with_o what_o our_o own_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n at_o home_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o go_v abroad_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n though_o perhaps_o very_o different_a from_o we_o and_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n of_o christian_n every_o be_v but_o neither_o abroad_o nor_o at_o home_o can_v we_o purchase_v unity_n of_o communion_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n for_o it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v but_o one_o communion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o even_o this_o good_a may_v come_v and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o evil_n which_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n authority_n be_v in_o great_a part_n design_v to_o prevent_v for_o as_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n form_v his_o disciple_n into_o a_o spiritual_a society_n so_o we_o have_v great_a 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in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v repugnant_a to_o several_a express_a text_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o say_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n we_o be_v i_o say_v as_o sure_o that_o they_o be_v the_o plain_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o withal_o that_o to_o guard_v these_o truth_n god_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n institute_v or_o church_n communion_n require_v and_o true_o if_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v such_o cause_n for_o it_o as_o we_o pretend_v be_v not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n it_o may_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o scandalous_a impiety_n and_o damnable_a error_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n one_o communion_n be_v either_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o excuse_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v break_v and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o 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though_o general_n account_n we_o give_v of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o pretend_v no_o more_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n against_o that_o church_n than_o we_o can_v prove_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o safe_a on_o that_o side_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o plea_n the_o dissenter_n defend_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o we_o therefore_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o answer_v also_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_a and_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n to_o divide_v from_o we_o but_o in_o make_v out_o this_o general_a answer_n they_o do_v not_o all_o go_v the_o same_o way_n nor_o do_v some_o of_o they_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o a_o 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i_o think_v produce_v by_o those_o that_o shall_v best_o understand_v the_o cause_n as_o amount_v to_o make_v our_o communion_n direct_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o prefer_v a_o worse_a mode_n of_o serve_v god_n before_o a_o better_a and_o the_o mode_n which_o themselves_o observe_v be_v better_a they_o be_v to_o prefer_v that_o before_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n other_o go_v yet_o further_o from_o we_o and_o take_v liturgy_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o all_o these_o do_v general_o dislike_v the_o form_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n however_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n upon_o that_o since_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o although_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o because_o the_o civil_a authority_n concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o our_o church_n law_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v those_o law_n to_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v they_o rather_o choose_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suspect_v unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o upon_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o better_a communion_n than_o we_o be_v but_o out_o of_o these_o i_o must_v except_v the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n unite_a one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n under_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n as_o can_v at_o once_o assemble_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o man_n think_v the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o no_o other_o dissenter_n at_o present_a but_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o 1._o that_o a_o national_a church_n authority_n be_v a_o usurpation_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o every_o such_o church_n have_v full_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o be_v not_o of_o right_a accountable_a to_o any_o other_o authority_n for_o the_o order_n it_o shall_v take_v to_o govern_v
indifferent_a and_o thing_n command_v and_o forbid_v be_v not_o thing_n which_o we_o fancy_n 3._o but_o which_o indeed_o be_v so_o if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n also_o of_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o the_o same_o light_n that_o show_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v do_v withal_o show_v what_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v forbear_v and_o as_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o something_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v will_v not_o acquit_v any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n from_o sin_n in_o do_v according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v so_o neither_o will_v any_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o his_o superior_n require_v he_o to_o do_v what_o be_v unlawful_a when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a acquit_v he_o of_o the_o gild_n of_o disobedience_n in_o follow_v that_o persuasion_n in_o what_o degree_n this_o or_o that_o man_n ignorance_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v culpable_a god_n only_o know_v for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o can_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n but_o more_o or_o less_o culpable_a it_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v in_o his_o word_n and_o consequent_o what_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n and_o that_o because_o his_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_o these_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n be_v corrupt_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o passion_n or_o any_o worldly_a interest_n take_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o impose_v they_o upon_o all_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o rule_n their_o persuasion_n shall_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n against_o god_n nor_o exempt_a they_o from_o be_v answerable_a to_o he_o for_o abuse_v their_o authority_n and_o for_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o draw_v some_o man_n into_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o punish_v other_o for_o well_o do_v and_o by_o like_a reason_n if_o subject_n not_o right_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a which_o their_o superior_n enjoin_v they_o to_o do_v whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v indifferent_a and_o thereupon_o refuse_v to_o do_v they_o this_o persuasion_n shall_v not_o acquit_v they_o before_o god_n nor_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v answerable_a for_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o for_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o disobedience_n in_o set_v a_o bad_a example_n in_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o disturb_v public_a order_n and_o which_o very_o often_o happen_v in_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v evil_a and_o blasphemous_a thing_n of_o his_o holy_a religion_n i_o say_v ignorance_n will_v help_v no_o more_o in_o this_o late_a case_n than_o in_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o the_o subject_a to_o know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o for_o the_o ruler_n to_o know_v what_o be_v unlawful_a these_o consideration_n i_o confess_v do_v more_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o last_o plea_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o convenient_a to_o touch_v upon_o they_o here_o where_o we_o have_v be_v inquire_v what_o thing_n they_o be_v in_o which_o authority_n be_v to_o over-rule_v private_a judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o practice_n of_o inferior_n and_o withal_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o answer_v this_o common_a question_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o difference_n consequent_a upon_o the_o two_o first_o respect_v authority_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o each_o side_n separate_v as_o to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o maintain_v or_o to_o overthrow_v one_o communion_n among_o christian_n this_o will_v fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o that_o of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n among_o christian_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o that_o of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n with_o foreign_a church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o as_o to_o unity_n at_o home_n the_o romanist_n pretend_v that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o reformation_n division_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a among_o we_o we_o also_o pretend_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o but_o with_o what_o difference_n of_o reason_n on_o each_o side_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n if_o a_o competent_a authority_n injoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o certain_o this_o may_v be_v very_o true_a although_o it_o be_v false_a that_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o christian_a or_o by_o any_o man_n be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v division_n we_o say_v far_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n on_o the_o other_o to_o keep_v those_o christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n that_o live_v within_o one_o jurisdiction_n if_o a_o due_a use_n of_o authority_n in_o lawful_a superior_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o dutiful_a subjection_n of_o inferior_n thereunto_o on_o the_o other_o will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v but_o if_o some_o man_n will_v be_v stubborn_a we_o can_v help_v that_o any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v