a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o 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uncharitable_a rash_a presumptuous_a and_o unjust_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o exact_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n be_v guilty_a or_o innocent_a of_o such_o a_o prejudicial_a schism_n and_o separation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v which_o side_n to_o embrace_v and_o give_v assent_n unto_o and_o which_o not_o and_o that_o the_o true_a undeniable_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a evangelical_n reform_v protestant_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v by_o any_o incompetent_a judge_n as_o false_a erroneous_a heretical_a and_o damnable_a in_o regard_n that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v common_o as_o much_o obnoxious_a to_o ill_a manage_n as_o civil_a and_o temporal_a it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v expedient_a and_o requisite_a for_o we_o to_o repair_v to_o such_o a_o judge_n who_o betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o may_v determine_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n by_o a_o infallible_a sentence_n from_o which_o we_o can_v appeal_v and_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_v such_o full_a and_o absolute_a determination_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n either_o himself_o alone_o or_o with_o assistance_n of_o a_o council_n of_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o with_o all_o christian_a protestant_n can_v nor_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o other_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n have_v prescribe_v his_o will_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o only_o close_o and_o positive_o must_v adhere_v and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o far_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o roman-catholic_n and_o lutheran_n
christianity_n yet_o do_v very_o much_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n both_o of_o god_n truth_n and_o christian_a charity_n see_v they_o add_v many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o therein_o as_o heretic_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o themselves_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o necessary_a yea_o false_a and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n find_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v too_o too_o zealous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o undertake_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v well_o know_v which_o of_o these_o three_o divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n judge_v the_o other_o or_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o aright_o or_o wrong_n i_o will_v first_o declare_v but_o brief_o and_o only_o as_o much_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o information_n of_o the_o unlearned_a whether_o the_o other_o two_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v any_o sufficient_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a church_n as_o heretical_a then_o shall_v i_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a direction_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o our_o church_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a or_o lutherane_n church_n as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o to_o be_v heretical_a we_o make_v it_o good_a by_o reason_v thus_o because_o they_o can_v accuse_v we_o or_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o church_n either_o deny_v any_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_n apostolic_a catholic_a faith_n or_o do_v introduce_v and_o condescend_v to_o any_o false_a heretical_a point_n but_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o mere_o for_o this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v some_o article_n of_o their_o modern_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o cry_v up_o for_o universal_a or_o catholical_a and_o yet_o either_o be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o or_o false_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o they_o charge_v and_o accuse_v we_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o new_a protestant_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n un-catholike_a false_a and_o partly_o heretical_a damnable_a blasphemous_a doctrine_n as_o that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v all_o freewill_n of_o man_n even_o after_o his_o regeneration_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a even_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o justify_v though_o we_o live_v never_o so_o sinful_o that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v though_o we_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o the_o justification_n be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o a_o external_a imputation_n without_o internal_a renovation_n and_o sanctification_n that_o repentance_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n be_v quite_o unnecessary_a that_o we_o reject_v all_o fast_n all_o vow_n and_o church-discipline_n dignity_n order_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n annihilate_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v but_o naked_a bare_a sign_n blaspheme_n and_o despise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o suchlike_a point_n against_o which_o our_o church_n have_v always_o solemn_o protest_v both_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o apology_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v but_o mere_a slander_n detraction_n and_o misconstruction_n whereupon_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o hearken_v to_o