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cause_n just_a schism_n separation_n 2,155 5 11.1655 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o these_o reverend_a person_n do_v go_v upon_o different_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o espouse_v they_o agree_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o parochial_a church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o notion_n of_o hear_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o about_o the_o call_v of_o those_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v whole_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o from_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o no_o church_n be_v equal_o condemn_v by_o all_o 3._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n and_o affect_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n 1._o if_o the_o corruption_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o affect_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o say_v mr._n tomb_n not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n 48._o theodulia_n answer_v to_o preface_n §_o 23._o p._n 47_o 48._o of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n &c_n aid_n blake_n be_v vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 229_o &c_n &c_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o till_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v tolerable_a and_o so_o afford_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o mr._n brinsly_n 50._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 50._o suppose_v some_o just_a grievance_n may_v be_v find_v among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o tolerable_a if_o so_o then_o be_v separation_n on_o this_o ground_n intolerable_a unwarrantable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o mr._n noyes_n private_a brethren_n may_v not_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o separate_v from_o church_n or_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n heresy_n or_o profaneness_n to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n cotton_n the_o former_a assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o 76._o evangelical_n love_n p._n 76._o doctrine_n disorder_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o evacuate_v their_o church-state_n or_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o leave_v their_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o the_o latter_a say_v 156._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o unless_o you_o find_v in_o the_o church_n blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n i._n e._n such_o as_o force_n they_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n this_o be_v universal_o own_a but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o 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in_o they_o mr._n vines_n speak_v plain_o to_o both_o of_o these_o 239._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 239._o the_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_v many_o way_n in_o doctrine_n ordinance_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o this_o corruption_n the_o doctrine_n in_o some_o remote_a point_n the_o worship_n in_o some_o ritual_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o custom_n how_o many_o church_n do_v we_o find_v thus_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o no_o separation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n nor_o any_o commandment_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v i_o must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n avoid_v the_o corruption_n hold_v the_o communion_n but_o if_o corruption_n invade_v the_o fundamental_o the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n be_v destroy_v the_o worship_n be_v become_v idolatrous_a and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o if_o the_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v or_o approve_v thing_n 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163._o irenicum_fw-la c._n 23._o p._n 162_o 163._o where_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o viz._n the_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v believe_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o mean_n altogether_o necessary_a or_o most_o expedient_a to_o salvation_n but_o men_n may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o freeman_n of_o christ_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o it_o to_o gather_v into_o a_o new_a church_n which_o may_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o comfortable_a and_o as_o though_o such_o corruption_n shall_v be_v impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o if_o not_o actual_o impose_v upon_o we_o our_o communicate_v in_o the_o true_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o the_o say_a imposition_n as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o those_o corruption_n as_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v argue_v so_o 103._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 103._o though_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v and_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o total_a separation_n as_o it_o be_v also_o own_a for_o say_v one_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o 12._o jerubbaal_n p._n 12._o that_o one_o can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n unavoidable_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n though_o not_o of_o a_o positive_a yet_o of_o a_o negative_a though_o not_o of_o a_o total_a yet_o of_o a_o partial_a separation_n i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o the_o lesser_a but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o great_a suppose_v then_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n not_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n
they_o shall_v in_o tract_n of_o time_n creep_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v much_o the_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o our_o holiday_n mr._n calvin_n say_v in_o festis_fw-la non_fw-la recipiendis_fw-la cuperem_fw-la vos_fw-la esse_fw-la constantiores_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o can_v wish_v 82._o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la monsbel-gardenses_a p._n 81_o 82._o that_o you_o will_v be_v more_o constant_a in_o your_o not_o receive_v festival_n but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o contend_v and_o make_v a_o stir_n about_o all_o but_o about_o those_o only_o which_o nothing_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o which_o have_v a_o manifest_a appearance_n of_o superstition_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o instance_v in_o those_o day_n which_o popery_n dedicate_v to_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o of_o her_o assumption_n on_o which_o holiday_n nothing_o he_o say_v can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o pulpit_n by_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n beside_o expose_v the_o folly_n of_o those_o who_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o in_o another_o epistle_n caeterùm_fw-la cùm_fw-la festi_fw-la dies_fw-la hîc_fw-la hallerum_fw-la in_o epist_n ad_fw-la hallerum_fw-la abrogati_fw-la etc._n etc._n moreover_o whereas_o some_o of_o your_o country_n be_v much_o offend_v at_o the_o abrogation_n of_o holiday_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o much_o odious_a talk_n be_v spread_v about_o it_o and_o i_o make_v account_n that_o i_o be_o make_v the_o author_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n and_o that_o by_o the_o ignorant_a as_o well_o as_o malicious_a i_o can_v solemn_o testify_v of_o myself_o that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o my_o knowledge_n o_o desire_n etc._n etc._n before_o i_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o city_n there_o be_v no_o holiday_n at_o all_o observe_v beside_o the_o lord_n day_n those_o which_o be_v celebrate_v by_o you_o be_v take_v away_o by_o that_o same_o law_n of_o the_o people_n which_o banish_v i_o and_o farel_n 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all_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n to_o their_o die_a day_n though_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n and_o there_o be_v another_o very_a formidable_a evil_n too_o which_o i_o wish_v more_o of_o our_o brother_n have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o viz._n the_o advantage_n that_o our_o common_a enemy_n be_v too_o like_a to_o make_v of_o our_o sad_a division_n and_o be_v crumble_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o have_v already_o make_v in_o order_n to_o their_o final_a accomplish_v their_o design_n upon_o we_o the_o truth_n on_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o have_v have_v the_o main_a hand_n in_o those_o division_n they_o so_o upbraid_v we_o with_o of_o which_o we_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n have_v most_o industrious_o follow_v that_o advice_n of_o the_o famous_a jesuit_n campanella_n viz._n there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a amstel_n jam_fw-la verò_fw-la ad_fw-la enervandos_fw-mi anglos_n nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la conducit_fw-la quàm_fw-la dissensio_fw-la &_o 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abet_v and_o cry_v up_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n or_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o explication_n and_o distinction_n of_o they_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o teach_v they_o do_v not_o improve_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n because_o the_o notion_n or_o explication_n of_o faith_n and_o spirit_n church_n and_o grace_n justification_n regeneration_n conversion_n adoption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v general_o different_a in_o our_o church_n from_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n they_o therefore_o cry_v we_o destroy_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v edify_v they_o find_v themselves_o weaken_v in_o their_o christian_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o their_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a consequence_n lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o give_v security_n to_o lazy_a sinner_n a_o strange_a sort_n of_o edification_n for_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o think_v every_o man_n a_o vicious_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o mistake_v in_o his_o conclusion_n yet_o however_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o opinion_n and_o their_o consequence_n and_o who_o know_v how_o far_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n do_v improve_v they_o such_o be_v the_o perverse_a and_o angry_a temper_n of_o many_o about_o their_o own_o opinion_n no_o way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n wherein_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v which_o be_v not_o state_v by_o authority_n and_o may_v not_o be_v determine_v till_o elias_n come_v yet_o if_o these_o be_v not_o insist_v on_o and_o press_v with_o vehemency_n the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v omit_v and_o truth_n be_v want_v to_o their_o perfection_n and_o if_o once_o the_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o opinion_n and_o notion_n they_o grow_v fierce_a 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in_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v be_v self-condemned_n if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o if_o they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a they_o sin_v wilful_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v then_o sin_n in_o withdraw_v from_o it_o since_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o that_o power_n which_o they_o confess_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o once_o think_v it_o unlawful_a after_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o now_o conceive_v it_o unlawful_a again_o this_o strange_a unsteadiness_n in_o opinion_n will_v look_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o like_a humour_n than_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v occasion_v vehement_a suspicion_n in_o some_o not_o otherwise_o very_o censorious_a that_o this_o uncertainty_n proceed_v not_o from_o conscience_n but_o design_n and_o that_o all_o their_o 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suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v commend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v take_v up_o be_v such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o sinister_a end_n or_o corrupt_a passion_n that_o do_v either_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o separation_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o provoke_v they_o now_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o because_o i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v too_o often_o influence_v by_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o affection_n these_o will_v be_v always_o mix_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o consultation_n these_o do_v common_o blind_a and_o pervert_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o ten_o thousand_o error_n these_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o fancy_n sometime_o pass_v for_o conscience_n that_o melancholy_a fume_n be_v admire_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o our_o gall_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o pure_a zeal_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o usual_a mistake_v that_o do_v frequent_o proceed_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o passion_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v divide_v from_o a_o church_n it_o will_v most_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o such_o principle_n for_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o gain_v and_o grow_v rich_a by_o our_o departure_n if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a or_o scorn_v to_o retract_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v once_o profess_v if_o we_o imagine_v we_o have_v more_o light_n than_o the_o first_o reformer_n when_o indeed_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o we_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o our_o governor_n when_o they_o require_v our_o obedience_n where_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o pay_v it_o these_o be_v sign_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v turbulent_a and_o unruly_a and_o while_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v but_o that_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o impatience_n may_v be_v the_o great_a motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n and_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v to_o maintain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o these_o thing_n i_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o intention_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n which_o other_o be_v i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v never_o lead_v away_o by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n but_o that_o they_o will_v always_o labour_v to_o preserve_v those_o holy_a disposition_n of_o integrity_n meekness_n humility_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o irregular_a passion_n and_o design_n it_o will_v conduce_v exceed_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o express_v their_o great_a care_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v prevent_v many_o of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o do_v often_o arise_v in_o matter_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n if_o real_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o then_o when_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o very_o forward_o to_o enter_v upon_o fierce_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o the_o external_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o i_o may_v serve_v god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n why_o shall_v a_o gown_n or_o a_o cloak_n or_o a_o surplice_n fright_v i_o from_o the_o church_n when_o either_o of_o these_o be_v enjoin_v by_o my_o superior_n if_o i_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n why_o shall_v i_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o i_o be_o not_o allow_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o what_o congregation_n i_o please_v and_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o pastor_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v bend_v upon_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v see_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v contentious_a about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n a_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a point_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o 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form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_n which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n i_o be_v discourse_v of_o god_n visible_a way_n of_o form_v a_o church_n which_o i_o assert_v to_o be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v that_o divine_a charter_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v but_o than_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v how_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o this_o covenant_n i_o add_v that_o god_n have_v invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o receive_v they_o into_o covenant_n they_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o covenant_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o will_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n deny_v here_o be_v no_o dispute_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n what_o form_n of_o church-government_n christ_n institute_v whether_o episcopal_a or_o 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full_o invest_v with_o sufficient_a power_n be_v in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o moral_a heathen_a or_o in_o a_o worse_o than_o a_o papist_n ans_fw-fr the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptization_n if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o though_o irregular_o baptize_v this_o you_o may_v find_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o p._n 22._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o if_o they_o continue_v schismatic_n whatever_o their_o other_o pretence_n to_o piety_n be_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o papist_n 2._o whether_o the_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n which_o all_o must_v own_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n which_o unite_v the_o member_n of_o 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christ_n body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v exclude_v by_o church-censure_n though_o excommunicate_v for_o a_o slight_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n nay_o for_o a_o wrongful_a cause_n true_o sir_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n viz_o by_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o whoever_o live_v in_o england_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o cathelick_n church_n and_o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o excommunication_n and_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o second_o be_v a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v not_o valid_a unless_o it_o be_v inflict_v for_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o second_o be_v always_o valid_a and_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cut_v man_n off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n body_n i_o say_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o final_a state_n of_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gracious_a allowance_n god_n will_v make_v for_o some_o schismatic_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o favour_n he_o may_v allow_v to_o other_o sinner_n but_o you_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o sound_a church_n this_o be_v another_o horn_n of_o your_o formidable_a dilemma_n if_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o those_o baptise_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v catholic_n christian_n for_o all_o that_o as_o if_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o spain_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n therefore_o english_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o neither_o but_o may_v be_v very_o good_a subject_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o therefore_o though_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o all_o english_a christian_n inhabit_v in_o