hinder_v other_o man_n from_o be_v tyrant_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o concern_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o this_o consideration_n will_v not_o keep_v they_o within_o bound_n and_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o honest_a they_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n one_o day_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n subject_n that_o suffer_v unjust_o for_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o wicked_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n must_v bear_v it_o as_o patient_o as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o their_o meek_a obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v themselves_o into_o their_o good_a opinion_n and_o superior_n that_o be_v vex_v with_o froward_a and_o disorderly_a subject_n who_o break_v christian_a communion_n when_o no_o just_a cause_n be_v give_v they_o must_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lay_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o must_v use_v their_o authority_n as_o prudent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n from_o go_v far_o we_o be_v sensible_a what_o advantage_n the_o papist_n make_v to_o themselves_o against_o our_o reformation_n by_o the_o example_n of_o dissenter_n and_o the_o dissenter_n by_o the_o papist_n when_o the_o papist_n have_v man_n and_o woman_n of_o weak_a understanding_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o reformation_n be_v run_v out_o into_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o separation_n will_v end_v if_o therefore_o you_o love_v unity_n return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o communion_n the_o separatist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n set_v off_o their_o claim_n to_o a_o unrestrainable_a liberty_n of_o choose_v in_o what_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o show_v to_o their_o proselyte_n the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n of_o that_o church_n as_o the_o dissenter_n and_o as_o much_o for_o unity_n against_o causeless_a separation_n and_o for_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n against_o stubbornness_n as_o the_o romanist_n and_o both_o these_o upon_o principle_n that_o consist_v well_o with_o one_o another_o we_o say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o a_o foreigner_n shall_v not_o affect_v a_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n aught_o
the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n the_o dissenter_n say_v that_o they_o separate_a from_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o some_o degree_n of_o integrity_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o plea_n if_o honest_o it_o be_v make_v and_o such_o a_o degree_n it_o be_v as_o without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o honest_a man._n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o go_v about_o to_o make_v it_o questionable_a whether_o indeed_o it_o be_v out_o of_o conscience_n that_o they_o general_o separate_a from_o we_o i_o shall_v here_o admit_v it_o add_v only_o that_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o hand_n to_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o they_o can_v be_v that_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n at_o least_o for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o they_o will_v take_v this_o admonition_n in_o ill_a part_n since_o i_o charge_v myself_o and_o desire_v all_o the_o people_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n to_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o our_o own_o mind_n that_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_a even_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o either_o choose_v one_o communion_n or_o refuse_v another_o for_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a interest_n for_o we_o say_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n viz._n that_o in_o conscience_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o every_o church_n in_o her_o communion_n as_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n now_o stand_v be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o then_o if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o then_o this_o come_v to_o we_o shall_v make_v but_o a_o very_a weak_a apology_n for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o for_o to_o deal_v plain_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n may_v say_v for_o refuse_v to_o become_v a_o christian_n and_o no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o may_v true_o say_v too_o that_o be_v that_o his_o conscience_n will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n since_o he_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o from_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o profess_v now_o this_o if_o it_o be_v true_o say_v shall_v make_v he_o a_o more_o honest_a turk_n or_o jew_n than_o another_o that_o be_v in_o his_o conscience_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o with_o his_o mouth_n he_o deny_v yet_o it_o shall_v not_o make_v that_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o be_v more_o true_a in_o his_o mouth_n than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o i_o suppose_v no_o christian_n will_v say_v that_o his_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v not_o mere_a pretence_n will_v acquit_v he_o of_o sin_n in_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o with_o reasonable_a evidence_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o misinformation_n of_o his_o conscience_n or_o his_o erroneous_a persuasion_n be_v his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o do_v separate_a from_o the_o roman_a communion_n out_o of_o conscience_n yet_o whether_o we_o do_v well_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n in_o this_o or_o not_o must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o those_o reason_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o by_o our_o persuasion_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o principle_n that_o will_v vindicate_v a_o man_n in_o the_o great_a error_n that_o can_v be_v profess_v and_o justify_v he_o in_o the_o most_o wicked_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v under_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o those_o be_v not_o error_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o wicked_a thing_n wherefore_o i_o beseech_v all_o those_o that_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o a_o general_a and_o loose_a persuasion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v little_a or_o no_o particular_a account_n that_o they_o do_v well_o in_o forsake_v we_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v sin_n in_o communicate_v with_o we_o i_o beseech_v they_o i_o say_v to_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o a_o most_o evident_a truth_n it_o be_v that_o if_o their_o persuasion_n be_v erroneous_a they_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o persuasion_n guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v this_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n as_o i_o plain_o perceive_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o aggravate_v sin_n neither_o will_v their_o ignorance_n acquit_v they_o of_o guilt_n proportionable_a to_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v not_o envy_v their_o safety_n can_v i_o believe_v they_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v secure_a upon_o give_v this_o account_n of_o their_o separation_n and_o that_o honest_o too_o that_o they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n about_o it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o presumption_n since_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o deliver_v up_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v kill_v for_o their_o profession_n be_v doubtless_o satisfy_v in_o conscience_n that_o they_o do_v god_n service_n in_o so_o do_v and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v some_o that_o have_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o bloody_a church_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v so_o persuade_v too_o but_o do_v you_o think_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o thanks_o for_o what_o they_o do_v because_o of_o their_o good_a meaning_n and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o think_v so_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v acquit_v from_o your_o separation_n if_o a_o sin_n it_o be_v and_o a_o great_a one_o too_o mere_o because_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o any_o great_a consequence_n or_o indeed_o any_o fault_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o a_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n divine_a truth_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o these_o and_o more_o law_n beside_o write_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o may_v yet_o be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v man_n or_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n to_o what_o end_n have_v god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o give_v we_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o use_v those_o mean_n if_o ignorance_n may_v still_o be_v plead_v in_o our_o justification_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v tell_v and_o let_v he_o that_o can_v look_v to_o it_o that_o no_o prejudice_n nor_o passion_n nor_o laziness_n nor_o worldly_a interest_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n either_o to_o hinder_v his_o search_n or_o if_o he_o search_v to_o hinder_v his_o find_v out_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n i_o say_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o no_o body_n will_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v well_o say_v but_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o as_o it_o do_v with_o many_o other_o good_a say_n it_o be_v still_o by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v good_a but_o it_o be_v by_o few_o well_o apply_v but_o thus_o far_o at_o least_o i_o may_v desire_v those_o of_o the_o separation_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o themselves_o that_o if_o they_o unnecessary_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o divide_v from_o we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n bring_v they_o off_o in_o so_o do_v from_o the_o condemnation_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o sin_n to_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o make_v his_o church_n one_o body_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v very_o destructive_a of_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o blame_n be_v very_o great_a wherever_o it_o lie_v and_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v very_o