any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v principal_o ground_v upon_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o main_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o general_n christian_n synod_n of_o nicene_n ephesus_n chalcedone_n and_o constantinople_n who_o universal_a confession_n of_o faith_n they_o unanimous_o maintain_v of_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n itself_o confess_v in_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n council_n trid._n sess_v 3._o to_o be_v the_o buckler_n and_o shield_n against_o all_o heresy_n the_o principle_n whereunto_o necessary_o he_o must_v agree_v that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o the_o solid_a and_o sole_a foundation_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v wherefore_o our_o church_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o new_a heretical_a doctrine_n because_o though_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n shall_v defend_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o much_o less_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o give_v way_n to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o now_o for_o all_o this_o the_o roman_a catholic_n persist_v to_o condemn_v our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v beside_o such_o ancient_a true_a catholic_a christian_n faith_n all_o their_o modern_a new-fangled_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v since_o add_v and_o invent_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o other_o popish_a council_n of_o late_a time_n or_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n it_o behove_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v and_o show_v firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n protestant_n principal_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o evangelical_n protestant_n for_o example_n will_v they_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o exterior_a service_n or_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n because_o we_o have_v no_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v nor_o do_v adore_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o call_v on_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n especial_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yea_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v and_o take_v their_o bone_n or_o other_o relic_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o worship_n they_o nor_o pay_v vow_n or_o make_v pilgrimage_n to_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v or_o purchase_v the_o pope_n indulgency_n celebrate_v no_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a nor_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o meat_n on_o certain_a day_n or_o a_o general_a weekly_a fast_a neither_o admit_v of_o any_o auricular_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o every_o particular_a sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n under_o one_o but_o both_o kind_n or_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n both_o to_o lay_v and_o clergyman_n nor_o celebrate_v any_o mass_n without_o communicant_n neither_o make_v use_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o ceremony_n which_o they_o against_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v forge_v for_o their_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n especial_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o great_a feast_n call_v corpus_n christi-day_n and_o the_o holy_a day_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o whole_a public_a service_n not_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o laic_n but_o in_o the_o know_a mother-tongue_n nor_o forbid_v to_o any_o layman_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n in_o his_o mother-tongue_n but_o exhort_v rather_o every_o one_o in_o general_n unto_o it_o that_o we_o tell_v not_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o bead_n by_o fifty_n and_o hundred_o use_v not_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o holy_a water_n nor_o wear_v about_o we_o agnus_n dei_fw-la or_o such_o like_a consecrate_a relic_n that_o we_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o order_n
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o
least_o not_o without_o prejudice_n and_o occasion_n unto_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o safe_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o excuse_n to_o those_o who_o now_o adays_o against_o their_o conscience_n go_v to_o mass_n out_o of_o a_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n because_o that_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o press_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o papist_n mere_o for_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o their_o error_n and_o idolatry_n that_o we_o must_v adore_v the_o consecrate_a hostie_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o masse-priest_n as_o christ_n himself_o and_o put_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o that_o masse-christ_n who_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o bread_n with_o five_o word_n and_o offer_v for_o we_o again_o neither_o may_v this_o clear_a the_o rest_n of_o papist_n from_o idolatry_n who_o now_o adays_o with_o such_o a_o blind_a zeal_n impose_v and_o press_v this_o adoration_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o bread_n instead_o of_o christ_n nor_o those_o in_o general_n who_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o their_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o obstinate_o adhere_v thereunto_o without_o search_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n especial_o when_o therefore_o they_o uncharitable_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o