and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n this_o will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n if_o she_o command_v nothing_o which_o be_v forbid_v for_o the_o very_a authority_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o minister_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o if_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n in_o opposition_n to_o church-authority_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o have_v best_a consider_v whether_o such_o pride_n and_o opinionativeness_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o excuse_v 3._o whether_o if_o the_o promise_v you_o mention_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n it_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o civil_a power_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o church-governor_n and_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n their_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v very_o distinct_a but_o very_o consistent_a 4._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o whole_a church_n that_o its_o governor_n shall_v never_o impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o defection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v some_o true_a member_n ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o know_v of_o the_o matter_n our_o saviour_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v all_o i_o cite_v it_o for_o and_o so_o much_o it_o certain_o prove_v the_o second_o proposition_n you_o raise_v query_n on_o be_v this_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n this_o i_o do_v indeed_o assert_v that_o since_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n therefore_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n before_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o reason_n whereon_o this_o be_v found_v as_o every_o honest_a writer_n shall_v do_v you_o only_o put_v a_o perverse_a comment_n on_o it_o by_o which_o say_v you_o i_o suppose_v you_o mean_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_a from_o such_o and_o live_v in_o a_o distinct_a church-communion_n from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o i_o conceive_v needs_o explain_v but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o the_o fault_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o we_o may_v separate_a from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n if_o their_o communion_n be_v sinful_a which_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o answer_v your_o two_o first_o query_n but_o indeed_o the_o proposition_n as_o assert_v by_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v what_o it_o will_v just_a or_o unjust_a for_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v the_o man_n for_o gather_v church_n do_v not_o own_o that_o they_o separate_a from_o any_o church_n but_o that_o they_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o and_o which_o no_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n have_v who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o independent_a church_n baptism_n they_o acknowledge_v make_v man_n christian_n at_o large_a but_o not_o church-member_n which_o i_o show_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o absurd_a if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n for_o then_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o rebaptize_v christian_n as_o form_v they_o into_o new_a church-society_n this_o i_o suppose_v may_v satisfy_v you_o how_o impertinent_a all_o your_o query_n be_v under_o this_o head_n your_o two_o first_o concern_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o make_v upon_o independent_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v no_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 3._o whether_o every_o bishopric_n in_o england_n be_v not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o the_o national_a ans_fw-fr every_o bishopric_n be_v a_o distinct_a episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o they_o in_o one_o national_a communion_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o a_o national_a but_o one_o national_a church_n which_o you_o may_v see_v explain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o vnr_n of_o separation_n 4._o and_o therefore_o independent_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v indeed_o within_o the_o national_a church_n within_o a_o church_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o not_o one_o national_a church_n as_o bishopric_n be_v 5._o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o have_v the_o external_n form_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o catholic_n communion_n because_o they_o be_v schismatic_n 6._o and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o be_o to_o account_v for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o visible_a communion_n with_o that_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o what_o allowance_n christ_n will_v make_v for_o the_o mistake_v of_o honest_a well-meaning_a man_n who_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v determine_v i_o can_v hope_v as_o charitable_o as_o any_o man_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o make_v church-communion_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n 3_o you_o take_v occasion_n for_o your_o next_o query_n from_o what_o i_o say_v of_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n you_o say_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o independent_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o catholic_n communion_n by_o require_v of_o their_o member_n a_o new_a contract_n no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o prove_v indeed_o from_o their_o place_v a_o church-state_n in_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n that_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n for_o no_o other_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o they_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o i_o prove_v that_o those_o be_v separate_a church_n 32._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o 32._o which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o and_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o church-communion_n consist_v in_o church-membership_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o by_o such_o a_o explicit_a independent_a covenant_n than_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o no_o church_n but_o that_o with_o which_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n but_o that_o particular_a independent_a congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o if_o those_o be_v schismatic_n and_o schismatical_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o than_o all_o independent_o must_v be_v schismatic_n for_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o but_o their_o own_o independent_a congregation_n let_v we_o now_o hear_v your_o query_n q._n 1._o whether_o any_o obstacle_n to_o catholic_n communion_n bring_v in_o by_o man_n may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o deprive_v man_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o covenant_n or_o contract_n ans_fw-fr yes_o it_o may_v but_o with_o this_o material_a difference_n other_o thing_n hinder_v communion_n as_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n this_o independent_a covenant_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v up_o enclose_v and_o break_v christian_a communion_n into_o as_o many_o separate_a church_n and_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v independent_a congregation_n sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v by_o remove_v those_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o
secession_n from_o we_o and_o profess_v you_o can_v join_v with_o we_o as_o member_n and_o set_v up_o congregation_n of_o another_o communion_n be_v more_o proper_o call_v schism_n you_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o your_o church_n and_o set_v up_o church_n in_o a_o opposite_a way_n to_o our_o church_n and_o all_o this_o you_o do_v voluntary_o and_o unwarrantable_o not_o have_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o it_o and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o twofold_n schism_n negative_a and_o positive_a negative_a when_o man_n do_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n not_o make_v a_o head_n against_o that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o be_v depart_v the_o other_o be_v when_o person_n so_o withdraw_v do_v consociate_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o into_o a_o distinct_a and_o opposite_a body_n set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n which_o say_v they_o camero_n call_v a_o schism_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o further_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v four_o cause_n that_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n lawful_a 1._o when_o they_o that_o separate_a be_v grievous_o and_o intolerable_o persecute_v 2._o when_o the_o church_n they_o separate_a from_o be_v heretical_a 3._o when_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a 4._o when_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n and_o where_o none_o of_o these_o four_o be_v find_v there_o the_o separation_n be_v insufficient_a and_o schism_n now_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o none_o of_o these_o four_o cause_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o our_o congregation_n therefore_o you_o must_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o we_o but_o with_o yourselves_o if_o we_o blame_v you_o as_o guilty_a of_o positive_a schism_n all_o which_o be_v as_o true_a now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o as_o applicable_a to_o we_o and_o they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o they_o and_o their_o dissenter_n admit_v then_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v to_o better_a purpose_n and_o that_o need_v amendment_n and_o alteration_n yet_o i_o hope_v every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n or_o warrant_v enough_o to_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n let_v mr._n calvin_n judge_n between_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n 349._o institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect._n 10_o 11_o 12._o fol._n 349._o who_o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_a from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n though_o otherwise_o it_o be_v overrun_v with_o many_o blemish_n and_o corrupon_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o modern_a dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n iv_o four_o we_o entreat_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v pure_a conscience_n and_o mere_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o very_o often_o discontent_n or_o trade_n and_o interest_n that_o have_v the_o main_a stroke_n in_o keep_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n or_o to_o fasten_v such_o a_o charge_n on_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o dissenter_n yea_o i_o accuse_v not_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o desire_v they_o will_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o deal_v impartial_o with_o themselves_o and_o say_v whether_o they_o stand_v clear_a before_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o put_v man_n upon_o this_o enquiry_n not_o only_o because_o secular_a end_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o mix_v with_o and_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n but_o because_o this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a artifice_n make_v use_v of_o to_o promote_v separation_n thus_o the_o donatist_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n uphold_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o keep_v their_o party_n fast_o together_o by_o trading_n only_o within_o themselves_o by_o employ_v none_o to_o till_o their_o ground_n or_o be_v their_o steward_n but_o those_o that_o will_v be_v of_o their_o side_n nay_o and_o sometime_o hire_v person_n by_o large_a sum_n of_o money_n to_o be_v baptise_a into_o their_o party_n as_o crispin_n do_v the_o people_n of_o mappalia_n and_o how_o evident_a the_o same_o policy_n be_v among_o our_o modern_a crisp_n vid._n aug._n epist_n 173._o add_v crisp_n quaker_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o need_v either_o proof_n or_o observation_n time_n be_v when_o it_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n to_o prove_v independency_n to_o be_v a_o faction_n and_o not_o 185._o edward_n further_a discovery_n p._n 185._o matter_n of_o conscience_n because_o needy_a break_v decay_a man_n who_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v and_o hope_v to_o get_v something_o turn_v independent_o and_o become_v stickler_n for_o it_o that_o some_o who_o have_v business_n cause_n and_o matter_n depend_v strike_v in_o with_o they_o and_o plead_v for_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v find_v friend_n be_v soon_o dispatch_v and_o fare_v better_o in_o their_o cause_n that_o ambitious_a proud_a covetous_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o office_n place_n of_o profit_n about_o the_o army_n excise_n etc._n etc._n turn_v about_o to_o the_o independent_o and_o be_v great_a zealot_n for_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v then_o and_o whether_o the_o same_o leaven_n do_v not_o still_o spread_v and_o ferment_n and_o perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v whoever_o look_v into_o the_o trade_n part_n of_o this_o city_n and_o indeed_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a heedless_a and_o indiligent_a observer_n if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n how_o interest_n be_v form_v and_o by_o what_o method_n party_n and_o faction_n be_v keep_v up_o how_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o poor_a sort_n of_o dissenter_n depend_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o their_o work_n and_o consequent_o for_o their_o livelihood_n and_o subsistence_n how_o many_o depend_v upon_o other_o for_o their_o trade_n and_o custom_n who_o according_o these_o man_n can_v ready_o command_v and_o do_v produce_v to_o give_v vote_n and_o increase_v party_n on_o all_o public_a occasion_n and_o what_o little_a encouragement_n any_o man_n find_v from_o they_o that_o once_o desert_n they_o and_o come_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o this_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n that_o many_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o stiff_a and_o zealous_a of_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v they_o at_o least_o the_o immediate_a descendant_n of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o late_a evil-time_n by_o rapine_n and_o violence_n share_v among_o themselves_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o be_v say_v still_o private_o to_o keep_v on_o foot_n their_o title_n to_o they_o and_o if_o so_o what_o wonder_v if_o such_o man_n look_v on_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n to_o widen_v breach_n foment_n difference_n increase_v faction_n and_o all_o this_o to_o subvert_v and_o over-turn_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v well_o assure_v they_o can_v never_o hope_v but_o over_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o church_n to_o make_v way_n to_o their_o once_o sweet_a possession_n let_v man_n therefore_o impartial_o examine_v themselves_o and_o search_v whether_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o stiffness_n these_o i_o confess_v be_v design_n too_o base_a and_o sordid_a to_o be_v own_v above_o board_n but_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v man_n look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o god_n look_v to_o the_o heart_n v._o five_o