great_a if_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o find_v what_o ought_v and_o what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o maintain_v unity_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o he_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_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 london_n print_v for_o thomas_n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o fincham_n gardener_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o happy_a reformation_n of_o this_o church_n they_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n have_v with_o their_o utmost_a art_n insinuate_v that_o our_o reformation_n proceed_v upon_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n to_o this_o end_n they_o have_v lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o advantage_n which_o the_o division_n among_o protestant_n have_v offer_v they_o and_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v hold_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v so_o indiscreet_a to_o say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o allege_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sorry_a that_o man_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o impious_a error_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n shall_v give_v so_o much_o countenance_n to_o that_o grievous_a charge_n upon_o the_o reformation_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v the_o papist_n be_v too_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o for_o give_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o accusation_n but_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o charge_n be_v too_o great_a a_o kindness_n in_o all_o reason_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o insinuate_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o separation_n on_o either_o part_n or_o else_o that_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_a reformation_n we_o be_v still_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o that_o we_o have_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o god_n help_v to_o show_v in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n that_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a and_o that_o we_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n wherewith_o to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o forsake_v our_o communion_n can_v by_o any_o good_a consequence_n from_o those_o reason_n warrant_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n in_o this_o attempt_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v adversary_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o it_o often_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o hazardous_a business_n to_o determine_v between_o two_o extreme_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v great_a danger_n in_o this_o case_n since_o it_o be_v the_o same_o false_a charge_n against_o the_o reformation_n in_o which_o these_o extreme_a party_n agree_v and_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o i_o confute_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n or_o against_o the_o protestant_a separatist_n for_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v against_o one_o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v unjust_a in_o both_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o as_o we_o charge_v those_o of_o the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n with_o schism_n so_o do_v the_o romanist_n charge_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o schism_n too_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n as_o we_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o that_o so_o have_v not_o they_o for_o this_o for_o schism_n be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n and_o we_o think_v we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o disinterest_v and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o we_o have_v show_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v show_v none_o such_o for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o shall_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v either_o with_o the_o romanist_n or_o with_o the_o dissenter_n because_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o we_o and_o by_o we_o against_o the_o separtist_n with_o equal_a confidence_n unless_o he_o see_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v with_o equal_a justice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o when_o some_o protestant_n demand_v a_o far_a reformation_n separate_v from_o our_o church_n this_o pretence_n will_v soon_o after_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n both_o by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n it_o lay_v fair_a for_o they_o both_o and_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v take_v up_o by_o both_o since_o it_o will_v serve_v exceed_o well_o to_o help_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o to_o give_v popular_a colour_n to_o the_o weak_a argument_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o side_n the_o romanist_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o forego_v such_o a_o advantage_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o dissenter_n give_v he_o to_o disgrace_v the_o reformation_n among_o those_o that_o love_a unity_n nor_o be_v the_o separatist_n likely_a to_o omit_v that_o advantage_n which_o our_o reformation_n give_v he_o to_o commend_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o far_a separation_n from_o rome_n to_o those_o that_o abhor_a popery_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v stand_v all_o discreet_a person_n in_o hand_n to_o weigh_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v any_o prejudice_n against_o our_o communion_n in_o favour_n either_o of_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o sectary_n mere_o because_o they_o both_o say_v that_o in_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o papist_n we_o vindicate_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o sectary_n from_o ourselves_o i_o must_v not_o in_o this_o narrow_a compass_n pretend_v to_o enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o several_a question_n controvert_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n on_o both_o side_n but_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a objection_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o our_o communion_n have_v be_v well_o argue_v against_o they_o and_o likewise_o that_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o several_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v make_v her_o communion_n intolerable_a we_o have_v say_v upon_o each_o point_n no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v well_o prove_v against_o that_o church_n and_o which_o upon_o all_o fit_a occasion_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o make_v good_a again_o but_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistence_n in_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o schism_n charge_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o accuse_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n of_o that_o fault_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o the_o romanist_n can_v take_v our_o argument_n against_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o condemn_v our_o reformation_n nor_o the_o separatist_n our_o reason_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romanist_n to_o acquit_v himself_o in_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n this_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o by_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n those_o by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o 2._o by_o compare_v they_o together_o that_o we_o may_v judge_n wherein_o and_o how_o far_o these_o case_n agree_v with_o or_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o this_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n separate_v from_o we_o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n charge_v we_o with_o schism_n we_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o her_o communion_n which_o we_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n more_o particular_o we_o say_v
my_o present_a business_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o understand_a person_n who_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o learning_n use_v on_o both_o side_n whether_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o church-communion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o rule_v advise_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o law_n make_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o say_v that_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v independent_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o take_v any_o one_o argument_n use_v by_o any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v it_o hold_v to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o a_o congregation_n either_o upon_o a_o national_a or_o episcopal_n church_n if_o he_o can_v wherefore_o suppose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v of_o no_o good_a authority_n among_o we_o and_o our_o own_o law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a to_o want_v no_o good_a authority_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v otherwise_o lawful_a on_o both_o side_n then_o the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o our_o refusal_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o decree_n will_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n but_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o independent_o and_o all_o other_o among_o we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o law_n will_v be_v so_o on_o their_o part_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o case_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o dissenter_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o entire_a and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o her_o communion_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o the_o term_n thereof_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n of_o all_o who_o she_o admit_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o the_o great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o our_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o ceremony_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o that_o do_v not_o direct_o charge_v any_o of_o our_o practice_n in_o worship_n as_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v inexpedient_a and_o unedifying_a and_o they_o that_o separate_a upon_o this_o account_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o whereas_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n forsake_v a_o unlawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v