christian_n which_o cleave_v only_o to_o god_n commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o who_o we_o may_v judge_v in_o general_n that_o in_o this_o manner_n they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n yet_o so_o that_o we_o hope_v of_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a judicio_fw-la charitatis_fw-la that_o god_n may_v convert_v he_o yet_o before_o his_o end_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o many_o thousand_o even_o among_o themselves_o who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n have_v be_v most_o vehement_o zealous_a against_o we_o have_v at_o length_n in_o their_o last_o agony_n learned_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o certain_a comfort_n for_o their_o soul_n in_o all_o those_o auxiliary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o so_o fierce_o maintain_v but_o ought_v only_o to_o seek_v their_o total_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_fw-mi of_o god_n so_o that_o though_o they_o live_v as_o papist_n yet_o at_o last_o die_v evangelical_n christian_n religion_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o lutheran_n may_v be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n whatsoever_o now_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o papist_n that_o may_v we_o apply_v so_o much_o more_o to_o the_o lutheran_n because_o they_o absolute_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o this_o principal_a and_o chief_a point_n of_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o be_v otherwise_o exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o all_o exterior_a idolatry_n wherefore_o if_o they_o only_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o such_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o labour_n withal_o to_o testify_v their_o faith_n with_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o uncharitable_o condemn_v nor_o persecute_v we_o but_o rather_o diligent_o search_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o different_a point_n into_o god_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o be_v ready_a most_o willing_o to_o profess_v and_o receive_v it_o we_o can_v then_o condemn_v they_o for_o their_o often-mentioned_n error_n which_o they_o mere_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o ignorance_n stick_v unto_o soul_n of_o what_o sort_n of_o lutheran_n be_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o their_o soul_n nevertheless_o this_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v those_o who_o 1._o will_v have_v their_o own_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o controvert_v opinion_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o astrain_v and_o bind_v in_o some_o manner_n both_o they_o and_o other_o christian_n salvation_n thereunto_o 2._o so_o that_o other_o do_v not_o only_o not_o receive_v we_o for_o fellow_n christian_n but_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o unfaithful_a heretic_n who_o 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o conscience_n allow_v of_o such_o their_o pretend_a article_n whereby_o tâ—â—y_a â—â—â—er_n and_o destroy_v the_o christian_a unity_n and_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n 3._o not_o only_o condemn_v and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o uncharitable_o persecute_v we_o though_o not_o in_o life_n yet_o in_o honour_n and_o good_n by_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o political_a society_n 4._o especial_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o mere_o out_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n or_o out_o of_o a_o false_a information_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n but_o partly_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v nor_o hearken_v to_o a_o better_a instruction_n of_o truth_n much_o less_o search_n into_o it_o themselves_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o although_o they_o have_v partly_o be_v inform_v and_o hear_v it_o yet_o stop_v their_o ear_n and_o heart_n before_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o sinful_a corrupt_a affection_n out_o of_o hatred_n and_o envy_n against_o man_n out_o of_o contention_n ambition_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o like_a yea_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n obscure_a pervert_v and_o calumniate_v it_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o slander_n detractation_n and_o aspersion_n or_o intricate_a sophistry_n of_o these_o and_o like_a person_n we_o can_v general_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n judge_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n live_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a yea_o damnable_a state_n not_o simple_o because_o of_o the_o error_n itself_o but_o because_o they_o partly_o pervert_v through_o such_o error_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o regard_n they_o make_v their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n to_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n partly_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o regard_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o do_v this_o not_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n but_o out_o of_o malice_n of_o heart_n not_o we_o but_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o discern_v he_o wherefore_o we_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o any_o certain_a person_n 5._o those_o also_o who_o though_o they_o have_v have_v a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o open_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o shame_n before_o man_n or_o out_o of_o other_o carnal_a respect_n be_v almost_o in_o a_o more_o dangerous_a case_n then_o