themselves_o which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_a for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o 21._o john_n 17._o 20_o 21._o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o divers_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_n church_n we_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n 6._o eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a of_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o unless_o we_o profess_v a_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n and_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o infallibility_n no_o body_n know_v where_n unless_o we_o will_v worship_v the_o host_n and_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v therefore_o communicate_v with_o she_o unless_o we_o shall_v partake_v of_o her_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a error_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o may_v it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o causeless_a separation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a one_o so_o great_a that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o defend_v our_o leave_v a_o communion_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n if_o we_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o now_o since_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n we_o have_v need_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n for_o it_o before_o we_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o have_v rash_o withdraw_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o return_v without_o delay_n then_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o may_v occasion_v quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o that_o passionate_a entreaty_n and_o admonition_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n give_v the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v rend_v into_o several_a faction_n upon_o misunderstanding_n and_o emulation_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o we_o now_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o first_o step_n that_o can_v be_v make_v towards_o this_o happy_a concord_n in_o opinion_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o teachable_a temper_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n though_o it_o contradict_v our_o former_a persuasion_n never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o animosity_n and_o uncharitable_a contention_n which_o a_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o rom._n 14._o 19_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o unchristian_a division_n and_o glad_a of_o every_o opportunity_n that_o may_v bring_v we_o near_o to_o one_o another_o and_o think_v we_o have_v gain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n when_o we_o have_v overcome_v any_o mistake_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o generous_a and_o 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of_o one_o soul_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n these_o few_o consideration_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v may_v be_v something_o useful_a to_o the_o procurement_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a peace_n in_o all_o christian_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o careful_a never_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o passion_n or_o interest_n if_o our_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v be_v place_v upon_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a matter_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v how_o grievous_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o peace_n and_o willing_a to_o have_v our_o doubt_n and_o
prevail_v with_o many_o of_o the_o more_o undiscerning_a sort_n especial_o to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v always_o very_o dangerous_a to_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o by_o our_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o various_a impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o affection_n when_o we_o have_v scripture_n and_o reason_n on_o our_o side_n we_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o when_o we_o determine_v as_o we_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o present_a bias_n of_o our_o passion_n these_o may_v be_v charm_v or_o raise_v or_o flatten_v by_o several_a sort_n of_o spirit_n and_o quick_o betray_v we_o into_o strong_a delusion_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v as_o some_o have_v be_v to_o leave_v the_o church_n on_o this_o account_n that_o he_o think_v he_o may_v be_v more_o affect_v in_o another_o place_n before_o he_o go_v i_o will_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o do_v thus_o affect_v he_o if_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v that_o may_v be_v usual_o the_o same_o at_o least_o as_o good_a in_o our_o ordinary_a office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o unpremeditated_a petition_n and_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o separation_n for_o this_o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o chime_a and_o harmony_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v take_v with_o this_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o sensitive_a delight_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o prophet_n expression_n here_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o 32._o ezek._n 33._o 32._o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n this_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o depart_n from_o the_o public_a assembly_n this_o will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v make_v division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o gratify_v our_o own_o private_a and_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v fancy_n but_o if_o any_o one_o have_v leave_v we_o for_o a_o time_n upon_o this_o pretence_n and_o make_v some_o trial_n of_o both_o way_n than_o i_o will_v desire_v he_o strict_o to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o often_o be_v as_o dull_a and_o indifferent_a at_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v at_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v he_o consider_v whether_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o very_o many_o may_v be_v as_o serious_a and_o devout_a at_o the_o common_a prayer_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v at_o any_o in_o the_o other_o way_n he_o be_v please_v to_o prefer_v and_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o inquire_v if_o he_o see_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v both_o as_o doubtless_o he_o will_v than_o the_o scale_n will_v be_v even_o at_o the_o least_o experience_n will_v show_v that_o man_n may_v be_v fervent_a and_o affectionate_a with_o a_o form_n and_o cold_a and_o inattentive_a without_o one_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v heavy_a listless_a and_o unaffected_a at_o a_o prayer_n by_o a_o form_n this_o defect_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o devotion_n but_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v it_o and_o when_o we_o separate_a upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a iniquity_n in_o divide_v the_o church_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o charge_v our_o own_o formality_n upon_o a_o good_a and_o wholesome_a constitution_n my_o intend_a brevity_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o have_v be_v take_v at_o our_o liturgy_n only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o say_v i_o know_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v sinful_a in_o itself_o the_o most_o that_o be_v urge_v be_v some_o suppose_a inconvenience_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v to_o be_v real_a they_o can_v make_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a and_o then_o as_o i_o have_v often_o intimate_v it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_a from_o it_o and_o we_o may_v not_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o decline_v a_o inconvenience_n this_o will_v be_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o improve_v every_o slight_a exception_n into_o a_o cause_n of_o separation_n shall_v beware_v of_o this_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o divine_a service_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v for_o that_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v under_o any_o constitution_n the_o main_a inquiry_n be_v this_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a and_o whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v which_o have_v never_o be_v prove_v man_n general_o forbear_v our_o public_a worship_n without_o ever_o examine_v into_o it_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o arbitrary_a way_n before_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o admire_v but_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v take_v such_o a_o disgust_n at_o our_o liturgy_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a when_o they_o never_o have_v so_o much_o as_o read_v it_o at_o least_o consider_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o liturgy_n some_o abhor_v so_o much_o be_v make_v and_o review_v with_o that_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n that_o care_n and_o circumspection_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n now_o extant_a in_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o piety_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o performance_n in_o the_o other_o way_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o undecent_a incoherent_a irreverent_a expression_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o may_v be_v collect_v let_v any_o prayer_n make_v occasional_o and_o extempore_o by_o the_o able_a and_o most_o cautious_a of_o those_o that_o magnify_v that_o way_n and_o despise_v we_o be_v take_v exact_o in_o write_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o one_o man_n without_o any_o great_a pain_n may_v find_v more_o thing_n real_o exceptionable_a in_o that_o single_a prayer_n in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o the_o several_a party_n of_o dissenter_n with_o all_o the_o diligence_n they_o have_v hitherto_o use_v have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v in_o the_o whole_a service_n of_o our_o church_n in_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n that_o seek_v industrious_o for_o scruple_n in_o the_o common_a prayer_n will_v ready_o join_v in_o other_o sudden_a conceive_a prayer_n without_o any_o scruple_n when_o they_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o dangerous_a heresy_n in_o every_o sentence_n and_o some_o great_a indecency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o every_o word_n this_o be_v such_o partiality_n and_o unequal_a deal_n as_o can_v be_v easy_o excuse_v but_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n there_o be_v certain_a ceremony_n enjoin_v which_o they_o think_v give_v they_o occasion_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o our_o communion_n a_o man_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o true_a state_n of_o our_o case_n that_o shall_v stand_v by_o and_o only_o hear_v the_o bitter_a cry_n and_o invective_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o ceremony_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v that_o sure_a our_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o almost_o but_o ceremony_n but_o he_o will_v be_v mighty_o surprise_v when_o upon_o inquiry_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o ceremony_n which_o have_v occasion_v all_o this_o noise_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o three_o the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n and_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n he_o will_v be_v amaze_v to_o think_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o thing_n about_o which_o so_o many_o massy_a book_n have_v be_v write_v so_o great_a discord_n and_o animosity_n raise_v such_o a_o flourish_a church_n once_o quite_o destroy_v and_o now_o most_o miserable_o divide_v after_o it_o have_v be_v so_o happy_o restore_v and_o his_o wonder_n must_v be_v increase_v when_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o of_o these_o three_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o no_o more_o in_o which_o the_o people_n be_v any_o way_n concern_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o surplice_n be_v to_o be_v use_v only_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o if_o his_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v no_o man_n else_o need_v to_o be_v disturb_v about_o they_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o indeed_o be_v command_v but_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v unlawful_a it_o can_v hinder_v we_o
in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a obligation_n i_o know_v of_o to_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v to_o maintain_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n wherever_o i_o find_v it_o and_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n wherein_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o choice_n what_o church_n we_o will_v communicate_v with_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o with_o which_o we_o must_v communicate_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o judge_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n that_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 4._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v plain_o learn_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o separate_a communion_n and_o separate_a church_n for_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v great_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o then_o they_o use_v great_a art_n so_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o separation_n as_o that_o neither_o they_o themselves_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o separation_n be_v as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o indeed_o to_o prove_v a_o separation_n that_o two_o congregation_n meet_v in_o several_a place_n for_o worship_n for_o this_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o yet_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n as_o to_o local_a separation_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n because_o these_o differ_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n for_o thus_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v who_o yet_o be_v schismatic_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o where_o there_o be_v two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n though_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o one_o communion_n and_o where_o church_n own_o each_o other_o communion_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n there_o be_v no_o schism_n though_o they_o be_v as_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o in_o place_n as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o church_n to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o to_o make_v this_o as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o evasion_n and_o subterfuges_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v separate_a and_o schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o endeavour_n hence_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o any_o of_o those_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a groundless_a surmise_n and_o not_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o show_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a divine_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o private_a christian_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o any_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n so_o that_o distinct_a and_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o must_v have_v their_o distinct_a bound_n and_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a place_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o a_o new_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v and_o form_v into_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n this_o divide_v christian_a communion_n and_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n these_o church_n can_v be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o form_v and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_a the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n and_o those_o other_o conventicle_n of_o sectary_n which_o be_v among_o we_o they_o be_v church_n in_o a_o church_n church_n form_v out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n by_o which_o mean_v christian_n who_o live_v together_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v distinct_a church_n under_o their_o distinct_a bishop_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v and_o cement_v into_o one_o there_o must_v either_o be_v antibishop_n or_o schismatical_a presbyter_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o bishop_n under_z different_z and_o opposite_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o make_v they_o rival_n and_o opposite_a church_n not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n and_o we_o can_v justify_v such_o distinct_a church_n within_o one_o another_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o distinct_a church_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n also_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_a 2._o it_o be_v plain_a those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o
one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o 21._o p._n 21._o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o add_v if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o follow_v 1._o you_o say_v either_o that_o the_o french_a protestant_n have_v no_o church_n here_o but_o be_v schismatic_n in_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n so_o straight_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o of_o every_o one_o though_o a_o license_a stranger_n to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o foreign_a church_n among_o we_o which_o by_o royal_a favour_n be_v allow_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o discipline_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o communicate_v with_o our_o separatist_n she_o be_v schismatical_a herself_o as_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o france_n geneva_n or_o holland_n will_v be_v shall_v they_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o allow_v those_o foreigner_n which_o be_v among_o we_o to_o form_n and_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o schism_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o england_n which_o own_o each_o other_o communion_n a_o bare_a variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n our_o church_n pretend_v not_o to_o give_v law_n to_o other_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o she_o take_v she_o own_o and_o why_o a_o ecclesiastical_a colony_n may_v not_o for_o great_a reason_n be_v transplant_v into_o another_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o civil_a colony_n into_o another_o kingdom_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v a_o different_a thing_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o transplant_v some_o member_n of_o one_o church_n into_o another_o maintain_v the_o same_o communion_n though_o with_o some_o peculiar_a and_o different_a usage_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o come_v the_o case_n of_o stranger_n and_o native_n have_v always_o be_v account_v very_o different_a both_o upon_o a_o religious_a and_o civil_a account_n every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v she_o own_o communion_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n without_o breach_n of_o communion_n for_o though_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v different_a every_o church_n challenge_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n which_o it_o exercise_v in_o its_o own_o communion_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o suffer_v foreign_a church_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o usage_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v of_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n in_o she_o own_o bowel_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o only_a to_o exempt_v such_o congregation_n of_o stranger_n from_o her_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n indeed_o allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n