lawful_a they_o separate_v from_o we_o forsake_v a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v better_o and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n again_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n 2._o another_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o pretend_v something_o more_o that_o be_v that_o they_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o doubt_n and_o these_o man_n also_o must_v confess_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o that_o for_o which_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o we_o be_v pass_v doubt_v in_o the_o case_n and_o positive_o affirm_v those_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a and_o in_o consequence_n hereof_o they_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n also_o between_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o and_o we_o pretend_v against_o that_o church_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o imposition_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o they_o suspect_v the_o like_a of_o we_o and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v by_o we_o attack_v with_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n against_o she_o but_o that_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a evidence_n in_o scripture_n against_o we_o concern_v which_o more_o will_v be_v say_v under_o the_o next_o head_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a where_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o certain_o know_v god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o it_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a also_o where_o other_o thing_n be_v require_v concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_a 3._o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o pretend_v these_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o former_a either_o scruple_n or_o judge_v only_o inexpedient_a to_o be_v indeed_o sinful_a and_o to_o render_v our_o communion_n not_o only_o suspect_v and_o less_o desirable_a but_o plain_o unlawful_a and_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v they_o will_v show_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o one_o general_n reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v give_v but_o i_o believe_v a_o very_a wide_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o particular_a practice_n themselves_o which_o be_v by_o we_o say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o which_o by_o the_o dissenter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v those_o and_o that_o by_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v these_o unlawful_a 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o particular_n themselves_o the_o dissenter_n do_v with_o we_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o form_n of_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o we_o have_v purge_v our_o communion_n but_o they_o say_v we_o have_v retain_v other_o practice_n something_a akin_a to_o these_o though_o not_o quite_o so_o bad_a for_o instance_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n wear_v the_o surplice_n sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o of_o they_o add_v the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o all_o that_o i_o design_n under_o this_o head_n in_o compare_v the_o former_a and_o the_o late_a particular_n together_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a be_v suppose_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v from_o thence_o infer_v and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v perfect_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o for_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n here_o in_o england_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n which_o our_o bishop_n exercise_n in_o england_n from_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a so_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n may_v be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o for_o all_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o profitable_a and_o in_o most_o case_n necessary_a the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n may_v be_v a_o idolatrous_a practice_n yet_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n where_o such_o adoration_n be_v disclaim_v shall_v be_v no_o such_o practice_n we_o may_v sign_n the_o baptise_a insant_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o not_o worship_n that_o sign_n we_o may_v do_v the_o former_a in_o token_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o baptism_n lay_v upon_o we_o without_o attribute_v any_o of_o that_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereunto_o which_o make_v the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a what_o practice_n be_v there_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o as_o unlawful_a have_v abandon_v from_o whence_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o see_v it_o wear_v can_v with_o any_o
from_o she_o because_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a not_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n or_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n therefore_o also_o by_o say_v that_o we_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n we_o mean_v not_o that_o we_o have_v forsake_v but_o some_o corruption_n only_o of_o the_o roman_a worship_n as_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v now_o indeed_o pure_a than_o they_o though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o be_v not_o our_o meaning_n for_o we_o contend_v that_o this_o church_n have_v purge_v away_o all_o those_o practice_n and_o abolish_v all_o those_o rule_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o impurity_n leave_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n so_o that_o any_o man_n who_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v may_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n wherefore_o this_o comparative_a expression_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n respect_v the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v indeed_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o churches-communion_n be_v not_o impure_a but_o withal_o imply_v that_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o true_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o that_o her_o communion_n be_v not_o pure_a enough_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o join_v in_o it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n and_o how_o we_o maintain_v this_o plea_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o therefore_o although_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o plea_n in_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o we_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o that_o we_o do_v nor_o attempt_v to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_v with_o such_o condition_n as_o oblige_v the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v reveal_v this_o plea_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o by_o such_o particular_n as_o these_o be_v by_o they_o weak_o bring_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o by_o our_o example_n in_o separate_v from_o rome_n and_o though_o the_o general_a pretence_n may_v serve_v to_o delude_v injudicious_a people_n who_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o reason_n and_o colour_n yet_o it_o will_v neither_o acquit_v they_o before_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o will_v impartial_o consider_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o that_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o but_o a_o colour_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v impure_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o what_o be_v those_o condition_n thereof_o which_o be_v sinful_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o separate_a wherein_o do_v this_o purity_n consist_v let_v reasonable_a man_n judge_n extemporary_a prayer_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o receive_v the_o communion_n sit_v or_o stand_v be_v more_o pure_a than_o to_o receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o omit_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o to_o use_v it_o and_o the_o minister_n pray_v in_o a_o coat_n or_o a_o cloak_n be_v more_o pure_a then_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o surplice_n but_o till_o they_o can_v show_v that_o our_o way_n in_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n either_o they_o can_v just_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impure_a or_o at_o least_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o mean_v by_o impurity_n something_o else_o when_o they_o charge_v it_o upon_o we_o than_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o when_o we_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o same_o plea_n against_o we_o that_o we_o produce_v against_o that_o for_o with_o we_o impurity_n be_v sin_n and_o a_o impure_a communion_n be_v a_o communion_n in_o which_o we_o can_v communicate_v without_o sin_n i._n e._n without_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v impurity_n with_o they_o must_v go_v for_o something_o else_o that_o be_v either_o for_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o that_o be_v pure_a against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o law_n their_o pretence_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n be_v altogether_o groundless_a unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o we_o without_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o do_v what_o he_o forbid_v therefore_o the_o former_a discourse_n concern_v term_n of_o communion_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o plea_n as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v order_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n or_o to_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o upon_o this_o principle_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v do_v the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o we_o and_o the_o main_a controversy_n we_o have_v with_o they_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a authority_n to_o prescribe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o comply_v with_o such_o prescription_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o we_o show_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v what_o that_o church_n require_v and_o this_o through_o all_o those_o instance_n of_o their_o corruption_n in_o worship_n for_o which_o we_o pretend_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o depart_v from_o her_o communion_n now_o if_o the_o dissenter_n can_v show_v the_o like_a of_o any_o condition_n in_o our_o communion_n i_o promise_v to_o recant_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o instead_o