the_o err_a themselves_o because_o they_o proceed_v therein_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o lord_n sentence_n whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n he_o i_o will_v also_o deny_v matth._n 10._o v._n 3._o mark_v 8._o v._o 38._o for_o not_o only_o he_o that_o deni_v against_o his_o conscience_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o he_o that_o deni_v but_o one_o point_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v know_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sake_n who_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v it_o he_o have_v partly_o deny_v thereby_o christ_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o word_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5._o vers_fw-la 19_o for_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5._o vers_fw-la 8._o they_o burden_n also_o therewith_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o woe_n and_o curse_v which_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o unrighteous_a judgement_n because_o against_o their_o conscience_n they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_a isai_n 5._o vers_fw-la 20_o 23._o and_o decline_v after_o many_o to_o wrest_v judgement_n exod._n 23._o vers_fw-la 2._o for_o if_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o curse_n when_o they_o peradventure_o in_o temporal_a judicial_a matter_n judge_v unjust_o betwixt_o private_a person_n or_o follow_v the_o multitude_n incline_v and_o assent_v to_o unrighteous_a judgement_n how_o much_o more_o he_o that_o do_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o â—â—â—ist_n be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v betwixt_o whole_a church_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o fair_a mean_n to_o reconcile_v the_o different_a party_n and_o not_o rash_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o err_a yet_o not_o so_o that_o we_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o injust_a party_n with_o word_n or_o work_n in_o their_o error_n and_o contrariwise_o withdraw_v
mistake_n shall_v they_o judge_v we_o presumptuous_o in_o our_o misconstruction_n of_o their_o pretend_a understanding_n neither_o shall_v they_o bewray_v any_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o contradiction_n but_o also_o that_o they_o together_o with_o we_o shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o and_o diligent_o inquire_v further_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v yet_o or_o doubt_v of_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o on_o both_o side_n attain_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o give_v no_o offence_n till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o we_o even_o what_o be_v remain_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o only_a way_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a mean_n to_o settle_v and_o maintain_v a_o true_a unity_n among_o all_o true_a christian_n whereby_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o spirit_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a christian_n for_o all_o those_o that_o now_o adays_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v agree_v therein_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereof_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v original_o write_v in_o hebrew_n those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o submit_v their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o practise_v it_o not_o only_o with_o word_n but_o also_o with_o true_a and_o sincere_a heart_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n in_o all_o thing_n agree_v that_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o teach_v therein_o nay_o they_o be_v already_o unite_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v true_a fellow-member_n of_o the_o only_a apostolic_a catholic_a church_n if_o together_o with_o this_o universal_a christian_a faith_n they_o do_v but_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n and_o other_o thing_n 5._o chap._n 5._o that_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o may_v thorough_o and_o general_o agree_v beside_o this_o we_o know_v no_o other_o mean_n on_o earth_n that_o either_o god_n have_v give_v and_o ordain_v for_o we_o or_o may_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n wit_n whereby_o a_o true_a universal_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o maintain_v church_n the_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o fit_a mean_n for_o unity_n but_o rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o the_o jesuit_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o catholic_a uniformity_n that_o same_o be_v rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o make_v impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n see_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o inexcusable_a withal_o that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o man_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v subject_v and_o submit_v in_o every_o thing_n their_o conscience_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o jesus_n christ_n to_o one_o man_n solely_n who_o have_v no_o charge_n and_o warrant_v for_o the_o same_o from_o god_n which_o though_o they_o urge_v and_o press_v as_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n to_o salvation_n and_o unity_n yet_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o of_o some_o roman_a catholic_n themselves_z who_o extol_v the_o general_a counsel_n above_o the_o pope_n time_n neither_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o unity_n in_o these_o last_o time_n nor_o be_v concilia_fw-la vniversalia_fw-la in_o these_o last_o time_n the_o true_a mean_n for_o