under_o a_o different_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v occasion_n to_o live_v in_o other_o country_n will_v conform_v to_o all_o the_o innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o sojourn_v which_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a too_o catholic_n communion_n but_o yet_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o but_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v or_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n where_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n but_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n nay_o with_o dissenter_n too_o if_o he_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o their_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o great_a mastery_n of_o wit_n to_o turn_v my_o own_o artillery_n upon_o i_o i_o prove_v the_o dissenter_n to_o be_v schismatic_n because_o they_o set_v up_o a_o church_n within_o a_o church_n whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n in_o one_o place_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o live_v for_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n nothing_o but_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v suspend_v our_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n hence_o you_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v communicate_v with_o schismatic_n if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o we_o or_o so_o near_o to_o we_o that_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v our_o communion_n but_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n do_v equal_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o schismatic_n whether_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n yet_o if_o schismatical_a they_o be_v not_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o however_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o occasion_n serve_v yes_o no_o doubt_n we_o may_v because_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o than_o follow_v the_o murder_v consequence_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a communion_n with_o she_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o every_o member_n as_o a_o member_n be_v in_o constant_a communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o 10._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o i_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o then_o church-communion_n do_v not_o primary_o respect_v a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a 13._o p._n 13._o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o interruption_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o any_o church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v neither_o heretic_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o the_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v constant_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n the_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v perform_v sometime_o in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o sometime_o in_o another_o as_o our_o presence_n abode_n or_o occasion_n require_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v possible_a actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n either_o in_o england_n or_o
to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v
follow_v that_o only_o the_o able_a of_o all_o these_o may_v be_v join_v with_o because_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v worse_o and_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v if_o edification_n be_v always_o to_o be_v consult_v and_o be_v to_o determine_v we_o in_o our_o choice_n of_o minister_n church_n and_o ordinance_n five_o they_o say_v edification_n do_v not_o depend_v arg._n 5_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o worship_n as_o god_n blessing_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o break_v the_o order_n peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v assert_v by_o mr._n hildersham_n 58._o lect._n 54_o p._n 254_o &_o lect._n 58._o it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o humble_v to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v profit_v by_o the_o mean_a minister_n god_n have_v send_v the_o power_n of_o the_o ministry_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o teacher_n gift_n but_o god_n blessing_n the_o latter_a be_v maintain_v by_o mr._n vine_n it_o be_v say_v order_n in_o a_o army_n kill_v no_o 246._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 246._o body_n yet_o without_o it_o the_o army_n be_v but_o a_o rout_n neither_o able_a to_o offend_v or_o defend_v so_o haply_o order_n in_o the_o church_n convert_v no_o body_n yet_o without_o it_o i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o church_n can_v attain_v her_o end_n or_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o beget_v or_o breed_v up_o soul_n to_o god_n therefore_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o mr._n baxter_n do_v not_o sermon_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n think_v to_o prosper_v by_o break_v over_o the_o hedge_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o right_n of_o holiness_n so_o of_o edification_n whatsoever_o follow_v any_o party_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o to_o separation_n the_o mischief_n of_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o dr._n tuckney_n experience_n say_v 31._o sermon_n at_o paul_n on_o act_n 9_o 31._o he_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v be_v poor_o edify_v by_o those_o who_o have_v daub_v up_o their_o babel_n with_o untempered_a mortar_n etc._n etc._n when_o the_o church_n be_v rend_v by_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o one_o congregation_n be_v turn_v into_o many_o conventicle_n false_o now_o call_v church_n this_o do_v diminish_v weaken_v and_o ruin_n last_o when_o they_o do_v grant_v that_o edification_n may_v serve_v to_o guide_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v where_o we_o can_v most_o profit_n it_o be_v with_o such_o limitation_n and_o caution_n as_o these_o it_o must_v be_v seldom_o in_o a_o great_a case_n without_o offence_n and_o contempt_n thus_o mr._n hildersham_n i_o 253._o lect._n 54._o p._n 253._o dare_v not_o condemn_v such_o christian_n as_o have_v pastor_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v of_o mean_a gift_n do_v desire_n so_o they_o do_v it_o without_o open_a breach_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n order_n to_o enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o such_o as_o have_v better_a gift_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o do_v it_o without_o contempt_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o without_o scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o they_o and_o their_o people_n so_o again_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o leave_v your_o own_o pastor_n at_o any_o 58._o lect._n 58._o time_n with_o contempt_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o when_o you_o say_v or_o think_v alas_o he_o be_v no_o body_n a_o good_a honest_a man_n but_o he_o have_v no_o gift_n i_o can_v profit_v by_o he_o and_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v too_o cautious_a in_o the_o case_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o do_v this_o innocent_o he_o only_o make_v right_a use_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o hear_v such_o as_o have_v more_o excellent_a gift_n than_o his_o own_o pastor_n and_o learn_v thereby_o to_o like_v his_o own_o pastor_n the_o better_a and_o to_o profit_v more_o by_o he_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v but_o seldom_o we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n who_o upon_o this_o question_n will_v 12._o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la minist_n evangel_n p._n 11_o 12._o you_o have_v a_o man_n keep_v constant_o to_o the_o minister_n under_o who_o he_o live_v do_v answer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o rigid_a as_o to_o tie_v up_o people_n from_o hear_v other_o minister_n occasional_o even_o upon_o the_o lord's-day_n but_o yet_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o gospel-order_n upon_o the_o ground_n foremention_v thus_o it_o be_v resolve_v also_o by_o one_o of_o a_o more_o rigid_a way_n 72._o methermeneut_n p._n 72._o who_o put_v this_o question_n whether_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n may_v hear_v indifferent_o elsewhere_o and_o return_v this_o answer_n god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n as_o distance_n of_o habitation_n hand_v such_o a_o point_n but_o most_o certain_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v most_o to_o be_v with_o their_o own_o church_n the_o imagine_v content_a in_o hear_v other_o be_v rather_o a_o temptation_n than_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n worship_n or_o ministry_n without_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n that_o do_v accompany_v it_o and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o reason_n so_o much_o as_o those_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o but_o admit_v this_o yet_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o worthy_a person_n be_v of_o any_o consideration_n thus_o mr._n hildersham_n declare_v 131._o lect._n 29._o p._n 131._o when_o he_o be_v reprove_v such_o as_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o to_o stay_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o he_o thus_o proceed_v because_o i_o see_v many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v most_o knowledge_n and_o be_v forward_a professor_n offend_v in_o this_o way_n i_o will_v manifest_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o men._n 1._o they_o sin_n against_o themselves_o in_o the_o profit_n they_o may_v receive_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n service_n not_o the_o confession_n not_o the_o prayer_n not_o the_o psalm_n not_o the_o blessing_n but_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o and_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v edification_n by_o it_o this_o he_o otherwhere_o repeat_v and_o say_v by_o the_o confession_n 129._o lect._n 28_o p._n 129._o and_o all_o other_o prayer_n use_v in_o the_o congregation_n a_o man_n may_v receive_v more_o profit_n than_o by_o many_o other_o of_o this_o opinion_n as_o to_o the_o most_o of_o the_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o not_o only_o some_o few_o 13._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 13._o select_a prayer_n but_o many_o prayer_n and_o other_o exhortation_n may_v lawful_o be_v use_v with_o fruit_n and_o edification_n to_o god_n people_n as_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v among_o we_o nr._n nye_n 3._o case_n of_o great_a use_n p._n 3._o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrinal_a truth_n which_o in_o the_o enlargement_n and_o application_n be_v sufficient_a both_o for_o conversion_n and_o edification_n to_o which_o the_o preacher_n be_v to_o assent_v and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n interpret_v and_o apply_v by_o preach_v in_o this_o way_n be_v a_o choice_a mercy_n and_o gift_n wherewith_o god_n have_v bless_v this_o nation_n for_o many_o year_n to_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o many_o thousand_o and_o he_o afterward_o ascribe_v the_o want_n of_o edification_n to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o people_n such_o reason_v say_v he_o against_o 25._o pag._n 25._o hear_v though_o they_o convince_v not_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o leave_v such_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o be_v tender_a as_o perplex_v and_o render_v hear_v less_o profitable_a and_o edify_a even_o to_o those_o that_o be_v persuade_v of_o its_o lawfulness_n this_o mr._n tomb_n declare_v himself_o free_o 317._o theodulia_n c._n 9_o §_o 8._o p._n 317._o in_o if_o we_o look_v to_o experience_n of_o former_a time_n there_o be_v now_o ground_n to_o expect_v a_o blessing_n from_o conform_v preacher_n as_o well_o or_o rather_o more_o than_o from_o preacher_n of_o the_o separate_a church_n sure_o the_o conversion_n consolation_n strengthen_v establish_v of_o soul_n in_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v more_o in_o england_n from_o preacher_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o separation_n whether_o nonconformist_n to_o ceremony_n or_o conformist_n presbyterial_a or_o episcopal_a even_o from_o bishop_n themselves_o than_o from_o the_o best_a of_o the_o separatist_n i_o think_v all_o
that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o last_o age_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o more_o good_a have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o usher_n potter_n abbot_n jewel_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n by_o preston_n sibbs_n taylor_n whately_n hildersham_n ball_n perkins_n dod_n stock_n and_o many_o thousand_o adversary_n to_o the_o separate_a church_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o ainsworth_n johnson_n robinson_n rigid_a separatist_n or_o cotton_n thomas_n hooker_n and_o other_o though_o man_n of_o precious_a memory_n promoter_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n congregational_a and_o therefore_o if_o the_o bishop_n and_o conform_v preacher_n now_o apply_v themselves_o as_o we_o hope_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v more_o allay_v they_o will_v to_o the_o profitable_a way_n of_o preach_v against_o popery_n and_o profaneness_n exciting_a their_o auditor_n to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n if_o not_o better_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o separatist_n be_v for_o their_o party_n and_o the_o speak_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o edify_v in_o love_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n ephes_n 4._o 16._o to_o expect_v by_o they_o a_o blessing_n in_o promote_a the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o from_o the_o separatist_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o worship_n or_o doctrine_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o their_o apprehension_n do_v not_o want_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n and_o consequent_o the_o argument_n take_v from_o edification_n in_o justification_n of_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v inclusive_a and_o of_o no_o force_n but_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o will_v be_v further_o confirm_v under_o the_o three_o general_n but_o however_o this_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o quit_v for_o suppose_v the_o doctrine_n good_a and_o those_o that_o teach_v it_o capable_a as_o far_o as_o learning_n and_o part_n be_v requisite_a to_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o yet_o if_o they_o themselves_o be_v loose_a and_o scandalous_a it_o may_v give_v just_a offence_n and_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n in_o which_o such_o do_v officiate_v p._n 3._o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o worship_n administer_v in_o it_o what_o holy_a mr._n rogers_n say_v be_v a_o great_a truth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v 223._o seven_o treatise_n tract_n 3._o c._n 4_o p._n 223._o but_o that_o the_o example_n of_o ignorant_a and_o unreformed_a especial_o notorious_a person_n in_o the_o ministry_n have_v do_v and_o do_v much_o harm_n and_o if_o either_o they_o can_v be_v convict_v or_o if_o their_o crime_n be_v such_o as_o can_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o their_o place_n there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o grief_n that_o such_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v so_o weighty_a and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o in_o high_a reverence_n but_o yet_o before_o the_o objection_n be_v admit_v it_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o church_n it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o their_o conformity_n to_o it_o for_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n of_o this_o sort_n always_o be_v and_o still_o be_v in_o the_o church_n what_o there_o be_v former_o 57_o defence_n part_v 1._o p._n 57_o may_v be_v read_v in_o mr._n baxter_n who_o thus_o deliver_v himself_o when_o i_o think_v what_o learned_a holy_a incomparable_a man_n abundance_n of_o the_o old_a conformist_n be_v my_o heart_n rise_v against_o the_o thought_n of_o separate_n from_o they_o such_o as_o mr._n bolton_n mr._n whately_n mr._n fenner_n etc._n etc._n and_o abundance_n other_o such_o yea_o such_o as_o bishop_n jewel_n bishop_n grindal_n bishop_n hall_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o the_o martyr_n too_o as_o cranmer_z ridley_n hooper_n himself_o etc._n etc._n what_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n he_o also_o tell_v we_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o hundred_o godly_a minister_n 12._o ibid._n p._n 12._o in_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n and_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n say_v i_o profess_v to_o know_v those_o of_o 11._o ibid._n p._n 11._o they_o who_o i_o take_v to_o be_v much_o better_a than_o myself_o i_o will_v say_v a_o great_a word_n that_o i_o know_v those_o of_o they_o who_o i_o think_v as_o godly_a and_o humble_a minister_n as_o most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o i_o know_v so_o say_v dr._n bryan_n in_o some_o country_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v 313._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 313._o many_o sober_a godly_a orthodox_n able_a preacher_n yet_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o public_a place_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v that_o this_o argument_n if_o of_o any_o yet_o be_v of_o no_o far_a force_n than_o against_o the_o congregation_n where_o such_o be_v and_o so_o be_v of_o none_o against_o the_o church_n itself_o where_o be_v good_a as_o well_o as_o bad_a nor_o against_o parochial_a communion_n where_o such_o be_v not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n argue_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o 11._o defence_n part_n 1._o p._n 11._o hundred_o parish_n minister_n who_o preach_v holy_o and_o live_v holy_o though_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o they_o be_v more_o and_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o charge_v any_o other_o man_n sin_n on_o they_o etc._n etc._n or_o to_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o the_o good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v to_o condemn_v the_o sound_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o infect_v have_v premise_v this_o we_o shall_v reassume_a the_o case_n and_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v state_v and_o resolve_v by_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o bad_a minister_n in_o some_o case_n where_o they_o may_v have_v better_o so_o mr._n rogers_n as_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o be_v a_o 223._o tract_n 3._o p._n 223._o patron_n of_o such_o or_o to_o justify_v they_o so_o yet_o while_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o better_a i_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o such_o where_o a_o better_a can_v be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o mr._n rogers_n who_o can_v blame_v he_o ibid._n ibid._n who_o desire_v to_o pray_v with_o better_a than_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o better_a to_o join_v with_o they_o sometime_o than_o to_o leave_v the_o public_a assembly_n altogether_o so_o mr._n baxter_n no_o 114._o cure_n dir_fw-mi 17._o p._n 114._o people_n shall_v choose_v and_o prefer_v a_o ungodly_a minister_n before_o a_o better_a but_o they_o shall_v rather_o submit_v to_o such_o than_o have_v none_o when_o a_o better_a by_o they_o can_v be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n the_o scripture_n teach_v evident_o that_o 11._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 11._o the_o people_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o join_v with_o they_o unworthy_a minister_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o separate_n from_o the_o ordinance_n they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n for_o the_o worship_n be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o god_n the_o person_n unworthy_o execute_v his_o place_n be_v neither_o set_v up_o by_o some_o few_o private_a christian_n nor_o can_v by_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o warrant_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o such_o as_o ought_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o intermeddle_v with_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v none_o from_o god_n so_o mr._n ball_n to_o communicate_v with_o minister_n no_o better_o 17._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n c._n 13._o p._n 311._o v._o tomb_n theodulia_n p._n 17._o than_o pharisee_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o worship_n god_n aright_o to_o reverence_v his_o ordinance_n to_o rely_v upon_o his_o grace_n to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o submit_v unto_o his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o they_o maintain_v by_o several_a argument_n as_o first_o such_o be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n arg._n 1_o must_v never_o have_v be_v hold_v with_o the_o church_n if_o no_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v where_o such_o be_v so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n argue_v if_o the_o minister_n make_v 10._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-engl_n etc._n etc._n