of_o vindicate_v my_o defence_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a to_o depart_v from_o her_o communion_n in_o that_o thing_n whatever_o may_v come_v of_o it_o from_o this_o time_n forward_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n either_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o clear_a argument_n tend_v to_o my_o conviction_n or_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o a_o convince_a conscience_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n but_o to_o deal_v plain_o the_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o uncasiness_n of_o this_o task_n that_o be_v of_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o method_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o we_o use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o it_o will_v make_v a_o indifferent_a man_n suspect_v their_o cause_n to_o see_v what_o shift_v they_o use_v to_o make_v good_a their_o pretence_n they_o demand_v of_o we_o where_o scripture_n command_v or_o what_o need_n there_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o church_n require_v they_o pretend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o by_o man_n to_o be_v determine_v to_o any_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n to_o which_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o determine_v they_o they_o say_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o derogation_n from_o the_o royalty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o these_o pretence_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o intimate_v some_o such_o thing_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n but_o what_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o command_v except_v always_o those_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o action_n the_o choice_n whereof_o must_v yet_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n and_o as_o
to_o require_v nothing_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o run_v into_o a_o separate_a communion_n upon_o these_o principle_n we_o depart_v from_o rome_n and_o stick_v where_o we_o be_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v neither_o go_v back_o to_o rome_n nor_o run_v after_o the_o separation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o the_o former_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o of_o the_o late_a to_o avoid_v tyranny_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o main_a reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n without_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v plain_o forbid_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n be_v at_o first_o effect_v by_o and_o have_v all_o along_o stand_v upon_o good_a and_o just_a authority_n she_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v forth_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o she_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v in_o her_o communion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o schism_n to_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o upon_o these_o principle_n man_n must_v run_v into_o endless_a separation_n unless_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o whatever_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v who_o be_v our_o lawful_a governor_n and_o to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o do_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n with_o case_n of_o communion_n and_o separation_n as_o for_o the_o dissenter_n to_o omit_v the_o independent_o who_o church_n be_v in_o their_o very_a constitution_n inconsistent_a with_o submit_v to_o a_o common_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n they_o have_v forsake_v we_o for_o nothing_o but_o because_o the_o form_n of_o our_o worship_n or_o our_o two_o or_o three_o ceremony_n in_o it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o god_n word_n and_o because_o in_o thing_n leave_v otherwise_o to_o our_o liberty_n we_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n or_o because_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v better_o order_v and_o because_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pure_a than_o we_o though_o we_o be_v a_o lawful_a communion_n now_o these_o principle_n do_v indeed_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n unless_o these_o man_n can_v tell_v we_o either_o how_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o communion_n though_o all_o of_o we_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o obey_v a_o competent_a authority_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o determine_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n or_o what_o particular_a communion_n that_o be_v from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_a even_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o communion_n where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v mend_v in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o a_o word_n they_o that_o separate_a upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o stop_v there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o practice_n who_o separate_a without_o such_o cause_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v from_o our_o church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v proceed_v far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o themselves_o 2._o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n do_v not_o obstruct_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n abroad_o where_o there_o be_v no_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o so_o do_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n separation_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o our_o governor_n determine_v one_o common_a order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n also_o may_v determine_v in_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o prudence_n for_o the_o people_n subject_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o we_o who_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n among_o we_o with_o who_o she_o have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o meddle_v than_o any_o other_o foreign_a church_n have_v must_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o come_v within_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n leave_v other_o church_n that_o be_v as_o independent_a upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v upon_o rome_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o church_n have_v express_o declare_v in_o these_o our_o do_n we_o condemn_v not_o other_o nation_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o our_o own_o people_n only_o for_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o every_o country_n shall_v use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v best_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n honour_n and_o glory_n liturgy_n and_o to_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o godly_a live_n without_o error_n or_o superstition_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v put_v away_o other_o thing_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o perceive_v to_o be_v most_o abuse_v as_o in_o man_n ordinance_n it_o often_o chance_v diverse_o in_o divers_a country_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o excellent_a and_o true_o catholic_n declaration_n i_o will_v not_o only_o communicate_v with_o foreign_a church_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o from_o and_o ceremony_n but_o if_o i_o be_v among_o they_o i_o shall_v observe_v their_o establish_v mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o though_o i_o think_v our_o own_o way_n at_o home_n worthy_a upon_o all_o the_o account_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n but_o religious_o abstain_v from_o create_v any_o prejudice_n against_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o those_o place_n and_o rather_o do_v all_o that_o honest_o i_o can_v to_o bring_v those_o to_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o it_o this_o be_v that_o rule_n which_o st._n austin_n think_v shall_v take_v place_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o synod_n of_o bishop_n but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o those_o custom_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o particular_a church_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o tell_v why_o or_o how_o they_o come_v in_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v he_o there_o be_v one_o most_o wholesome_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v januarium_fw-la that_o wherever_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o obtain_v which_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o faith_n nor_o good_a manner_n 119._o and_o have_v some_o tendency_n to_o edification_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o commend_v and_o practise_v they_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o he_o complain_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o ceremonious_a observation_n in_o which_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o and_o wish_n that_o a_o reformation_n be_v make_v by_o authority_n thus_o in_o the_o forego_n epistle_n speak_v of_o the_o different_a observation_n of_o divers_a place_n for_o instance_n that_o some_o fast_n upon_o the_o saturday_n and_o some_o do_v not_o 118._o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a nothing_o say_v he_o do_v more_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o prudence_n of_o a_o christian_a then_o to_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o church_n into_o which_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o come_v then_o he_o relate_v st._n ambrose_n his_o celebrate_a answer_n to_o monica_n about_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n i_o fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n when_o i_o be_o here_o at_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o fast_a and_o so_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o any_o church_n observe_v its_o custom_n if_o thou_o will_v neither_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n nor_o take_v offence_n without_o cause_n this_o advice_n st._n austin_n magnify_v high_o and_o the_o more_o he_o think_v of_o it_o the_o better_a he_o like_v it_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v often_o with_o great_a sorrow_n consider_v how_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n have_v be_v disturb_v by_o the_o