unity_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a impossibility_n in_o these_o last_o thousand_o year_n since_o the_o ancient_a roman_a empire_n destruction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v be_v impossible_a till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o indict_v and_o gather_v any_o true_a universal_a council_n compose_v of_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o establish_v any_o other_o unity_n then_o by_o reiteration_n and_o renovation_n of_o that_o which_o with_o one_o accord_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o primitive_a universal_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o evident_a and_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n on_o earth_n though_o its_o meeting_n at_o once_o in_o one_o place_n be_v possible_a can_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o power_n to_o astrain_v and_o oblige_v its_o posterity_n to_o any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n further_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o predecessor_n or_o rather_o by_o god_n himself_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o church_n nor_o the_o confession_n &_o formulae_fw-la of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o shall_v neither_o the_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o less_o other_o disperse_a sect_n to_o and_o fro_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o tolerable_a ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n either_o by_o their_o vehement_a disceptation_n and_o dispute_n or_o exhortation_n to_o peace_n or_o by_o colloquia_fw-la and_o conference_n or_o by_o national_a and_o provincial_a synod_n or_o per_fw-la synodales_n formulas_fw-la or_o any_o other_o mean_n as_o long_o as_o they_o insist_v and_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n consequence_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o will_v of_o necessity_n judge_v other_o thereby_o see_v chief_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v nor_o approve_v that_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v submit_v and_o agree_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o far_o more_o will_v thereby_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n about_o the_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n in_o make_v necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n thereof_o by_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n as_o woeful_a experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v increase_n and_o grow_v dangerous_a even_o to_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o 7._o chap._n 7._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o v._n 15._o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o christian_n yea_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o the_o east_n south_n and_o west_n which_o know_v nothing_o or_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o augspourge_n or_o of_o other_o confession_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o europe_n much_o less_o of_o the_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v undergo_v to_o settle_v by_o such_o mean_n and_o writ_n a_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v other_o church_n thereunto_o now_o notwithstanding_o we_o conceive_v also_o no_o hope_n to_o obtain_v a_o total_a and_o universal_a reconcilement_n of_o the_o modern_a unhappy_a difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o side_n among_o those_o that_o be_v incline_v and_o give_v to_o contradiction_n and_o contention_n because_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v division_n heresy_n and_o sect_n partly_o for_o punishment_n partly_o for_o trial_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 19_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n unity_n in_o what_o manner_n &_o how_o far_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n but_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a heart_n which_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n whereof_o yet_o a_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n
principal_o guilty_a of_o the_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o division_n betwixt_o evangelicall_n church_n by_o which_o also_o without_o any_o further_a enlargement_n sufficient_o appear_v that_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a cause_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o long_o continue_a schism_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a evangelicall_n church_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n from_o thence_o arise_v principal_o refide_v not_o in_o the_o reform_a but_o in_o the_o lutheran_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o divine_n yet_o not_o general_o in_o all_o but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o have_v refuse_v and_o stop_v without_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n the_o reconciliation_n we_o seek_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o for_o although_o they_o use_v to_o pretend_v for_o their_o excuse_n many_o damnable_a doctrine_n yea_o many_o terrible_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o reform_a 2._o chap._n 2._o yet_o partly_o and_o most_v of_o they_o consist_v in_o such_o slander_n and_o aspersion_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n never_o profess_v but_o rather_o many_o time_n have_v express_o and_o unanimous_o reject_v so_o that_o those_o do_v but_o aggravate_v their_o fault_n before_o god_n and_o man_n who_o restrain_v and_o hinder_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n by_o false_a testimony_n or_o by_o their_o own_o unreasonable_a misconstruction_n of_o strange_a word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o