kind_n that_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v as_o well_o wound_v themselves_o as_o those_o they_o bend_v it_o against_o and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n so_o mr._n baxter_n many_o that_o observe_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o holy_a discipline_n avoid_v this_o 231._o cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o error_n by_o turn_v to_o a_o sinful_a separation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o grave_a advice_n of_o dr._n owen_n when_o 77._o evangel_n lo●e_a c_o 3_o p._n 77._o any_o church_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o consent_n antecedent_o a_o member_n do_v fall_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a from_o any_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v or_o when_o it_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n or_o irregulatity_n in_o its_o administration_n such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v place_v in_o his_o present_a state_n by_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v orderly_o therein_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o such_o defection_n and_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o they_o who_o miscarriage_n at_o present_a he_o can_v remedy_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o large_a and_o spacious_a field_n for_o wisdom_n patience_n love_n and_o prudent_a zeal_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a imagination_n that_o separation_n be_v the_o only_a cure_n for_o church-disorder_n if_o this_o advice_n be_v good_a in_o one_o case_n it_o be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o faithful_o follow_v this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o force_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o little_a this_o plea_n of_o the_o defective_a discipline_n reach_v the_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o law_n take_v order_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o dr._n bryan_n say_v 28._o say_v say_v say_v dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p_o 301._o v._o grave_a confut_o part_n 1._o p._n 17._o ●ermin_n separation_n examine_v p._n 28._o and_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n put_v thereby_o into_o the_o minister_n hand_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o after_o dr._n collins_n have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o rubric_n canon_n etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v 122._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 151_o &_o 154._o v._o vine_n on_o sacrament_n c._n 19_o p._n 233._o brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church_n reformat_fw-la p_o 122._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o time_n ever_o since_o it_o be_v a_o church_n have_v be_v to_o suspend_v some_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v defect_n through_o some_o past_a and_o present_a obstruction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yet_o can_v the_o church_n proper_o stand_v charge_v with_o they_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v 236._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 48._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o blake'_v vindiciae_fw-la c._n 31._o p._n 236._o or_o whatever_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n from_o a_o defect_n remissness_n or_o corruption_n therein_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v from_o a_o grave_a author_n those_o say_v he_o that_o for_o many_o year_n together_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o three_o last_o prince_n deny_v to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o this_o church_n have_v a_o low_a opinion_n of_o the_o discipline_n then_o exercise_v of_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o large_a evidence_n yet_o how_o tender_a be_v they_o of_o the_o church_n honour_n to_o keep_v christian_n in_o communion_n how_o zealous_a be_v they_o against_o separation_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o mr._n parker_n mr._n paget_n mr._n ball._n mr._n brightman_n lay_v we_o low_a enough_o when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o parallel_v we_o with_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n but_o make_v that_o church_n the_o type_n and_o we_o the_o antitype_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o discipline_n yet_o how_o zealous_a be_v he_o against_o separation_n from_o these_o assembler_n and_o break_v out_o in_o these_o word_n therefore_o their_o error_n be_v wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a who_o so_o forsake_v the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v altogether_o banish_v thence_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o grave_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o what_o rule_v they_o do_v lay_v down_o about_o it_o and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o the_o last_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o reverend_a person_n to_o his_o parishioner_n in_o a_o farewell_n sermon_n in_o 454._o england_n remembranc_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o these_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o extreme_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a temptation_n in_o a_o time_n of_o difference_n to_o think_v we_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o they_o we_o differ_v from_o and_o so_o whilst_o we_o decline_v one_o rock_n we_o split_v upon_o another_o remember_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o superstition_n and_o separation_n maintain_v i_o beseech_v you_o sober_a principle_n such_o as_o these_o be_v that_o every_o defective_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o false_a ministry_n that_o sinful_a super-addition_n do_v not_o nullify_v divine_a institution_n that_o sinful_a defect_n in_o ordinance_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o direct_v a_o worship_n prescribe_v thing_n simple_o evil_a and_o manifest_o idolatrous_a and_o direct_v about_o worship_n thing_n doubtful_o good_a be_v enjoin_v but_o the_o unquestionable_a substance_n of_o worship_n be_v maintain_v this_o latter_a ter_z do_v not_o justify_v separation_n and_o that_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v such_o but_o what_o may_v be_v safe_o communicate_v in_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v from_o they_o 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o eminent_a nonconformist_n general_n 3._o general_n have_v have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v enjoin_v upon_o those_o that_o hold_v lay-communion_n with_o it_o which_o respect_v form_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n tolerable_a and_o what_o no_o church_n be_v without_o more_o or_o less_o 68_o less_o less_o less_o letter_n of_o the_o mi●ist_n of_o old-engl_n p._n 12_o 13._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 311._o troughton_n apol_n c._n 7_o p._n 68_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v communion_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o dedic_n few_o few_o few_o owen_n peace-off_a p._n 17._o mischief_n of_o imposition_n epist_n dedic_n first_o form_n and_o so_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o public_a form_n of_o form_n prescribe_v and_o of_o that_o particular_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n use_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v declare_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o what_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n so_o mr._n ball_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v 131._o trial_n c._n 2._o p._n 36_o etc._n etc._n 8._o p._n 131._o any_o particular_a form_n stint_v or_o not_o stint_v as_o necessary_a but_o do_v warrant_n both_o as_o allowable_a for_o where_o nothing_o be_v in_o particular_a command_v touch_v the_o external_a form_n of_o word_n and_o order_n in_o which_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o to_o put_v religion_n in_o read_v or_o utter_v word_n in_o a_o stint_a or_o conceive_a form_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o superstition_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o 137._o
and_o vilify_v the_o person_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a jesus_n his_o person_n as_o one_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o follow_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o merit_n and_o what_o can_v such_o person_n expect_v but_o that_o god_n will_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o the_o infinite_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o great_a undertake_n in_o some_o remarkable_a way_n upon_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n by_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n or_o in_o the_o next_o without_o repentance_n by_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 30._o their_o eternal_a damnation_n obj._n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o come_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n and_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o a_o confirm_a ordinance_n answ_n conversion_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a sense_n 1._o for_o turn_v man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o open_a infidelity_n to_o the_o poofession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o indeed_o till_o man_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n convert_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n neither_o jew_n nor_o turk_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o a_o state_n of_o gentilism_n till_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v receive_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n can_v come_v to_o it_o 2._o take_v conversion_n for_o the_o turn_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o baptize_v and_o do_v profess_v christ_n religion_n from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n and_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o more_o 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upon_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o it_o what_o a_o mighty_a evil_n must_v sin_v needs_o be_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v it_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a malignity_n must_v sin_n have_v in_o it_o when_o it_o lay_v on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o omnipotency_n such_o a_o load_n of_o wrath_n as_o make_v he_o complain_v and_o sweat_v and_o groan_v and_o die_v again_o here_o we_o repeat_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o god_n solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o afresh_o to_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o new_a oath_n to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a love_n for_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o can_v break_v through_o all_o these_o bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o come_v at_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o some_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o or_o the_o negligence_n and_o connivance_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v chief_o pretend_v be_v that_o the_o viciousness_n of_o those_o member_n do_v derive_v a_o stain_n and_o defilement_n on_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o pollute_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o upon_o that_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o sinful_a company_n now_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o good_a man_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o mix_a assembly_n that_o the_o communion_n receive_v no_o perjudice_n by_o the_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o its_o member_n they_o be_v frequent_o to_o exhort_v and_o advise_v they_o for_o this_o end_n be_v we_o place_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o though_o to_o instruct_v the_o flock_n god_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n on_o purpose_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n und_fw-ge to_o good_a 24._o heb._n 3._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 24._o work_n they_o be_v prudent_o and_o with_o much_o affection_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o rude_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o they_o without_o disturbance_n so_o run_v the_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n but_o thou_o shall_v rebuke_v thy_o brother_n 17._o leu._n 19_o 17._o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o be_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n 1._o gal._n 6._o 1._o consider_v that_o thou_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v they_o be_v to_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o can_v see_v god_n dishhonour_v his_o law_n trample_v upon_o his_o brother_n wilful_o undo_v himself_o but_o he_o must_v be_v deep_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n say_v the_o psalmist_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o when_o in_o ezekiel_n time_n the_o jewish_a church_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v it_o as_o the_o particular_a mark_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o upright_a not_o that_o they_o separate_v but_o sigh_v and_o cry_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v in_o she_o of_o the_o same_o holy_a frame_n and_o 4._o ezek._n 9_o 4._o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v st._n paul_n he_o can_v not_o mention_v those_o in_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n who_o whilst_o they_o profess_v christianity_n show_v themselves_o by_o their_o sensuality_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a to_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n without_o sorrow_n and_o tear_n of_o who_o say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o weep_v 18._o phil._n 3._o 18._o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o though_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o necessary_a business_n require_v it_o and_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n can_v be_v perform_v but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o such_o person_n i_o may_v be_v in_o their_o company_n without_o blame_n yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n i_o be_o to_o show_v my_o dislike_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n by_o shun_v their_o society_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o 14._o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14._o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a again_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n i_o write_v to_o you_o in_o a_o epistle_n not_o to_o keep_v company_n if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o a_o idolater_n or_o etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v if_o private_a and_o often_o repeat_v admonition_n by_o himself_o or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v they_o be_v then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o they_o that_o by_o its_o more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o that_o side_n and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o abstract_o consider_v be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a when_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o i_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o usury_n and_o law_n suit_v and_o twenty_o more_o may_v be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n if_o this_o now_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n and_o likewise_o so_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o separation_n that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n these_o consideration_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n a_o simple_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v sufficient_a weight_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o they_o do_v not_o act_n so_o reasonable_o as_o he_o may_v do_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o foolish_o do_v of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v be_v shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o point_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o no_o less_o a_o stake_n than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o he_o live_v and_o the_o security_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v and_o withal_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o last_o the_o fortune_n