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cause_n great_a know_v lord_n 3,918 5 3.5901 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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schismatic_a a_o divider_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o howbeit_o of_o conformity_n unto_o such_o institution_n and_o order_n of_o man_n of_o uniformity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o external_a rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n speak_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n intimate_v in_o all_o the_o command_v for_o unity_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o in_o the_o direction_n that_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o it_o yet_o such_o a_o uniformity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n and_o order_n mean_v suit_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o destructive_a of_o that_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o place_n it_o possess_v have_v not_o be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a consideration_n how_o man_n endeavour_v to_o deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o manifold_a equivocation_n in_o their_o arguing_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o first_o they_o lay_v down_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n with_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o breach_n division_n and_o schism_n which_o they_o prove_v from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o other_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o with_o a_o easy_a deduction_n they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o observe_v keep_v further_o and_o promote_v this_o unity_n and_o to_o prevent_v oppose_v resist_v and_o avoid_v all_o division_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o place_n and_o capacity_n now_o see_v it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o unto_o he_o of_o god_n it_o be_v commit_v to_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o law_n and_o penalty_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o punish_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o oppose_v despise_v or_o any_o way_n break_v or_o disturb_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o ratiocination_n will_v seem_v reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o double_o defective_a for_o first_o the_o unity_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n who_o necessity_n be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-testimony_n be_v utter_o lose_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o outward_a uniformity_n mention_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o hereby_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v they_o deceive_v to_o believe_v that_o external_a force_n and_o penalty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o for_o the_o attain_n or_o preserve_v of_o gospel-vnity_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a indeed_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suit_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v intend_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o promotion_n of_o gospel-vnion_n among_o believer_n be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n let_v such_o person_n keep_v themselves_o and_o their_o argument_n unto_o that_o union_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o mean_v fit_v and_o appoint_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v our_o compliance_n with_o any_o conclusion_n that_o will_v thence_o ensue_v herein_o therefore_o lie_v the_o fundamental_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n which_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n leave_v believer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o their_o duty_n in_o seek_v after_o evangelical_n unity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_v institute_v and_o bless_v unto_o that_o end_n impose_v nothing_o on_o their_o conscience_n or_o practice_n under_o that_o name_n which_o indeed_o belong_v not_o thereunto_o and_o although_o upon_o the_o 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complete_a reconciliation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v christian_n due_o instruct_v how_o many_o lesser_a difference_n in_o mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v real_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o the_o unity_n that_o christ_n require_v among_o they_o it_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o to_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o love_n as_o not_o to_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o be_v disturber_n or_o breaker_n of_o it_o for_o suppose_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v invincible_o prepossess_v with_o the_o principle_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o yet_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n can_v but_o rejoice_v to_o be_v direct_v unto_o such_o a_o mannagery_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o to_o speak_v plain_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o different_a opinion_n or_o a_o difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o a_o different_a practice_n in_o sacred_a administration_n but_o pride_n self-interest_n love_n of_o honour_n reputation_n and_o dominion_n with_o the_o influence_n of_o civil_a or_o political_a intrigue_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o defect_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o for_o set_v they_o aside_o and_o the_o real_a difference_n which_o will_v remain_v may_v be_v so_o manage_v in_o love_n gentleness_n and_o meekness_n as_o not_o to_o interfere_v with_o that_o unity_n which_o christ_n require_v they_o to_o preserve_v nothing_o will_v from_o thence_o follow_v which_o shall_v impeach_v their_o common_a interest_n in_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o spirit_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o ability_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v cast_v away_o this_o evangelical_n union_n among_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o shall_v break_v up_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v unto_o it_o and_o set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n a_o compliance_n with_o