quarrelsome_a humour_n and_o superstitious_a niceness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n of_o reason_v or_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o custom_n at_o home_n or_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v abroad_o raise_v such_o wrangle_a dispute_n about_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o reckon_v nothing_o well_o do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o plain_a rule_n he_o give_v elsewhere_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n define_v nothing_o certain_a one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o casulanum_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 86._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o law_n now_o by_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o liberty_n be_v which_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v in_o matter_n of_o indifference_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o order_v and_o regulate_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n over_o their_o charge_n as_o st._n ambrose_n word_n to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n about_o the_o forementioned_a case_n do_v plain_o imply_v 86._o resist_v not_o thy_o bishop_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o do_v that_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o dispute_n and_o beside_o those_o particular_a custom_n the_o variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n complain_v of_o 119._o there_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o episcopal_a synod_n concern_v thing_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o liberty_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o sort_n establish_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o foreign_a church_n and_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o break_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o custom_n for_o though_o st._n austin_n be_v sorry_a to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n trouble_v about_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n give_v he_o to_o complain_v that_o communion_n be_v break_v upon_o these_o account_n as_o before_o his_o time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o pope_n victor_n rashness_n in_o presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o observe_v easter_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o of_o march_n have_v not_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o wise_a and_o moderate_a person_n seasonable_o interpose_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n phrase_n contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n our_o separation_n from_o she_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v we_o from_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o bar_v we_o out_o by_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n for_o in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n this_o church_n perfume_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n abroad_o nor_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n who_o custom_n and_o observation_n be_v different_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o make_v a_o end_n of_o impose_v false_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o let_v she_o give_v over_o command_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o she_o may_v for_o we_o use_v her_o authority_n at_o home_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o though_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a abuse_n even_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o need_v a_o reformation_n yet_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o she_o for_o these_o thing_n if_o she_o will_v thorough_o purge_v herself_o from_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n that_o presume_v not_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n nor_o to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o actual_a communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o they_o but_o this_o make_v our_o case_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n but_o enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n only_a they_o must_v not_o upon_o those_o principle_n have_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o there_o be_v far_o more_o vncommand_v rite_n and_o usage_n establish_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o worship_n than_o now_o there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o reform_a church_n abroad_o since_o how_o different_a so_o ever_o the_o external_n mode_n of_o their_o worship_n may_v be_v from_o we_o yet_o some_o they_o all_o have_v and_o that_o consist_v of_o rule_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n but_o by_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o man._n to_o new_a england_n they_o must_v not_o go_v hope_v to_o find_v a_o communion_n there_o lawful_a to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o these_o principle_n the_o nonconformist_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v there_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o own_o censure_n concern_v worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o will_v make_v out_o by_o their_o church_n authority_n such_o as_o it_o be_v what_o they_o can_v show_v chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o our_o separatist_n if_o they_o go_v thither_o shall_v find_v no_o other_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n allow_v there_o but_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o there_o obtain_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unommand_v rite_n and_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v something_o more_o oblige_v by_o this_o principle_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n if_o rule_n for_o custom_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o as_o most_o certain_o such_o rule_n more_o or_o few_o all_o of_o they_o have_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n our_o separatist_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o proper_a governor_n and_o pastor_n who_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n where_o they_o may_v happen_v to_o go_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o authority_n at_o home_n there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v their_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v therein_o by_o one_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n leave_v usfree_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n abroad_o that_o do_v not_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v yet_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o we_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n destructive_a of_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v communicate_v with_o several_a reform_a church_n abroad_o but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a at_o home_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o reform_a church_n which_o exercise_v no_o authority_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o in_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o the_o external_a regulation_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o be_o yet_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v those_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o term_n of_o communion_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o plea_n i_o propound_v which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o only_o common_a to_o both_o side_n but_o which_o also_o may_v be_v as_o true_o allege_v on_o
they_o will_v submit_v to_o our_o bishop_n and_o by_o their_o conformity_n contribute_v to_o uphold_v the_o order_n of_o this_o national_a church_n but_o then_o the_o independent_o indeed_o must_v in_o consequence_n of_o their_o principle_n deny_v that_o bishop_n single_o or_o joint_o whether_o with_o the_o civil_a authority_n or_o without_o it_o have_v any_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o congregation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a since_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o member_n to_o be_v accountable_a to_o no_o authority_n under_o god_n but_o that_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v compare_v the_o two_o case_n of_o separation_n with_o respect_n to_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v i_o conceive_v comprehend_v all_o the_o forementioned_a plea_n on_o both_o side_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n 1._o to_o authority_n 2._o to_o term_n of_o communion_n and_o under_o this_o head_n to_o the_o common_a pretence_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n 3._o to_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o authority_n we_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o one_o particular_a constitute_v church_n from_o another_o neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o other_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o though_o the_o term_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v not_o unlawful_a yet_o if_o she_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o we_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v by_o her_o law_n and_o if_o our_o church_n governor_n shall_v use_v their_o own_o liberty_n and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o what_o they_o judge_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o scripture_n and_o more_o conducible_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o that_o church_n affect_v a_o usurpation_n over_o we_o can_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n who_o be_v not_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o upon_o the_o part_n of_o that_o church_n it_o will_v be_v so_o for_o her_o exercise_v a_o authority_n where_o she_o have_v no_o right_a so_o to_o do_v but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n be_v far_o otherwise_o who_o separate_a from_o this_o national_a church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o where_o they_o live_v for_o by_o thus_o do_v we_o say_v that_o they_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n from_o who_o if_o they_o divide_v especial_o if_o they_o set_v up_o a_o communion_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n under_o they_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o manifest_a schism_n unless_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o clear_v they_o of_o this_o fault_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o church_n authority_n be_v not_o well_o order_v because_o although_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o these_o thing_n their_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o authority_n for_o we_o think_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o no_o society_n can_v be_v unite_v and_o maintain_v without_o this_o principle_n that_o a_o lawful_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v by_o inferior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o that_o the_o mere_a imprudence_n or_o inexpedience_n of_o its_o determination_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o their_o obligation_n to_o comply_v therewith_o now_o