend_a what_o they_o please_v the_o question_n be_v how_o they_o come_v by_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n herein_o which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o they_o be_v chancellor_n archdeacon_n commissary_n official_o with_o their_o court_n attendant_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v i_o confess_v these_o horrid_a name_n with_o the_o report_n concern_v they_o and_o their_o power_n be_v enough_o to_o terrify_v poor_a harmless_a man_n and_o make_v they_o fear_v some_o evil_n from_o they_o but_o excommunication_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n know_v on_o what_o ground_n to_o fear_n from_o these_o name_n title_n and_o office_n for_o that_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v admininistre_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n thereof_o but_o these_o name_n and_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o unto_o the_o work_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n what_o therefore_o be_v do_v by_o they_o of_o this_o kind_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v utter_o null_a see_v that_o as_o such_o they_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o church_n themselves_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n but_o however_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n unto_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o nor_o countenance_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o any_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o what_o they_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v pretend_a act_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n a_o authority_n for_o they_o must_v be_v plead_v by_o they_o but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v just_o demand_v of_o they_o what_o it_o be_v of_o what_o nature_n and_o kind_n how_o it_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o or_o derive_v by_o they_o from_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o they_o be_v principal_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o which_o themselves_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v oblige_v to_o declare_v and_o evince_v unless_o man_n be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n that_o those_o who_o act_n against_o they_o have_v just_a authority_n so_o to_o do_v or_o in_o what_o they_o do_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n in_o what_o be_v do_v against_o they_o or_o be_v any_o way_n oblige_v thereby_o here_o therefore_o they_o abide_v until_o they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o just_a and_o necessary_a demand_n but_o here_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o confusion_n they_o can_v declare_v neither_o what_o authority_n be_v require_v unto_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o how_o they_o come_v to_o possess_v that_o which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o if_o it_o be_v from_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o operate_v on_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n their_o liberty_n and_o estate_n if_o it_o be_v mere_o of_o man_n whence_o do_v they_o give_v the_o name_n and_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v if_o any_o shall_v follow_v the_o clew_n in_o this_o labyrinth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o abyss_n of_o papal_a omnipotency_n as_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o court_n of_o external_n jurisdiction_n and_o form_n of_o law_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o suppose_v but_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o king_n but_o why_o do_v they_o not_o then_o act_v that_o power_n in_o the_o king_n name_n for_o what_o be_v not_o do_v by_o his_o name_n be_v not_o do_v by_o his_o authority_n minister_n do_v not_o preach_v nor_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n for_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o he_o nor_o do_v parent_n govern_v their_o child_n or_o family_n in_o his_o name_n but_o their_o own_o because_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v their_o own_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n but_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n which_o external_o affect_v the_o civil_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o man_n must_v be_v in_o the_o king_n name_n or_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v shake_v but_o i_o make_v it_o not_o my_o concernment_n what_o name_n or_o style_v they_o use_v in_o their_o court_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v for_o their_o own_o security_n that_o they_o have_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o king_n it_o must_v be_v therewithal_o grant_v of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v namely_o civil_a and_o not_o spiritual_a but_o why_o then_o do_v what_o they_o do_v