or_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o command_v and_o appointment_n of_o man_n make_v their_o observation_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a concord_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o innumerable_a and_o endless_a division_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o union_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v none_o in_o this_o world_n for_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v contention_n and_o division_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o on_o the_o one_o side_n who_o will_v endeavour_v its_o imposition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o who_o desire_v to_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n entire_a unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n and_o appointment_n there_o be_v none_o who_o can_v be_v such_o a_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o division_n and_o contention_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o near_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o which_o at_o this_o day_n make_v our_o breach_n wide_a like_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o can_v be_v heal_v let_v therefore_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n be_v instrumental_a to_o restore_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o church_n and_o disciple_n and_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o unity_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v
a_o discourse_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church-peace_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n about_o thing_n sacred_a and_o religious_a write_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la nomen_fw-la est_fw-la pacis_fw-la et_fw-la pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la unitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la hilar._n london_n print_v 1672._o a_o discourse_n concern_v christian_n love_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n complaint_n of_o want_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n how_o to_o be_v manage_v and_o whence_o fruitless_a charge_v of_o gild_n on_o some_o why_o now_o remove_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n personal_a miscarriage_n of_o any_o not_o excuse_v those_o who_o manage_n the_o charge_n mention_v not_o agree_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v exercise_n more_o or_o less_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o consequent_n they_o be_v look_v on_o to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n some_o herein_o regard_v principal_o that_o disadvantageous_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v into_o man_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n other_o that_o aspect_n which_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o world_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n such_o division_n have_v cause_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n 15._o especial_o because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n either_o of_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o tendency_n but_o general_o by_o all_o they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o evil_a by_o some_o for_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o by_o other_o from_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o bring_v as_o they_o suppose_v unto_o their_o secular_a interest_n hence_o there_o be_v among_o many_o great_a complaint_n of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o want_n of_o love_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o their_o cause_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n but_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n sober_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v remedy_v for_o such_o complaint_n testify_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o their_o cure_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o love_n unto_o the_o public_a good_a require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o in_o any_o case_n this_o may_v be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o that_o of_o division_n about_o sacred_a thing_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o mannagement_n among_o man_n for_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v deep_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o high_o prejudice_v by_o they_o and_o in_o these_o thing_n all_o man_n have_v if_o not_o a_o equal_a yet_o such_o a_o special_a interest_n as_o none_o can_v forbid_v they_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o no_o man_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o though_o he_o do_v transgress_v his_o rule_n or_o go_v beyond_o his_o line_n who_o sober_o express_v his_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o of_o the_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v yet_o must_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a mannagement_n of_o such_o complaint_n for_o those_o which_o either_o consist_v in_o or_o be_v accompany_v with_o invective_n against_o the_o person_n or_o way_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o a_o rational_a discourse_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o division_n 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new_o deliver_v from_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a decay_n of_o love_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n if_o not_o a_o violent_a cast_n of_o it_o out_o by_o such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n as_o wherewith_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a lamentation_n if_o upon_o the_o bloom_a of_o a_o design_n for_o its_o recovery_n and_o reduction_n with_o all_o its_o train_n as_o forbearance_n condescension_n gentleness_n and_o peace_n if_o any_o such_o design_n there_o be_v by_o contest_v about_o the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o absence_n with_o too_o much_o seriousness_n in_o our_o own_o vindication_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o special_a interest_n in_o it_o above_o other_o new_a distemper_n shall_v be_v raise_v hazard_v its_o everlasting_a exclusion_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v hitherto_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o 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endeavour_n to_o