also_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o wise_a venture_n as_o this_o do_v every_o one_o among_o we_o make_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfuless_a of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o our_o communion_n do_v persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_v dissenter_n they_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o to_o the_o world_n in_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n their_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o their_o reputation_n at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o the_o disturbance_n they_o have_v all_o along_o occasion_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v also_o bring_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n into_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o just_a prosecution_n of_o law_n they_o have_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a about_o but_o this_o will_v appear_v much_o clear_a when_o we_o have_v set_v the_o doubt_n about_o conformity_n upon_o the_o right_a foot_n viz._n considere_v it_o as_o a_o double_a doubt_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v other_o dissenter_n who_o as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n do_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o question_n as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v to_o our_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o land_n do_v require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o these_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o consequent_o must_v doubt_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o two_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n the_o answer_n be_v very_o short_a and_o it_o be_v this_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n on_o both_o side_n be_v pretty_a equal_a in_o that_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v always_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o its_o own_o side_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o be_v in_o the_o other_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v unequal_a and_o here_o the_o case_n be_v this_o as_o the_o man_n apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n so_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v because_o it_o do_v appear_v more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o great_a probobility_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o but_o to_o this_o likewise_o we_o be_v ready_o provide_v of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n viz._n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o the_o balance_n be_v so_o far_o incline_v one_o way_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o have_v weight_n enough_o to_o cast_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o church_n communion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v the_o law_n than_o of_o obey_v they_o as_o will_n with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a
shall_v be_v scandalize_v at_o what_o another_o man_n do_v for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o such_o a_o person_n and_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o sin_n ignorant_o and_o his_o say_v this_o confute_v his_o ignorance_n if_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o betray_v into_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o it_o through_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v scandalize_v but_o wilful_o commit_v it_o this_o a_o great_a bishop_n compare_v with_o the_o peevishness_n of_o a_o little_a child_n who_o when_o he_o be_v command_v to_o pronounce_v the_o word_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o tell_v you_o he_o can_v pronounce_v that_o word_n at_o the_o same_o time_n name_v the_o word_n he_o pretend_v he_o can_v speak_v such_o nonsense_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o forbid_v i_o do_v any_o thing_n upon_o pretence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o or_o make_v he_o through_o mistake_n fall_v into_o some_o sin_n when_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o so_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o avoid_v the_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o the_o danger_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v unto_o sure_o say_v solomon_n prov._n 1._o 17._o in_o vain_a be_v the_o net_n spread_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o bird._n if_o to_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v any_o one_o be_v to_o tempt_v and_o draw_v he_o into_o some_o sin_n whereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v wound_v there_o then_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n and_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o appoint_v by_o or_o use_v in_o it_o but_o what_o may_v be_v comply_v withal_o without_o sin_n for_o this_o as_o i_o before_o observe_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o question_n i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o he_o who_o absent_v from_o his_o parish_n church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a his_o weak_a brethren_n be_v convince_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o therefore_o by_o his_o own_o conformity_n he_o can_v only_o engage_v other_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v do_v which_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v lawful_a i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v be_v afraid_a of_o scandalize_a other_o by_o it_o or_o make_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o his_o example_n unless_o he_o will_v imagine_v his_o brethren_n not_o so_o weak_a but_o so_o wicked_a as_o to_o worship_n the_o host_n because_o he_o kneel_v at_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o adore_v the_o cross_n because_o he_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o that_o they_o will_v renounce_v all_o religion_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v their_o way_n of_o separation_n this_o can_v but_o prove_v a_o vain_a excuse_n for_o i_o to_o forbear_v do_v that_o in_o which_o there_o be_v real_o no_o evil_a lest_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o example_n i_o make_v other_o sin_n in_o do_v the_o same_o innocent_a action_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o if_o by_o my_o example_n i_o prevail_v with_o other_o to_o return_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n they_o be_v not_o thereby_o at_o all_o scandalize_v but_o i_o have_v do_v they_o a_o most_o signal_n kindness_n and_o benefit_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o what_o i_o do_v be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a yet_o it_o may_v minister_v occasion_n or_o provocation_n to_o other_o to_o do_v something_o else_o that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o i_o become_v true_o guilty_a of_o give_v offence_n i_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v accountable_a only_o for_o the_o natural_a tendency_n or_o probable_a effect_n of_o our_o action_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o foresee_v and_o prevent_v remote_a probabilite_n and_o contingency_n and_o bare_a possibility_n come_v not_o into_o reckon_v nor_o be_v they_o at_o all_o to_o be_v weigh_v if_o in_o every_o action_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o consider_v what_o advantage_n a_o wicked_a sensual_a man_n or_o a_o weak_a silly_a man_n may_v take_v and_o what_o argument_n he_o may_v possible_o thence_o draw_v to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o folly_n or_o excuse_v himself_o from_o the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o religion_n this_o will_v open_v the_o door_n to_o infinite_a scrupulosity_n and_o trouble_n and_o i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o give_v scandal_n now_o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o dare_v bold_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o name_v any_o one_o sin_n either_o against_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o that_o our_o conformity_n do_v give_v any_o real_a probable_a occasion_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a to_o conceit_n that_o our_o nonconform_a brethren_n will_v out_o of_o mere_a perverseness_n or_o spite_n and_o revenge_v run_v into_o sin_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v our_o leave_v they_o criminal_a and_o vicious_a which_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o do_v yet_o they_o will_v lose_v the_o design_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o prove_v the_o only_a guilty_a person_n themselves_o the_o only_a thing_n i_o imagine_v can_v be_v further_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o though_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o yet_o by_o my_o conformity_n i_o may_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v other_o that_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o nay_o those_o who_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o rather_o than_o stand_v out_o or_o be_v move_v by_o the_o opin_v on_o they_o have_v of_o my_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n to_o follow_v my_o example_n with_o a_o doubt_v or_o gainsay_v conscience_n suppose_v a_o master_n of_o family_n that_o use_v to_o frequent_v the_o private_a meeting_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n use_v to_o follow_v he_o thither_o but_o afterward_o by_o read_v of_o such_o good_a book_n as_o have_v be_v late_o write_v be_v himself_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o go_v to_o church_n and_o at_o last_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v only_o he_o be_v afraid_a that_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o family_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n he_o will_v be_v apt_a also_o to_o forsake_v the_o private_a meeting_n and_o go_v along_o with_o he_o to_o church_n though_o it_o be_v altogether_o against_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n or_o suppose_v he_o a_o man_n of_o eminency_n among_o his_o neighbour_n on_o who_o favour_n many_o do_v depend_v of_o great_a interest_n and_o reputation_n by_o who_o example_n many_o be_v sway_v and_o lead_v though_o himself_n do_v conform_v upon_o good_a reason_n and_o principle_n yet_o his_o example_n may_v invite_v many_o other_o to_o it_o though_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o now_o here_o i_o desire_v these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o go_v to_o the_o separate_a meeting_n against_o one_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o public_a church_n against_o one_o conscience_n why_o then_o ought_v not_o this_o man_n to_o be_v as_o afraid_a when_o he_o leave_v his_o parish-church_n and_o frequent_v the_o private_a congregation_n lest_o he_o shall_v draw_v some_o to_o follow_v he_o thither_o with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o fear_v if_o he_o leave_v the_o meeting_n and_o resort_n to_o his_o parish-church_n some_o not_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o thither_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o example_n interest_n reputation_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o instance_n the_o danger_n of_o give_v this_o scandal_n be_v equal_a that_o therefore_o wh●ch_v aught_o to_o determine_v his_o practice_n must_v be_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o separatist_n but_o be_v now_o himself_o satisfy_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n aught_o to_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n in_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v other_o also_o especial_o those_o who_o he_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o think_v to_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n by_o his_o example_n he_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o his_o former_a mistake_n to_o set_v before_o they_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o his_o change_n be_v ground_v and_o must_v do_v this_o public_o and_o frequent_o persuade_v other_o to_o use_v the_o same_o help_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v so_o effectual_a for_o his_o own_o conviction_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v all_o that_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a effect_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v further_o answerable_a for_o the_o consequence_n
leen_n offer_v in_o sacrifice_n by_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o daemon_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v at_o large_a hereafter_o to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v two_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o there_o which_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n v._o 31._o whatsoever_o therefore_o you_o do_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n whatever_o you_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a you_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o violate_v none_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n either_o by_o what_o you_o do_v or_o what_o you_o refuse_v to_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o meaning_n of_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i._n e._n keep_v we_o close_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o for_o then_o god_n be_v most_o true_o glorify_v by_o we_o when_o we_o express_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o law_n in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n the_o second_o rule_n be_v charity_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o those_o we_o converse_v with_o and_o live_v among_o that_o we_o neither_o grieve_v nor_o injure_v they_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n so_o often_o quote_v by_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o consider_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v some_o contest_v with_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n about_o it_o there_o have_v be_v great_a talk_n about_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n by_o conformty_n and_o compliance_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o among_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o this_o have_v be_v press_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o cause_n either_o to_o add_v some_o real_a weight_n to_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o to_o add_v to_o their_o number_n though_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o i_o think_v it_o be_v only_o to_o make_v a_o show_n and_o to_o render_v the_o bulk_n of_o their_o exception_n the_o big_a that_o this_o be_v summon_v to_o the_o muster_n and_o not_o for_o any_o real_a weight_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o serve_v the_o cause_n however_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o great_a noise_n be_v make_v with_o it_o and_o as_o a_o mighty_a noise_n have_v be_v make_v about_o scandal_n and_o great_a pain_n use_v to_o wrest_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o to_o serve_v man_n purpose_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o great_a art_n have_v be_v employ_v to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o from_o comply_v with_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v so_o very_o great_a a_o scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o weak_a conscience_n two_o great_a and_o popular_a plea_n against_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o ceremony_n retain_v by_o it_o have_v be_v these_o tenderness_n and_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n in_o some_o and_o fear_v of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n to_o such_o in_o other_o some_o man_n have_v plead_v their_o own_o scruple_n and_o want_v of_o sufficient_a conviction_n and_o information_n and_o excuse_v their_o omission_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o some_o have_v allege_v their_o fear_n of_o scandal_n and_o offend_a other_o and_o plead_v that_o in_o bar_n of_o their_o compliance_n from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n give_v none_o offence_n etc._n etc._n how_o much_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o place_n be_v mistake_v and_o how_o false_a the_o consequence_n that_o be_v make_v from_o it_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o oblige_v to_o show_v my_o province_n at_o this_o time_n be_v about_o the_o second_o this_o place_n that_o i_o have_v now_o quote_v in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a question_n nor_o will_v serve_v that_o purpose_n that_o the_o dissenter_n from_o our_o church_n allege_v it_o for_o 2._o that_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v conclude_v against_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o present_a case_n betwixt_o we_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o place_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o pertinent_o urge_v by_o our_o brethren_n against_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o present_a rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o i_o may_v do_v from_o two_o thing_n mistake_v great_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o text._n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n here_o mention_v 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v which_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o what_o man_n scruple_n or_o forbear_v in_o our_o case_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o a_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o general_n or_o a_o remove_n and_o rectify_v those_o many_o common_a mistake_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o only_o to_o observe_v so_o much_o as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o then_o i_o observe_v that_o as_o there_o be_v only_o two_o notion_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o there_o be_v only_o two_o case_n in_o which_o man_n be_v proper_o and_o primary_o capable_a of_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o give_v it_o to_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o notion_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o snare_n or_o a_o gin_n by_o which_o man_n be_v entrap_v and_o draw_v into_o some_o plain_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n and_o particular_o in_o that_o famous_a speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 18._o 6._o to_o 10._o and_o man_n do_v then_o give_v offence_n or_o scandalize_v other_o when_o they_o do_v that_o which_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o induce_v other_o either_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v and_o be_v a_o plain_a duty_n both_o which_o man_n may_v do_v several_a way_n which_o it_o be_v not_o now_o so_o very_o needful_a to_o reckon_v up_o single_o 2._o the_o second_o notion_n of_o scandal●is_n that_o it_o be_v some_o just_a cause_n of_o grief_n or_o trouble_n to_o other_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o that_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o walk_v in_o it_o with_o that_o cheerfulness_n and_o security_n that_o they_o otherwise_o will_v according_a to_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v render_v offence_n in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n i._n e._n some_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n of_o trouble_n or_o grief_n give_v to_o another_o by_o something_o that_o he_o see_v we_o either_o omit_v or_o do_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a occasion_n of_o another_o man_n sin_n but_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n and_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n so_o it_o be_v use_v particular_o joh._n 16._o 1._o and_o rom._n 14._o 15._o it_o be_v express_v by_o grieve_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n man_n give_v offence_n to_o other_o when_o either_o by_o do_v or_o neglect_v something_o themselves_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n or_o grief_n to_o other_o and_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o christian_a course_n and_o occasion_n to_o they_o some_o trouble_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v free_a from_o 2._o have_v observe_v this_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o scandal_n can_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a case_n nor_o can_v