which_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o divert_v if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v way_n to_o a_o peaceable_a conference_n partly_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o controvert_v point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n before_o which_o can_v afford_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o condemn_a and_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o reform_a neither_o for_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o suppose_v we_o do_v err_v in_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o will_v only_o exempt_v we_o from_o all_o heretical_a damnable_a error_n that_o we_o beside_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a fundamental_a doctrine_n do_v not_o make_v any_o way_n our_o own_o particular_a opinion_n to_o be_v a_o by-ground_n as_o the_o lutheran_n nor_o impose_v they_o on_o any_o man_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n except_o so_o far_o as_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o himself_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v thereunto_o not_o by_o our_o word_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o also_o congregation_n whether_o the_o lutheran_n may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n have_v communion_n &_o fellowship_n with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o reform_a congregation_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n as_o long_o as_o they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o because_o of_o their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n yet_o they_o can_v pretend_v any_o reasonable_a cause_n why_o they_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o it_o in_o regard_v no_o man_n on_o our_o side_n be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v somewhat_o against_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o but_o stand_v firm_a to_o the_o universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o labour_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 21.26_o to_o which_o end_n also_o some_o few_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o a_o public_a synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n at_o charenton_n 1631._o anno_fw-la 1631._o that_o the_o lutheran_n desire_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o if_o they_o do_v but_o otherwise_o behave_v themselves_o peaceable_o and_o without_o scandal_n for_o those_o lutheran_n who_o refuse_v not_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a communion_n with_o we_o do_v even_o testify_v thereby_o that_o they_o condemn_v not_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o although_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o real_a and_o corporal_a presence_n and_o oral_a manducation_n of_o christ_n body_n yet_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o as_o necessay_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o receive_v we_o also_o in_o our_o opinion_n as_o fellow-member_n and_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v general_o all_o thus_o mind_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n be_v soon_o conclude_v and_o the_o way_n prepare_v to_o a_o total_a unity_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o further_a cause_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o communion_n and_o other_o godly_a exercise_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o peace_n and_o unity_n sake_n to_o tolerate_v the_o other_o defect_n and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o walk_v with_o they_o as_o brethren_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v phil._n 3._o v._n 15_o 16._o till_o god_n may_v reveal_v unto_o we_o on_o both_o side_n even_o what_o be_v remain_v 11._o chap._n 11._o wherein_o we_o disagree_v but_o those_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n condescend_v unto_o this_o shall_v not_o with_o all_o their_o sophistry_n and_o art_n wind_v themselves_o out_o from_o bear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o long_o continue_v most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v hereafter_o ensue_v thereupon_o lutheran_n cause_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lutheran_n now_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n that_o same_o declare_v and_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o place_n where_o both_o a_o general_a and_o particular_a reformation_n be_v settle_v for_o where_o the_o whole_a congregation_n acknowledge_v with_o one_o consent_n the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o different_a and_o controvert_v point_n there_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o its_o unanimous_a and_o general_a reformation_n wherein_o it_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v though_o some_o few_o private_a man_n dissent_v from_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o have_v rather_o adhere_v to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o way_n restrain_v but_o where_o the_o congregation_n in_o any_o city_n or_o province_n disagree_v so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n but_o adhere_v so_o close_o to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n concern_v oral_a manducation_n and_o omni-presence_n of_o christ_n body_n exorcism_n image_n hosty_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o they_o therefore_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n the_o other_o party_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o they_o there_o these_o since_o they_o of_o necessity_n must_v separate_a themselves_o from_o their_o condemner_n be_v force_v also_o to_o a_o particular_a reformation_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n may_v discharge_v it_o