will_v that_o answer_v our_o duty_n or_o give_v we_o peace_n in_o our_o latter_a end_n shall_v we_o profess_v the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v what_o we_o desire_v shall_v we_o then_o escape_v the_o severe_a censure_n as_o of_o person_n incline_v to_o schism_n and_o division_n yea_o many_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v look_v on_o this_o as_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n that_o any_o can_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o presb._n and_o in_o report_v the_o memorial_n of_o former_a time_n some_o of_o they_o have_v charge_v all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n that_o have_v befall_v their_o church_n to_o have_v proceed_v from_o man_n of_o this_o principle_n endeavour_v reformation_n according_a unto_o model_n of_o their_o own_o without_o separation_n and_o can_v we_o conscientious_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o same_o design_n we_o shall_v not_o especial_o under_o present_a jealousy_n and_o exasperation_n escape_v the_o same_o condemnation_n that_o other_o before_o we_o have_v undergo_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o with_o some_o which_o may_v teach_v they_o that_o their_o measure_n be_v not_o authentic_a and_o they_o may_v learn_v moderation_n towards_o they_o who_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o security_n they_o meet_v withal_o from_o those_o that_o do_v out_o go_v they_o shall_v we_o therefore_o which_o alone_o seem_v to_o remain_v proceed_v yet_o far_o and_o make_v a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n concern_v the_o constitution_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o it_o come_v over_o unto_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o its_o ruler_n thereon_o yea_o this_o be_v that_o say_v some_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o and_o that_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o our_o difference_n and_o division_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o any_o thing_n or_o way_n right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a will_v promise_v so_o to_o do_v and_o appear_v so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o season_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o that_o will_v make_v such_o agreement_n durable_a or_o useful_a and_o we_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o inquiry_n mere_o after_o peace_n but_o after_o peace_n with_o truth_n yea_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o disquisition_n after_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o and_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o exclude_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o provide_v only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o at_o present_a lay_v a_o prohibition_n on_o our_o conscience_n against_o the_o compliance_n propose_v shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v neither_o will_v we_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v we_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o a_o few_o only_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o we_o in_o many_o that_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n own_v among_o we_o upon_o and_o since_o the_o reformation_n nor_o that_o consent_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o it_o that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o submit_v unto_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o invite_v any_o dissentor_n to_o a_o through_o conformity_n unto_o it_o that_o there_o be_v daily_a inroad_n make_v upon_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o control_v from_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a conservator_n of_o it_o until_o if_o not_o the_o whole_a yet_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v waste_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a and_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v and_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o own_o that_o we_o can_v conform_v to_o armianism_n socinianism_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o popery_n on_o the_o other_o with_o what_o new_a or_o specious_a pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v blend_v and_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a person_n when_o it_o be_v agree_v among_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n we_o shall_v know_v the_o better_a how_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v wave_v all_o such_o consideration_n and_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v or_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o will_v this_o give_v we_o a_o universal_o pleadable_a acquitment_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o gild_n of_o want_n of_o love_n schism_n and_o division_n we_o shall_v indeed_o possible_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n of_o a_o few_o cry_v out_o sectary_n fanatic_n schismatic_n church-dividers_a but_o withal_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o great_a and_o at_o present_a thrive_a church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o same_o suppose_a crime_n and_o sure_o enough_o we_o be_v that_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o real_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v amongst_o christian_n almost_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v yield_v we_o no_o solid_a relief_n in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n yet_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o schism_n and_o this_o sufficient_o manifest_v how_o little_a indeed_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o steam_n of_o interest_n and_o party_n it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_a that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o real_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n we_o suffer_v under_o nor_o will_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o pursue_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o what_o one_o sort_n require_v of_o we_o anonother_n will_v instant_o disallow_v and_o condemn_v and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o all_o sort_n be_v not_o influence_v by_o custom_n prejudices_fw-la and_o secular_a advantage_n we_o have_v therefore_o