we_o be_v say_v to_o give_v offence_n to_o other_o in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n by_o conform_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o not_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v in_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o case_n either_o first_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v essential_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o a_o sin_n or_o second_o by_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o induce_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v a_o sin_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o comply_v with_o the_o rite_n and_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v give_v offence_n in_o either_o of_o these_o sense_n than_o i_o here_o profess_v i_o will_v myself_o immediate_o turn_v their_o proselyte_n and_o renounce_v conformity_n and_o protest_v against_o it_o for_o ever_o 1._o it_o have_v scarce_o ever_o yet_o be_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n require_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o that_o be_v essential_o evil_a none_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o charge_v her_o doctrine_n with_o falsehood_n or_o her_o discipline_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a and_o when_o any_o shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v find_v enough_o to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o even_o our_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n have_v dare_v to_o charge_v we_o no_o further_o in_o either_o of_o these_o but_o only_o that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o both_o and_o reject_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a age_n of_o it_o they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n than_o heretic_n or_o to_o prove_v we_o heretic_n not_o because_o we_o believe_v or_o teach_v any_o thing_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n which_o be_v false_a but_o rather_o because_o we_o do_v not_o teach_v or_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v christian_a and_o true_a neither_o do_v they_o charge_v our_o liturgy_n and_o service_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_o evil_a no_o nor_o redundant_fw-la but_o only_o deficient_a in_o many_o usage_n and_o rite_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o if_o our_o own_o brethren_n must_v be_v more_o spiteful_a and_o bitter_a against_o we_o than_o our_o worst_a adversary_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o even_o they_o become_v not_o their_o accuser_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o yet_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n they_o have_v not_o adventure_v to_o do_v this_o and_o will_v be_v unsuccessful_a enough_o when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o themselves_o free_v we_o from_o give_v any_o offence_n in_o our_o conformity_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v offence_n i._n e._n do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v formal_o a_o sin_n ourselves_o and_o thereby_o induce_v other_o into_o the_o same_o evil_n by_o join_v with_o we_o 2._o neither_o second_o do_v i_o see_v any_o one_o sin_n that_o conformity_n be_v direct_o introductive_a of_o or_o a_o temptation_n unto_o and_o i_o will_v believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o my_o dear_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o duty_n i_o thank_v god_n yet_o leave_v in_o i_o as_o to_o dare_v to_o justify_v she_o from_o this_o imputation_n i_o be_o sure_a she_o intend_v no_o sin_n in_o what_o she_o do_v nor_o know_v of_o any_o evil_n that_o her_o communion_n will_v betray_v any_o man_n into_o all_o that_o she_o design_n in_o her_o doctrine_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o symbol_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o she_o intend_v and_o aim_v at_o in_o her_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n be_v by_o the_o one_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o innovate_a and_o corrupt_v that_o faith_n or_o debauch_v it_o in_o their_o manner_n and_o detain_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n and_o by_o the_o other_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a religion_n and_o thereby_o conciliate_v that_o grace_n that_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o live_v so_o as_o the_o worship_n of_o such_o a_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n require_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v i_o must_v confess_v in_o one_o thing_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o will_v as_o little_a advantage_n our_o brethren_n to_o have_v it_o grant_v as_o it_o will_v be_v any_o disparagement_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o all_o that_o in_o and_o guilt_n that_o all_o those_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o that_o rail_v and_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o that_o separate_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o studious_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o downright_a schism_n against_o it_o but_o certain_o all_o man_n will_v see_v that_o this_o be_v a_o offence_n only_o take_v and_o not_o give_v and_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o church_n than_o murder_n and_o adultery_n theft_n and_o robbery_n ought_v to_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v sin_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n these_o man_n will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o unjust_a separation_n from_o it_o but_o so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o will_v be_v no_o transgression_n and_o adulterer_n may_v as_o well_o accuse_v the_o law_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o one_o case_n as_o schismatic_n can_v accuse_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v both_o in_o this_o case_n equal_o culpable_a i._n e._n indeed_o not_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o period_n if_o piety_n and_o become_a expression_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n if_o gravity_n decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o engage_v man_n to_o a_o due_a respect_n and_o regard_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sin_n or_o evil_n to_o be_v eschew_v and_o dread_v by_o man_n then_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v possible_o give_v offence_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o give_v of_o it_o but_o if_o not_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v or_o fear_v any_o danger_n at_o all_o of_o it_o by_o these_o consideration_n it_o will_v appear_v we_o be_v free_a from_o give_v offence_n by_o our_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o this_o first_o sense_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n 2._o i_o proceed_v therefore_o now_o to_o inquire_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o sufficient_o from_o it_o in_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n also_o and_o this_o i_o think_v will_v best_a and_o most_o plain_o be_v determine_v by_o consider_v what_o can_v be_v think_v just_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o reasonable_a discouragement_n or_o hindrance_n to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n i_o mean_v still_o cause_n of_o these_o give_v to_o he_o by_o another_o now_o these_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reduce_v pretty_a safe_o to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o some_o dishonour_n offer_v to_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n 2._o the_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o make_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o duty_n more_o cumbersome_a and_o difficult_a than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v these_o be_v great_a and_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n it_o can_v but_o great_o afflict_v a_o good_a man_n to_o behold_v his_o god_n who_o he_o adore_v and_o honour_n and_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n affront_v and_o dishonour_v his_o law_n violate_v his_o authority_n contemn_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o dare_v and_o foolish_a man_n river_n of_o water_n say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n psal_n 119._o 136._o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o like_a sorrow_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o see_v other_o man_n for_o who_o he_o have_v a_o great_a and_o concern_v charity_n and_o who_o he_o love_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n
which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v so_o indeed_o particular_a person_n and_o party_n of_o man_n may_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v notorious_a often_o do_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o and_o be_v offend_v public_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n to_o which_o we_o may_v cast_v in_o this_o consideration_n to_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o other_o every_o offence_n to_o a_o single_a private_a person_n or_o person_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o no_o man_n can_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o sin_v grievous_o and_o be_v direct_o guilty_a of_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v have_v consider_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o uninstruct_v person_n by_o conformity_n to_o our_o church_n and_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v causeless_a and_o whole_o without_o any_o just_a reason_n conformity_n be_v neither_o a_o sin_n nor_o causal_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n tie_v on_o we_o by_o the_o command_v and_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v do_v whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o other_o that_o no_o snare_n or_o possibility_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o man_n by_o it_o ought_v to_o supersede_n our_o care_n or_o can_v atone_v the_o sin_n of_o neglect_v of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v forbear_v it_o now_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v other_o without_o grievous_o offend_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o our_o refuse_v to_o conform_v will_v great_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o not_o only_o our_o own_o national_a church_n of_o england_n but_o even_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o too_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o they_o of_o late_a who_o can_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v their_o great_a bulwark_n and_o the_o whole_a reformation_n so_o batter_v and_o weaken_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o such_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o give_v to_o the_o great_a enemy_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o preponderate_v all_o the_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fancy_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n by_o it_o and_o last_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o speedy_a conscientious_a care_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o no_o long_o go_v on_o mad_o to_o contrive_v our_o own_o ruin_n in_o pull_v down_o those_o wall_n and_o make_v those_o breach_n in_o our_o church_n bank_n at_o which_o the_o enemy_n may_v and_z without_o god_n immediate_a interposition_n will_v sudden_o break_v in_o as_o a_o mighty_a resistless_a torrent_n that_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n and_o government_n apostolical_a and_o who_o term_n of_o communion_n none_o of_o we_o dare_v term_n sinful_a in_o which_o we_o may_v acceptable_o serve_v our_o god_n and_o happy_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n live_v happy_o and_o die_v comfortable_o and_o pass_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n triumphant_a above_o which_o sing_v incessant_a hallelujah_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o let_v we_o also_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o ●he_n late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._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 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n a_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_z discourse_n late_o write_v to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o second_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n tooke_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o
the_o poet_n and_o orator_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o fancy_n have_v be_v very_o often_o so_o strange_o exalt_v by_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o temper_n or_o disease_n that_o not_o only_o they_o themselves_o but_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o god_n suppose_v then_o that_o under_o a_o fit_a of_o this_o natural_a enthusiasm_n a_o man_n shall_v pray_v agreeable_o to_o scripture_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o know_v by_o scripture_n whether_o the_o present_a inspiration_n he_o be_v under_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o avoid_v many_o time_n attribute_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o temper_n or_o disease_n to_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inspire_v good_a man_n with_o holy_a and_o fervent_a affection_n in_o their_o prayer_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o this_o fervency_n of_o affection_n do_v sometime_o also_o proceed_v from_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n notwithstanding_o which_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sign_n or_o testimony_n beside_o that_o of_o scripture_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v when_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o when_o natural_a do_v not_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o such_o sign_n as_o effectual_o conclude_v against_o the_o spirit_n inspire_v the_o fervour_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o against_o his_o inspire_v the_o matter_n and_o word_n of_o they_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v not_o for_o the_o latter_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v claim_v the_o promise_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v when_o we_o feel_v our_o affection_n actual_o excite_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o other_o cause_n may_v contribute_v to_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n but_o where_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o conclusion_n beside_o which_o we_o have_v no_o such_o need_n of_o sign_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o as_o for_o the_o inspiration_n of_o affection_n we_o may_v easy_o distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o divine_a by_o our_o own_o sense_n if_o our_o present_a fervour_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o constant_a devotion_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o one_o inspire_v the_o other_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o accompany_v or_o no_o that_o natural_a sense_n and_o feeling_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o motion_n and_o affection_n will_v quick_o inform_v we_o and_o we_o have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o a_o outward_a sign_n to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o we_o have_v to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v hungry_a or_o thirsty_a but_o if_o the_o present_a fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o a_o sudden_a fit_a and_o pang_n of_o devotion_n that_o find_v and_o leave_v we_o habitual_o indevout_a we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o our_o present_a bodily_a temper_n whether_o therefore_o our_o affection_n in_o prayer_n be_v inspire_v by_o god_n our_o own_o sense_n will_v inform_v we_o if_o we_o impartial_o consult_v it_o but_o whether_o our_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v so_o no_o sense_n we_o have_v can_v resolve_v we_o we_o may_v feel_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n pour_v in_o upon_o we_o with_o extraordinary_a readiness_n and_o be_v enable_v to_o pour_v it_o out_o again_o with_o extraordinary_a fluency_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o invention_n quicken_v and_o enlarge_v by_o mere_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o other_o sign_n beside_o that_o of_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o divine_a and_o natural_a inspiration_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n because_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n as_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o god_n have_v give_v we_o no_o inward_a sense_n to_o distinguish_v betweeen_n one_o and_o tother_o and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v he_o mean_v to_o continue_v this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v thus_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a concern_v it_o without_o any_o certain_a sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v distinguish_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o his_o spirit_n or_o from_o a_o ill-affected_a spleen_n or_o a_o fever_n but_o then_o second_o as_o for_o diabolical_a inspiration_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n in_o prayer_n we_o have_v sundry_a very_o probable_a instance_n such_o as_o major_a weir_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o inspiration_n through_o a_o staff_n hacket_n david_n george_n and_o that_o monster_n of_o wickedness_n john_n basilides_n duke_n of_o russia_n who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o prayer_n as_o do_v not_o only_o charm_v and_o ravish_v those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o