that_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n upon_o which_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o national_a church_n stand_v i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o will_v grant_v a_o national_a church_n itself_o to_o be_v but_o a_o lawful_a constitution_n for_o there_o be_v the_o concurrence_n both_o of_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n to_o give_v they_o force_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n first_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o order_n for_o church_n government_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v afterward_o approve_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o parliament_n be_v then_o make_v a_o law_n by_o the_o king_n so_o that_o if_o the_o confederation_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o religious_a assembly_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o term_n can_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n among_o we_o to_o conformity_n here_o be_v no_o auhority_n want_v to_o induce_v such_o a_o obligation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o one_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o parochial_a congregation_n where_o he_o live_v and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o opposite_a communion_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o so_o do_v although_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v not_o be_v unite_v as_o they_o be_v into_o a_o national_a form_n but_o each_o bishop_n with_o his_o presbyter_n have_v make_v rule_n for_o religious_a assembly_n independent_o upon_o the_o rest_n but_o now_o the_o fault_n of_o such_o separation_n be_v heinous_o aggravate_v as_o the_o case_n stand_v by_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o those_o order_n or_o imposition_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o he_o separate_v from_o the_o parish_n where_o he_o live_v be_v make_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o christ_n flock_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o for_o a_o common_a rule_n to_o they_o all_o which_o method_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o unite_v their_o particular_a church_n more_o close_o one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o edify_v and_o strengthen_v they_o by_o such_o union_n therefore_o that_o separation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v unblamable_a of_o itself_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a as_o it_o tend_v to_o break_v so_o profitable_a a_o union_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o church_n governor_n to_o contempt_n as_o contribute_v towards_o it_o by_o their_o advice_n and_o consent_n 2._o that_o since_o the_o rule_n thus_o agree_v upon_o be_v make_v law_n also_o by_o the_o sovereign_a power_n such_o schism_n be_v aggravate_v far_o by_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o to_o which_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o kingdom_n do_v owe_v obedience_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o now_o i_o believe_v our_o presbyterian_a brethren_n will_v grant_v that_o upon_o these_o account_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n but_o then_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o independent_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o say_v that_o these_o imposition_n be_v as_o true_o usurpation_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v enforce_v upon_o this_o kingdom_n by_o a_o pretend_a authority_n from_o rome_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o say_v and_o prove_v we_o may_v here_o be_v at_o a_o considerable_a loss_n however_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o english_a bishop_n may_v have_v good_a authority_n to_o govern_v his_o diocese_n and_o a_o presbyter_n his_o parish_n here_o in_o england_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v foolish_a and_o unjust_a in_o a_o foreign_a bishop_n to_o claim_v any_o authority_n over_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o king_n have_v good_a authority_n here_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v none_o nor_o that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o king_n subject_n something_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v want_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n at_o home_n and_o come_v to_o we_o from_o abroad_o with_o nothing_o but_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o fisherman_n to_o recommend_v they_o i._n e._n that_o in_o this_o latter_a case_n we_o may_v have_v refuse_v they_o as_o want_v authority_n but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lawful_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o whereas_o the_o independent_o suppose_v the_o independency_n of_o their_o congregation_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n both_o in_o opposition_n to_o episcopal_a superiority_n and_o to_o national_a church-government_n this_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o pretend_a right_n to_o independency_n have_v be_v as_o clear_o argue_v of_o novelty_n and_o weakness_n as_o the_o pope_n pretend_v right_o to_o supremacy_n have_v be_v argue_v i_o say_v of_o more_o novelty_n and_o almost_o as_o much_o weakness_n but_o to_o step_v a_o little_a out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o
against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o they_o can_v make_v they_o unlawful_a otherwise_o then_o by_o fetch_v a_o compass_n about_o and_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v then_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v when_o our_o superior_n require_v we_o to_o do_v they_o and_o now_o i_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v a_o case_n without_o great_a prejudice_n whether_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o her_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o be_v whether_o a_o thing_n may_v become_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n for_o not_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o for_o be_v enjoin_v by_o man_n because_o every_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v be_v neither_o lawful_a to_o be_v command_v by_o man_n nor_o to_o be_v do_v though_o it_o be_v so_o command_v i_o know_v not_o whether_o some_o of_o our_o brother_n party_n may_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o too_o much_o advantage_n by_o reduce_v the_o question_n to_o this_o state_n but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o weakness_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o cause_n that_o have_v lead_v he_o to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o present_a imposition_n in_o order_n to_o communion_n but_o upon_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o be_v and_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o mankind_n concern_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o they_o against_o we_o and_o we_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n will_v not_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o nor_o that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o we_o challenge_v they_o of_o schism_n can_v fly_v in_o our_o own_o face_n when_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v we_o of_o the_o same_o crime_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a because_o i_o foresee_v occasion_n of_o resume_v it_o present_o in_o another_o place_n but_o this_o author_n offer_v another_o reason_n also_o of_o the_o vnlawfullness_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v use_v in_o idolatrous_a service_n and_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o i_o think_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o this_o reason_n have_v be_v sufficient_o expose_v but_o my_o business_n be_v to_o note_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n we_o separate_a from_o rome_n because_o otherwise_o we_o must_v communicate_v with_o she_o in_o her_o idolatry_n which_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o we_o because_o otherwise_o they_o must_v do_v some_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v which_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v do_v by_o idolater_n again_o the_o dissenter_n as_o he_o say_v scruple_n kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o communion_n because_o there_o be_v a_o objectum_fw-la motivum_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o before_o their_o eye_n i_o think_v he_o mean_v because_o the_o element_n be_v worship_v by_o the_o papist_n who_o say_v they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v no_o long_o element_n but_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o kneel_v therefore_o when_o we_o take_v these_o into_o our_o hand_n be_v to_o give_v some_o occasion_n to_o other_o to_o think_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o element_n and_o therefore_o the_o dissenter_n question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o adoration_n of_o god_n under_o these_o circumstance_n i_o be_o glad_a if_o it_o be_v but_o question_n and_o scruple_n though_o i_o be_o sorry_a it_o be_v so_o much_o but_o whether_o they_o only_a scruple_n kneel_v upon_o this_o account_n or_o more_o than_o scruple_n it_o for_o this_o gentleman_n do_v not_o always_o speak_v so_o distinct_o as_o i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v however_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o whereas_o one_o principal_a reason_n why_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o papist_n be_v because_o we_o dare_v not_o worship_n bread_n which_o without_o all_o question_n be_v idolatry_n one_o reason_n why_o the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o we_o be_v because_o we_o who_o have_v so_o loud_o declare_v against_o that_o idolatry_n do_v worship_n not_o the_o bread_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o retain_v its_o own_o nature_n but_o god_n only_a as_o they_o themselves_o confess_v when_o we_o partake_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o here_o i_o may_v be_v content_a to_o let_v the_o matter_n rest_n that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_n pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o both_o communion_n or_o the_o way_n take_v by_o we_o to_o prove_v those_o unlawful_a which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o way_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v to_o make_v out_o the_o like_a charge_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o difference_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o worship_n we_o bring_v against_o the_o dissenter_n for_o separate_v from_o we_o can_v with_o reason_n and_o modesty_n be_v return_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o have_v now_o compare_v the_o two_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o