no_o way_n leave_v but_o that_o which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o christian_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o to_o seek_v in_o sincerity_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o approve_v of_o our_o heart_n unto_o the_o search_n of_o they_o in_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o our_o own_o especial_a duty_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o will_v neither_o deceive_v we_o nor_o fail_v we_o and_o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o we_o shall_v now_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o follow_v truth_n with_o peace_n chap._n ii_o commendation_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n their_o proper_a object_n with_o their_o geniral_n rule_n and_o measure_n of_o love_n towards_o all_o mankind_n in_o general_n allow_v not_o salvation_n unto_o any_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n of_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o outward_a worship_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o discourse_n may_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o unity_n and_o thereon_o we_o may_v easy_o enlarge_v as_o also_o abound_v in_o a_o collection_n of_o testimony_n confirm_v our_o assertion_n but_o the_o old_a reply_n in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o who_o ever_o be_v they_o discommend_v evidence_v a_o labour_n therein_o to_o be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a we_o shall_v therefore_o only_o say_v that_o they_o be_v great_o mistake_v who_o from_o the_o condition_n whereunto_o at_o present_a we_o be_v drive_v and_o necessitate_v do_v suppose_v that_o we_o value_v not_o these_o thing_n at_o as_o high_a a_o rate_n as_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o professor_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o great_a noise_n about_o they_o may_v be_v make_v possible_o by_o such_o as_o have_v accommodate_v their_o name_n and_o notion_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o who_o point_n their_o plea_n about_o they_o and_o their_o pretence_n of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n but_o as_o for_o a_o real_a valuation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v not_o willing_o be_v find_v to_o come_v behind_o any_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v style_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o
since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o know_v no_o place_n nor_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n have_v be_v preach_v with_o more_o diligence_n power_n and_o evidence_n for_o conviction_n nor_o where_o it_o have_v obtain_v a_o great_a success_n or_o acceptation_n those_o therefore_o who_o perish_v among_o we_o do_v not_o do_v so_o for_o want_v of_o truth_n and_o a_o right_a belief_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o for_o their_o own_o personal_a infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n for_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o error_n public_o admit_v among_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a administration_n as_o shall_v direct_o or_o absolute_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o through_o the_o ignorance_n or_o negligence_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n encourage_v in_o a_o state_n or_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o deprive_v of_o due_a advantage_n to_o far_a their_o spiritual_a good_a or_o be_v lead_v into_o practice_n in_o religion_n neither_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o tend_v to_o their_o own_o edification_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o eternal_a ruin_n be_v great_o incumbent_a on_o themselves_o to_o consider_v unto_o this_o catholic_n church_n we_o owe_v all_o christian_a love_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o exercise_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o both_o towards_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o particular_a member_n as_o we_o have_v advantage_n and_o occasion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o it_o this_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o it_o become_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o notion_n under_o consideration_n for_o any_o failure_n herein_o we_o be_v not_o that_o we_o know_v of_o charge_v by_o any_o person_n of_o modesty_n or_o sobriety_n the_o reflection_n that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o late_a by_o some_o on_o the_o doctrine_n we_o teach_v or_o own_v do_v fall_n as_o severe_o on_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o least_o until_o within_o a_o few_o year_n last_o pass_v as_o they_o do_v on_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o own_o any_o especial_a concernment_n in_o they_o until_o they_o be_v public_o discountenance_v by_o other_o such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v god_n eternal_a decree_n justification_n by_o faith_n the_o loss_n of_o original_a grace_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n that_o we_o say_v not_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n public_o teach_v and_o own_v among_o we_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n will_v receive_v any_o great_a damage_n by_o the_o impotent_a assault_n of_o some_o few_o especial_o consider_v their_o mannagement_n of_o those_o assault_n by_o tale_n rail_v and_o ralliery_a to_o the_o last_a reproach_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o themselves_o profess_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_n three_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o visible_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o they_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o providence_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n in_o particular_a church_n these_o at_o present_a be_v of_o many_o sort_n or_o be_v esteem_v so_o to_o be_v for_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v sundry_a solemn_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v observe_v joint_o by_o his_o disciple_n unto_o his_o honour_n and_o their_o edification_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o in_o such_o society_n community_n or_o assembly_n of_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v due_o perform_v