seem_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o impartial_a to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o render_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o they_o can_v have_v procure_v to_o themselves_o so_o many_o admirer_n and_o abuse_v so_o many_o honest_a mind_n into_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o since_o by_o inspire_v his_o votary_n with_o such_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o serve_v his_o own_o end_n since_o he_o may_v thereby_o puff_v up_o giddy_a mind_n with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o this_o subtle_a agent_n who_o so_o thorough_o understand_v his_o own_o game_n will_v in_o some_o case_n be_v forward_o enough_o to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o in_o any_o case_n we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o the_o devil_n may_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o matter_n of_o prayer_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n than_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o distinguish_v by_o scripture_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n that_o inspire_v we_o and_o can_v we_o without_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n imagine_v that_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v this_o gift_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n to_o we_o he_o will_v have_v neglect_v to_o continue_v such_o sign_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o devil_n doubtless_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o we_o that_o this_o gift_n shall_v be_v total_o withdraw_v and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o expression_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o guidance_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n than_o that_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o without_o some_o certain_a sign_n to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v leave_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n either_o of_o reject_v divine_a inspiration_n or_o of_o admit_v diabolical_a for_o divine_a and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v no_o such_o sign_n continue_v among_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o gift_n be_v discontinue_v and_o cease_v especial_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a sign_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n in_o the_o conceive_a prayer_n of_o those_o which_o most_o pretend_v to_o it_o but_o many_o very_a certain_a one_o of_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v instance_n in_o four_o 1._o the_o great_a impertinence_n and_o nonsense_n and_o rudeness_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o that_o be_v sometime_o mingle_v with_o these_o extempore_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o give_v instance_n of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o can_v but_o in_o part_n acknowledge_v it_o now_o to_o attribute_v these_o fault_n of_o conceive_a prayer_n to_o immediate_a inspiration_n will_v be_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o father_n our_o own_o folly_n upon_o he_o and_o yet_o sure_o have_v he_o think_v meet_v to_o have_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n this_o gift_n of_o inspiration_n of_o prayer_n it_o will_v have_v be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o those_o rudeness_n and_o indecency_n to_o which_o extemporary_a prayer_n of_o man_n own_o conceive_n be_v liable_a and_o if_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o public_a prayer_n at_o least_o he_o will_v have_v constant_o take_v care_n to_o
sin_n be_v not_o thus_o deadly_a for_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o as_o for_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o regenerate_v commit_v through_o humane_a frailty_n only_o they_o be_v not_o thereby_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o though_o all_o sin_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deadly_a or_o damnable_a yet_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o true_a believer_n and_o therefore_o not_o deadly_a to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n so_o heinous_a that_o he_o who_o commit_v they_o be_v thereby_o put_v into_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o till_o he_o recover_v himself_o by_o true_a repentance_n and_o actual_a reformation_n he_o can_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n promise_n to_o himself_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v not_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o it_o be_v of_o such_o sin_n as_o these_o that_o this_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o appear_v by_o 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there_o be_v yet_o another_o objection_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v name_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o seem_v to_o understand_v very_o little_a of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o have_v it_o often_o in_o their_o mouth_n that_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v to_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n holy_a incarnation_n etc._n etc._n by_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o say_v some_o of_o they_o that_o this_o be_v swear_v some_o that_o it_o be_v conjure_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o for_o which_o saying_n favour_v of_o great_a profaneness_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v severe_o rebuke_v and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o answer_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v it_o not_o that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o petition_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o they_o may_v easy_o suppose_v if_o they_o will_v 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to_o make_v a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o to_o he_o but_o likewise_o because_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o encourage_v ourselves_o to_o ask_v in_o faith_n since_o he_o who_o unasked_a have_v do_v such_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o will_v not_o fail_v upon_o our_o earnest_n and_o humble_a prayer_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v require_v to_o give_v we_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o need_v and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o real_a evil_n of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n i_o proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a lesson_n in_o our_o church_n and_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v the_o usefulness_n of_o sermon_n and_o catechise_n in_o the_o church_n that_o those_o chapter_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v write_n since_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o minister_n preach_v or_o catechise_n by_o inspiration_n but_o if_o other_o good_a instruction_n may_v be_v read_v or_o recite_v in_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o why_o may_v not_o some_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v read_v which_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n and_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n especial_o since_o those_o writing_n be_v great_o esteem_v by_o the_o church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n when_o they_o and_o other_o humane_a write_n be_v also_o public_o read_v as_o well_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o chapter_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n which_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o calendar_n will_v be_v more_o profitable_o read_v instead_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a chapter_n it_o ought_v
but_o do_v know_v why_o many_o of_o our_o festival_n receive_v their_o name_n from_o certain_a saint_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o on_o certain_a day_n meet_v together_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o blessing_n the_o world_n with_o such_o saint_n as_o have_v be_v next_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n the_o most_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o good_a to_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hear_v those_o chapter_n read_v wherein_o their_o worthy_a deed_n be_v record_v and_o together_o with_o other_o prayer_n put_v in_o one_o for_o grace_n to_o follow_v those_o bless_a example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n of_o both_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n which_o they_o have_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n leave_v behind_o they_o what_o sin_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o nay_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o high_o become_v we_o and_o be_v of_o singular_a advantage_n to_o we_o you_o give_v two_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v unlawful_a 1._o because_o god_n have_v no_o where_o prescribe_v it_o 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apostle_n record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n except_o st._n james_n but_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o first_o time_n the_o primitive_a time_n i_o perceive_v you_o never_o read_v or_o have_v forget_v the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n concern_v policarp'_v martyrdom_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o you_o that_o the_o catholic_a church_n observe_v martyrum_fw-la natalitia_fw-la the_o day_n whereon_o they_o be_v crown_v with_o martyrdom_n even_o from_o the_o second_o century_n but_o where_o do_v you_o find_v it_o prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n or_o record_v that_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a you_o mean_v those_o by_o the_o first_o time_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o the_o good_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n among_o other_o great_a blessing_n be_v it_o therefore_o unlawful_a so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o set_a day_n you_o will_v not_o assert_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n in_o short_a sir_n think_v not_o that_o we_o need_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n to_o justify_v our_o do_v of_o that_o which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n do_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o to_o be_v though_o not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n yet_o high_o become_v we_o and_o praiseworthy_a and_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v dictate_v thereby_o to_o be_v high_o become_v we_o to_o commemorate_v at_o annual_a select_v time_n the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o give_v we_o such_o shine_v light_n as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n glorify_v in_o they_o who_o with_o admirable_a courage_n first_o preach_v and_o propagate_v his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o admirable_a patience_n for_o the_o sake_n thereof_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o at_o last_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n 8._o you_o say_v but_o if_o devout_a person_n will_v set_v apart_o day_n you_o may_v 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subject_n more_o love_v command_v equal_o bowel_n and_o affection_n and_o duty_n and_o honour_n master_n and_o servant_n husband_n and_o wife_n and_o all_o relation_n be_v keep_v in_o their_o just_a bound_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o church_n we_o make_v good_a work_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o think_v ourselves_o more_o modest_a and_o secure_a in_o take_v away_o arrogance_n and_o merit_n and_o advance_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n with_o other_o man_n we_o cry_v up_o faith_n but_o not_o a_o hungry_a and_o a_o starve_a one_o but_o what_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o so_o have_v all_o that_o other_o contend_v for_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o security_n 3._o how_o fit_o this_o church_n be_v constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n when_o we_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v worthy_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n a_o true_a sense_n and_o plain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o want_v and_o 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of_o man_n soul_n and_o if_o those_o vice_n be_v not_o reprove_v and_o chastise_v which_o fall_v under_o her_o cognizance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o her_o power_n but_o because_o by_o other_o way_n ill_o restrain_v unnecessary_a division_n from_o she_o hinder_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n and_o so_o they_o hinder_v that_o edification_n which_o thy_o contend_v for_o this_o government_n be_v not_o modern_a particular_a or_o pure_o humane_a but_o apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a to_o time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n till_o some_o private_a person_n for_o number_n learning_n or_o piety_n not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o the_o good_a man_n of_o old_a who_o defend_v it_o and_o obey_v it_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o out_o of_o some_o mistake_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o passion_n or_o bear_v down_o with_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n begin_v to_o change_v it_o and_o declaim_v against_o it_o though_o so_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v 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man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n or_o whatever_o the_o import_n of_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o faith_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v apt_a and_o fit_a to_o do_v all_o this_o and_o st._n judas_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a build_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o 19_o verse_n 19_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o honest_a christian_a with_o great_a assurance_n may_v expect_v the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n who_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o they_o who_o 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new_a article_n of_o faith_n introduce_v and_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n its_o worship_n overgrow_v with_o very_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n not_o only_o over-numerous_a but_o many_o of_o they_o advance_v into_o proper_a and_o direct_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o beside_o its_o member_n require_v to_o join_v and_o communicate_v in_o these_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n nay_o and_o all_o proposal_n and_o attempt_n towards_o a_o reformation_n obstinate_o reject_v and_o throw_v out_o in_o which_o case_n they_o do_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n depart_v from_o she_o which_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o instead_o of_o worship_v image_n to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o instead_o of_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o learned_a 233._o amyrald_n de_fw-fr secess_n ab_fw-la eccles_n rom._n pag._n 233._o protestant_a divine_a of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o have_v there_o be_v no_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n beside_o their_o useless_a ceremony_n in_o baptism_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o measure_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n indeed_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v prohibit_v or_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v then_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v good_a warrant_n and_o authority_n but_o where_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o these_o prohibition_n not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o indeed_o do_v we_o find_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n of_o late_a very_o forward_o to_o fasten_v this_o charge_n and_o much_o less_o to_o prove_v it_o whatever_o unwary_a say_n may_v fall_v from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o disputation_n or_o be_v suggest_v by_o indirect_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a insinuation_n and_o if_o our_o church_n command_v nothing_o that_o render_v her_o communion_n sinful_a then_o certain_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a because_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v express_v and_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o a_o few_o private_a suspicion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sway_v against_o plain_n public_a and_o necessary_a duty_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o reject_v communicate_v with_o those_o with_o who_o christ_n himself_o do_v 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we_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o just_a prejudice_n to_o their_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o man_n modest_a and_o peaceable_a that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o this_o be_v i_o mind_v may_v afford_v a_o large_a field_n for_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o and_o that_o very_o brief_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n and_o first_o we_o desire_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o settle_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v without_o episcopal_a government_n till_o the_o time_n of_o calvin_n it_o be_v then_o as_o hard_o to_o find_v any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n without_o a_o church_n as_o to_o find_v a_o church_n without_o a_o bishop_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o most_o early_a antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o i_o 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fierent_fw-la etc._n etc._n hier._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la tit._n c._n 1._o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o only_o intimate_v episcopacy_n not_o to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o very_o clear_v it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o st._n jeroms_n write_n that_o he_o often_o write_v in_o haste_n and_o do_v not_o always_o weigh_v thing_n at_o the_o beam_n and_o forget_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o have_v say_v at_o another_o that_o many_o expression_n fall_v from_o he_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n according_a to_o the_o warmth_n and_o the_o eagerness_n of_o his_o temper_n &_o that_o he_o be_v particular_o chase_v into_o this_o assertion_n by_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o the_o deacon_n at_o rome_n who_o begin_v to_o usurp_v upon_o and_o overtop_n the_o presbyter_n which_o tempt_v he_o to_o magnify_v and_o extol_v their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o ancient_o equal_a to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o 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