authority_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o compare_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v some_o other_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v plain_o consequent_a upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o difference_n which_o we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o separation_n for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n 2._o the_o difference_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o common_a question_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o either_o side_n separate_v as_o to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o maintain_v or_o to_o overthrow_v one_o communion_n among_o christian_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o separation_n for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n the_o dissenter_n say_v that_o if_o for_o great_a purity_n england_n separate_v from_o rome_n other_o also_o may_v for_o great_a purity_n separate_a from_o england_n and_o because_o i_o perceive_v this_o consequence_n be_v insist_v upon_o not_o only_o by_o well_o mean_v people_n but_o by_o some_o that_o will_v not_o be_v think_v the_o mean_a of_o the_o party_n i_o shall_v examine_v it_o as_o thorough_o as_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o gain_v the_o reader_n pardon_v if_o i_o repeat_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v but_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o ground_n i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o in_o discourse_v of_o this_o consequence_n be_v that_o we_o and_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o great_a purity_n by_o the_o impurity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a reason_n of_o our_o depart_n from_o it_o we_o understand_v the_o sinfulness_n thereof_o and_o by_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n we_o therefore_o mean_v forsake_v her_o communion_n that_o we_o may_v not_o partake_v in_o her_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o avoid_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n that_o her_o communion_n be_v and_o still_o be_v corrupt_v in_o this_o sense_n we_o have_v but_o that_o one_o plain_a way_n already_o declare_v we_o show_v that_o there_o be_v several_a doctrine_n which_o she_o profess_v several_a thing_n in_o her_o worship_n which_o she_o practise_v that_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o we_o and_o that_o those_o error_n and_o these_o practice_n be_v not_o of_o a_o slight_a nature_n but_o that_o they_o grate_n upon_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o moreover_o that_o she_o exact_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o do_v of_o the_o other_o from_o all_o her_o member_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o we_o separate_a from_o that_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v several_a impure_a or_o sinful_a condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o that_o church_n with_o which_o as_o she_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n we_o must_v pollute_v ourselves_o and_o of_o which_o we_o ourselves_o must_v be_v guilty_a if_o we_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o depart_v
his_o soul_n to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n be_v just_o for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o case_n wherein_o a_o mere_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o secure_v a_o man_n act_v according_a to_o it_o from_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o plea_n that_o we_o can_v in_o conscience_n hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v in_o our_o mouth_n be_v a_o very_a good_a plea_n against_o the_o papist_n as_o without_o question_n it_o be_v if_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v as_o to_o the_o point_n controvert_v between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o the_o same_o plea_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v not_o be_v good_a as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o church_n have_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n for_o their_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v at_o least_o hope_n that_o they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o now_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o which_o they_o be_v now_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n bind_v to_o do_v since_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o city_n have_v make_v the_o do_v of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o person_n that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o bring_v down_o the_o particular_a question_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o use_v this_o opportunity_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n and_o they_o most_o of_o all_o that_o dissuade_v they_o from_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n whereas_o the_o papist_n declaim_v against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n as_o if_o this_o have_v show_v the_o way_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sectary_n to_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n we_o hope_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v will_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o misguide_a conscience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o well_o inform_v conscience_n on_o the_o other_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o separation_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o just_a and_o necessary_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o so_o to_o be_v that_o they_o will_v acquit_v we_o from_o all_o their_o blame_n who_o separate_a without_o such_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v very_o foolish_a and_o unjust_a not_o to_o allow_v the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a in_o any_o case_n because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o all_o case_n sure_o if_o one_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o rebel_n while_o himself_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v rebellion_n he_o be_v go_v about_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o another_o man_n may_v lawful_o and_o just_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o his_o loyalty_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o government_n and_o though_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v sovereign_a prince_n who_o extend_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o god_n holy_a truth_n and_o all_o the_o while_n believe_v that_o they_o use_v their_o power_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o prince_n who_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o withal_o protect_v and_o encourage_v it_o with_o their_o authority_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v for_o this_o receive_v god_n thanks_o and_o reward_n while_o the_o former_a shall_v go_v without_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n conscience_n may_v be_v pretend_v for_o disobey_v the_o just_a law_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v his_o plea_n from_o be_v good_a who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o refuse_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n though_o all_o the_o power_n under_o heaven_n shall_v require_v he_o so_o to_o do_v man_n may_v by_o mistake_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o murder_v his_o servant_n for_o this_o have_v be_v do_v by_o you_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o in_o such_o plain_a case_n as_o these_o your_o understanding_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n be_v so_o pervert_v by_o interest_n and_o passion_n as_o to_o believe_v themselves_o countermand_v by_o god_n in_o thing_n require_v by_o their_o superior_n but_o in_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v their_o sin_n but_o a_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o yet_o i_o hope_v this_o answer_n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n or_o man_n judge_v you_o be_v once_o true_o and_o pertinent_o make_v and_o may_v be_v so_o again_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o now_o i_o know_v that_o all_o this_o will_v signify_v very_o little_a to_o any_o man_n that_o bring_v not_o a_o honest_a mind_n with_o he_o to_o consider_v it_o or_o who_o have_v rather_o take_v his_o opinion_n in_o these_o thing_n upon_o trust_n than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o judge_n for_o himself_o but_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n disparage_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o use_v that_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o salvation_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o not_o to_o let_v go_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n when_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o truth_n instead_o of_o it_o if_o he_o will_v use_v reasonable_a diligence_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o duty_n it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o use_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n in_o search_v for_o truth_n and_o in_o weigh_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v rather_o than_o to_o be_v betray_v into_o error_n and_o sin_n 7._o by_o such_o a_o credulous_a reliance_n upon_o other_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n and_o be_v incapable_a of_o consideration_n god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o share_n of_o wit_n both_o to_o find_v out_o some_o thing_n by_o himself_o and_o to_o weigh_v those_o which_o he_o hear_v from_o other_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n to_o love_v wisdom_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o they_o make_v fool_n of_o themselves_o who_o without_o discretion_n take_v the_o word_n of_o their_o leader_n for_o all_o that_o they_o say_v and_o follow_v they_o more_o like_a beast_n than_o like_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o word_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v as_o if_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a or_o dangerous_a to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o in_o learn_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o use_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o benefit_n of_o mutual_a endeavour_n to_o lead_v one_o another_o into_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o for_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a and_o unmanly_a part_n and_o it_o may_v betray_v we_o into_o very_o dangerous_a error_n not_o to_o use_v our_o own_o judgement_n at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o opinion_n lead_v to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o instead_o thereof_o to_o 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