but_o in_o and_o by_o such_o society_n so_o some_o of_o they_o do_v either_o express_v the_o union_n love_n and_o common_a hope_n that_o be_v among_o they_o or_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o preservation_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v all_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o king_n ruler_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n all_o person_n belong_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o the_o former_a notion_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v into_o distinct_a society_n and_o become_v as_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o several_a fold_n under_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o great_a shepherd_n and_o the_o respective_a conduct_n of_o those_o employ_v under_o he_o and_o this_o conjunction_n of_o professor_n in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o sacred_a worship_n appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o institution_n for_o their_o edification_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o accident_n or_o mere_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o common_a providence_n but_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n in_o they_o of_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n by_o some_o this_o duty_n be_v more_o express_o attend_v unto_o than_o by_o other_o and_o by_o some_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v for_o neither_o antecedent_o nor_o consequential_o unto_o such_o their_o conjunction_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o duty_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o nor_o what_o be_v most_o meet_a for_o their_o own_o edification_n they_o go_v in_o these_o thing_n with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v confound_v their_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o these_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v to_o walk_v irregular_o through_o ignorance_n mistake_n or_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o will_v they_o in_o their_o least_o secular_a concernment_n behave_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o regardlesness_n ot_fw-mi negligence_n for_o however_o their_o lot_n previous_o unto_o their_o own_o choice_n may_v be_v cast_v into_o any_o place_n or_o society_n they_o will_v make_v a_o after-judgment_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n either_o abide_v in_o their_o first_o station_n or_o otherwise_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o but_o a_o liberty_n of_o this_o nature_n regulate_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v by_o many_o deny_v and_o by_o most_o neglect_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mere_a effect_n of_o their_o political_a distribution_n by_o civil_a law_n aim_v principal_o at_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o civil_a distribution_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a society_n and_o assembly_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n institute_v and_o appoint_v such_o society_n they_o be_v of_o no_o small_a disadvantage_n unto_o true_a church-communion_n and_o love_n the_o institution_n of_o these_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n for_o their_o disposal_n and_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n be_v the_o same_o stable_a and_o unalterable_a and_o hence_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o next_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n great_a peace_n union_n and_o agreement_n for_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v and_o plant_v alike_o according_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n all_o regulate_v and_o order_v by_o the_o same_o common_a rule_n man_n have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o difference_n in_o after-age_n and_o which_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v where_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o noisome_a foolish_a fantastical_a opinion_n vent_v by_o impostor_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n abhor_v but_o on_o various_a occasion_n and_o by_o sundry_a degree_n there_o come_v to_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o these_o particular_a church_n appoint_v for_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v authoritative_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o 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his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n 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his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o 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upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
body_n of_o the_o church_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n whatever_o they_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o whatever_o they_o do_v ask_v with_o a_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o the_o father_n in_o this_o charitable_a office_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o pardon_v to_o the_o offendor_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v always_o exercise_v and_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n ordain_v that_o brethren_n have_v civil_a suit_n one_o against_o another_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o infidel_n but_o that_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o judge_n the_o difference_n and_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o civil_a judgement_n as_o the_o other_o have_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o criminal_a but_o be_v both_o so_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o these_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o enforce_v submission_n so_o those_o only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o guilty_a to_o receive_v they_o who_o refuse_v of_o they_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n remain_v without_o execution_n and_o have_v no_o power_n but_o to_o foreshow_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o according_a unto_o his_o omnipotent_a good_a pleasure_n will_v follow_v in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o and_o indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o charity_n in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v