towards_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n especial_o when_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n after_o the_o example_n of_o king_n asae_n josaphat_n hiskia_n josia_n chief_o depend_v upon_o give_v assent_n to_o the_o true-beleeving_a party_n wherein_o neither_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o any_o temporal_a constitution_n or_o ordinance_n of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o posterity_n nor_o can_v tie_v they_o to_o any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n on_o all_o side_n who_o do_v not_o ground_n or_o build_v their_o religion_n upon_o temporal_a ordinance_n like_o the_o heathen_a and_o mahumetan_n but_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o such_o reformation_n most_o common_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o great_o offend_v the_o err_a party_n yet_o a_o more_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o scandalize_a first_o their_o own_o conscience_n than_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o true-beleever_n and_o last_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o err_a lest_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o error_n then_o of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a the_o affection_n of_o the_o err_a whereby_o other_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o zeal_n to_o their_o error_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n which_o zeal_n nevertheless_o i_o hope_v shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o with_o the_o lutheran_n that_o they_o against_o their_o legal_a magistrate_n who_o have_v give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o religion_n without_o any_o impediment_n shall_v
doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v add_v in_o the_o latter_a hundred_o year_n without_o and_o against_o god_n word_n also_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o people_n among_o they_o the_o one_o who_o in_o their_o christianity_n only_o and_o principal_o cleave_v to_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a apostolic_a creed_n which_o they_o with_o we_o be_v baptize_v unto_o so_o that_o they_o seek_v only_o 〈◊〉_d salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o crucify_a as_o their_o own_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n and_o testify_v such_o belief_n of_o they_o in_o the_o effect_n by_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n who_o also_o consequent_o will_v not_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o spirit_n with_o they_o in_o such_o universal_a save_a faith_n work_v through_o love_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o hostility_n unless_o it_o be_v out_o of_o mere_a ignorance_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a information_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n how_o shall_v we_o then_o condemn_v they_o much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o account_v such_o catholic_n for_o true_a evangelical_n and_o not_o for_o popish_a christian_n because_o their_o salvation_n be_v ground_v not_o upon_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o upon_o other_o popish_a tradition_n and_o auxiliary_a concomitant_a mean_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o precious_a redemption_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n a_o great_a number_n of_o such_o people_n and_o be_v still_o at_o this_o present_a even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o popery_n not_o only_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o live_v among_o they_o but_o their_o own_o book_n before_o and_o after_o luther_n time_n do_v testify_v it_o as_o bernardi_n anselmi_n gersonis_n tauleri_n thomae_fw-la de_fw-fr kempis_n erasmi_n cassandri_n feri_fw-la cardinalis_fw-la contareni_n hosij_fw-la pighij_fw-la coloniensium_fw-la in_o anti-didagmate_a &_o enchiridio_fw-la and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o more_o especial_o their_o ancient_a manual_n concern_v meditation_n upon_o death_n which_o be_v common_o use_v a_o great_a while_n before_o luther_n time_n wherein_o the_o die_a person_n from_o all_o meritorious_a work_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o from_o all_o other_o humane_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v only_o direct_v to_o the_o precious_a merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n formulae_fw-la interrogandi_fw-la infirmos_fw-la inter_fw-la epistolas_fw-la anselmi_n ars_fw-la benè_fw-la moriendi_fw-la monachi_fw-la cujusdam_fw-la cisterciensis_fw-la hortulus_fw-la animae_fw-la georg._n cassander_n in_o append._n opusc_n joh._n roffensis_n hosius_n in_o confess_v petricov_n cap._n 73._o sacerdotale_a roman_a edit_fw-la venet._n ann._n 1555._o fol._n 116._o sacra_fw-la institutio_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la edit_fw-la paris_n ann._n 1575._o fol._n 35._o ordo_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la cum_fw-la modo_fw-la visitandi_fw-la edit_fw-la venet._n ann._n 1575._o fol._n 34._o in_o which_o book_n the_o spanish_a inquisitor_n have_v ordain_v in_o their_o twofold_a indice_fw-la expurgatorio_n annis_n 1584._o &_o 1612._o to_o deface_v and_o omit_v these_o question_n and_o answer_n follow_v sacerdos_n credis_fw-la non_fw-la propriis_fw-la meritis_fw-la sed_fw-la passionis_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la virtute_fw-la &_o merito_fw-la ad_fw-la gloriam_fw-la pervenire_fw-la respondeat_fw-la infirmus_fw-la credo_fw-la sacerdos_n credit_n quòd_fw-la dominus_fw-la noster_fw-la jesus_n christus_fw-la pro_fw-la nostra_fw-la salute_v mortuus_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la ex_fw-la propriis_fw-la meritis_fw-la vel_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la