only_o induee_v the_o guilty_a to_o submit_v and_o the_o church_n to_o judge_n with_o such_o sincerity_n that_o neither_o in_o the_o one_o any_o bad_a effect_n can_v have_v place_n nor_o just_a complaint_n in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o excess_n of_o charity_n in_o correct_v do_v make_v the_o corrector_n to_o feel_v great_a pain_n than_o the_o correct_v so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n no_o punishment_n be_v impose_v without_o lamentation_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o 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deliberation_n be_v make_v by_o the_o bishop_n first_o in_o the_o college_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n which_o they_o call_v the_o presbytery_n and_o there_o be_v ripen_v to_o receive_v afterward_o the_o last_o resolution_n in_o the_o general_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o form_n be_v still_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o year_n 250_o and_o be_v plain_o see_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a who_o in_o the_o matter_n concern_v those_o who_o do_v eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n write_v to_o the_o presbytery_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o counsel_n &_o consent_v of_o the_o people_n &_o write_v to_o the_o people_n that_o at_o his_o return_n he_o will_v examine_v the_o cause_n and_o merit_n thereof_o in_o their_o presence_n and_o under_o their_o judgement_n and_o he_o write_v to_o those_o priest_n who_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n have_v reconcile_v some_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o people_n the_o goodness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bishop_n make_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v follow_v and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a be_v cause_n that_o the_o church_n charity_n wax_v cold_a not_o regard_v the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o they_o by_o christ_n do_v lean_v the_o ear_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o ambition_n a_o witty_a passion_n which_o do_v insinuate_v itself_o in_o the_o show_n of_o virtue_n do_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o change_n be_v the_o cease_n of_o the_o persecution_n for_o then_o the_o bishop_n do_v erect_v as_o it_o be_v a_o tribunal_n which_o be_v much_o frequent_v because_o as_o temporal_a commodity_n so_o suit_n do_v increase_v this_o judgement_n though_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o former_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o form_n to_o determine_v all_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sincerity_n 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bishop_n the_o care_n over_o all_o the_o prize_n of_o vendible_a thing_n this_o judicial_a negotiation_n please_v not_o the_o good_a bishop_n possidonius_fw-la do_v recount_v that_o austin_n be_v employ_v herein_o sometime_o until_o dinnertime_n sometime_o long_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o do_v divert_v he_o from_o do_v thing_n proper_a unto_o he_o and_o himself_o write_v that_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v thing_n profitable_a and_o to_o attend_v thing_n tumultuous_a and_o perplex_a and_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o take_v it_o unto_o himself_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o preacher_n but_o will_v have_v it_o give_v to_o other_o afterward_o some_o bishop_n beginning_n to_o abuse_v the_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o constantine_n that_o be_v seventy_o year_n after_o revoke_v by_o horcadius_n and_o honorius_n and_o a_o ordination_n make_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v cause_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o civil_a except_o both_o party_n do_v consent_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o court_n which_o law_n be_v not_o much_o observe_v in_o rome_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n valentinian_n be_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o year_n 452._o do_v renew_v it_o and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o a_o little_a after_o some_o part_n of_o the_o power_n take_v away_o be_v restore_v by_o the_o prince_n that_o follow_v so_o that_o justinian_n do_v establish_v unto_o they_o a_o court_n and_o audience_n and_o assign_v unto_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a voluntary_a jurisdiction_n also_o over_o the_o laity_n by_o these_o degree_n the_o charitable_a correction_n of_o christ_n do_v degenerate_a into_o domination_n and_o make_v christian_n lose_v their_o ancient_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v deny_v in_o word_n that_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v dominion_n as_o be_v the_o secular_a yet_o one_o know_v not_o how_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n do_v put_v it_o when_o he_o write_v to_o timothy_n and_o repeat_v it_o to_o titus_n that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v greedy_a of_o gain_n nor_o a_o striker_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o make_v man_n pay_v for_o process_n and_o imprison_v the_o party_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o secular_a court_n etc._n etc._n this_o degeneracy_n of_o discipline_n be_v long_o since_o esteem_v burdensome_a and_o look_v on_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o innumerable_a trouble_n and_o grievance_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n yea_o it_o have_v have_v no_o better_a esteem_n among_o they_o who_o have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v concern_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n only_o they_o find_v a_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o with_o those_o law_n and_o privilege_n
utter_o cease_v and_o become_v disuse_v hence_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n begin_v to_o converse_v together_o as_o man_n only_o or_o at_o the_o best_a civil_a neighbour_n and_o if_o at_o all_o as_o christian_n yet_o not_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o especial_a relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n 20._o wherein_o their_o usefulness_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o organical_a body_n be_v require_v hence_o some_o person_n look_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o intolerable_a and_o not_o only_o obstructive_a of_o their_o edification_n but_o destructive_a unto_o all_o real_o useful_a church-communion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o themselves_o not_o that_o we_o approve_v of_o every_o departure_n or_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n where_o thing_n continue_v under_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o occasion_v many_o so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o there_o may_v sometime_o be_v just_a cause_n hereof_o and_o person_n in_o so_o do_v may_v manage_v what_o they_o do_v according_a unto_o scripture-rule_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o may_v rash_o and_o precipitately_a without_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o in_o such_o undertake_n be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o no_o circumstance_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o unblamable_a separation_n and_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o general_a cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o will_v not_o much_o cleave_v unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n and_o maintain_v be_v worth_a your_o enquiry_n for_o so_o do_v it_o befall_v our_o humane_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o 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those_o abuse_n which_o have_v give_v cause_n thereunto_o be_v severe_a if_o not_o unjust_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v these_o and_o the_o like_a stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o will_v we_o hope_v be_v a_o full_a return_n unto_o gospel-unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n of_o man_n do_v interpose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o increase_n and_o heighten_v of_o those_o division_n who_o spring_n and_o occasion_n lie_v elsewhere_o when_o none_o of_o these_o provocation_n be_v give_v they_o 11._o yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o professor_n themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o difference_n and_o schism_n 3_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a fruit_n and_o effect_n from_o the_o like_a principle_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n now_o the_o occasion_n of_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v more_o temptation_n unto_o they_o great_a direction_n against_o they_o less_o evident_a and_o powerful_a and_o all_o sense_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n through_o its_o abuse_n and_o maladministration_n be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o ruin_v yet_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unmortified_a affection_n as_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n nor_o be_v they_o perfect_o sanctify_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n one_o at_o another_o and_o thereon_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o temerarious_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n thereon_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o worship_n unto_o other_o all_o such_o way_n and_o course_n be_v against_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o union_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o we_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v here_o declare_v but_o that_o it_o fall_v frequent_o under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o hand_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o meet_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n of_o reproof_n only_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o those_o by_o who_o such_o reproof_n be_v manage_v will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o give_v advantage_n of_o retortion_n or_o self-justification_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v by_o they_o but_o this_o they_o do_v avoidable_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v or_o disallow_v in_o what_o complye_v with_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o perverse_a and_o in_o what_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o sincere_a and_o on_o this_o foundation_n whilst_o they_o reprove_v censure_v rash-judging_a and_o reproach_v of_o other_o with_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n irregular_a practice_n in_o church_n worship_n or_o any_o other_o concern_v of_o religion_n backbiting_a easiness_n in_o take_v up_o false_a report_n with_o the_o like_a evil_n as_o they_o deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v rebuke_v those_o reprove_v by_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o see_v the_o guilt_n of_o many_o of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o themselves_o in_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n thing_n gendor_n unto_o far_a strife_n whilst_o every_o party_n be_v conscious_a unto_o their_o own_o sincerity_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o present_a light_n which_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n they_o can_v take_v of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o impeach_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o causeless_o traduce_v and_o condemn_v this_o evil_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o by_o all_o that_o love_n unity_n truth_n holiness_n or_o peace_n and_o see_v there_o be_v rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unmeet_a to_o call_v over_o some_o of_o they_o one_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o import_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o study_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n 11._o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a who_o will_v harm_v man_n who_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o busy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o attempt_n to_o do_v they_o evil_n what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o be_v trouble_v thereat_o duty_n and_o innocency_n will_v give_v peace_n to_o a_o worthy_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o storm_n and_o whatever_o may_v befall_v it_o now_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v or_o can_v they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o to_o 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