nullus_fw-la possit_fw-la salvari_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o merito_fw-la passionis_fw-la ejus_fw-la respondeat_fw-la infirmus_fw-la credo_fw-la by_o the_o omission_n of_o which_o word_n they_o testify_v against_o themselves_o that_o those_o among_o they_o who_o examine_v the_o die_a person_n upon_o this_o belief_n wherein_o the_o principal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n consist_v and_o die_v upon_o it_o have_v be_v very_o addict_v to_o our_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o their_o popish_a belief_n and_o doctrine_n and_o although_o such_o man_n have_v also_o adhere_v in_o their_o ignorance_n to_o some_o erroneous_a opinion_n according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o those_o time_n out_o of_o want_n of_o better_a information_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v condemn_v or_o account_v for_o non-evangelical_n because_o they_o fix_v their_o comfort_n and_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n not_o upon_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n not_o upon_o merit_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n not_o upon_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o decease_a 〈◊〉_d â—pon_n indulgence_n not_o upon_o monastical_a order_n and_o such_o other_o like_o thing_n but_o only_o upon_o god_n mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o crucify_a to_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o they_o nevertheless_o go_v to_o mass_n which_o we_o count_v idolatry_n and_o consequent_o must_v condemn_v all_o those_o as_o mere_a idolater_n we_o answer_v that_o such_o man_n go_v to_o mass_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n not_o even_o according_a to_o the_o new_a masse-doctrine_n which_o but_o in_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n ann._n 1218._o and_o after_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v canonize_v but_o according_a to_o the_o pure_a ancient_a and_o simple_a belief_n of_o christ_n word_n in_o the_o holy_a communion_n wherein_o even_o yet_o the_o moderate_a papist_n so_o far_a must_v agree_v with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v sacrificium_fw-la commemorativum_fw-la a_o commemoration_n and_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n finish_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o spiritual_a meat_n of_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o many_o religious_a and_o pious_a heart_n have_v at_o all_o time_n understand_v and_o eat_v it_o after_o a_o spiritual_a sort_n who_o hear_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o scholastical_a disceptation_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o be_v say_v of_o those_o in_o thyatira_n revel_v 2._o v._n 24._o or_o have_v express_o reject_v they_o and_o believe_v nothing_o else_o concern_v the_o holy_a communion_n but_o what_o next_o to_o augustine_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n bertramus_n or_o ratramus_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o carolus_n calvus_n when_o the_o dispute_v of_o this_o subject_n have_v their_o first_o beginning_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr corpore_fw-la &_o sanguine_a christi_n who_o at_o all_o time_n be_v account_v for_o a_o true_a catholic_n teacher_n and_o though_o some_o have_v believe_v the_o real_a and_o corporal_a presence_n and_o oral_a manducation_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o mass_n yet_o we_o shall_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o have_v but_o ground_v the_o principal_a comfort_n and_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n not_o upon_o the_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a eat_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o be_v the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n likewise_o though_o they_o have_v much_o decline_v in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mass_n from_o christ_n first_o institution_n and_o have_v add_v thereunto_o many_o humane_a partly_o superstitious_a partly_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n yet_o all_o those_o can_v present_o be_v account_v for_o damnable_a idolater_n who_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v have_v nor_o the_o error_n make_v yet_o so_o apparent_o evident_a go_v to_o the_o common_a mass_n in_o their_o simplicity_n because_o of_o the_o remnant_n of_o christ_n institution_n therein_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n for_o the_o quicken_a of_o their_o soul_n like_a as_o they_o use_v the_o holy_a baptism_n for_o to_o cleanse_v and_o wash_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n notwithstanding_o the_o superstitious_a humane_a ceremony_n that_o be_v add_v thereunto_o who_o also_o though_o they_o kneel_v down_o before_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v a_o sacramental_a token_n of_o remembrance_n and_o exhibitive_a sign_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n like_v as_o the_o lutheran_n also_o at_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o the_o reform_a protestant_n in_o england_n use_v to_o do_v yet_o have_v not_o fix_v the_o adoration_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o heart_n on_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n but_o on_o christ_n himself_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o less_o to_o be_v esteem_v idolater_n then_o for_o their_o kneeling_z and_o bow_v down_o before_o paint_a 〈◊〉_d carve_v crucifix_n which_o christ_n never_o ordain_v for_o sign_n of_o remembâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d instead_o of_o adore_v jesus_n christ_n in_o heaven_n though_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v use_v in_o popery_n at_o