Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n church_n faith_n holy_a 3,820 5 4.8736 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42261 A perswasive to communion with the Church of England Grove, Robert, 1634-1696. 1682 (1682) Wing G2152; ESTC R13941 28,017 46

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

all_o of_o they_o together_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o move_v a_o unprejudiced_a person_n to_o forsake_v her_o communion_n it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o liturgy_n ceremony_n scandal_n mix_v communion_n or_o out_o of_o hope_n of_o great_a edification_n i_o may_v have_v easy_o enlarge_v upon_o all_o these_o particular_n but_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o present_a design_n will_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o i_o have_v some_o hope_n that_o these_o and_o other_o point_n in_o difference_n may_v be_v handle_v by_o other_o to_o better_a advantage_n and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v and_o to_o the_o happy_a settlement_n of_o a_o last_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o divide_a church_n god_n grant_v that_o all_o our_o endeavour_n may_v tend_v this_o way_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v make_v they_o successful_a if_o these_o paper_n shall_v chance_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o we_o i_o will_v entreat_v he_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n as_o a_o well-meaning_a man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o throw_v a_o little_a water_n upon_o the_o common_a flame_n that_o be_v like_a to_o consume_v we_o they_o be_v not_o write_v i_o be_o sure_a with_o any_o bitterness_n of_o mind_n or_o expression_n but_o out_o of_o mere_a pity_n to_o see_v a_o poor_a lamentable_a distress_a church_n languish_v away_o and_o ready_a to_o perish_v by_o desperate_a wound_n and_o convulsion_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n such_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n as_o these_o apprehension_n must_v needs_o occasion_n can_v scarce_o be_v vent_v in_o angry_a and_o provoke_a language_n but_o some_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o that_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a they_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v they_o touch_v they_o be_v impatient_a of_o the_o calm_a opposition_n and_o when_o you_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o persuade_v they_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o brotherly_a love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n they_o suspect_v you_o for_o a_o enemy_n and_o think_v that_o you_o come_v to_o set_v trap_n in_o their_o way_n to_o ensnare_v their_o conscience_n but_o i_o hope_v this_o short_a discourse_n will_v not_o be_v encounter_v by_o any_o such_o prejudice_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v peruse_v with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n that_o it_o be_v write_v on_o this_o presumption_n i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o exhort_v all_o those_o that_o now_o dissent_n to_o a_o brotherly_a union_n upon_o such_o motive_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o gospel_n suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n it_o will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o every_o so_o by'r_a and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o peace_n and_o amity_n and_o a_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v the_o only_a beauty_n strength_n and_o security_n of_o all_o society_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o nourish_a of_o animosity_n and_o run_v into_o opposite_a party_n and_o faction_n do_v mighty_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n almost_o unavoidable_o draw_v on_o the_o ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o any_o community_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a concord_n and_o union_n therefore_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o state_n it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o too_o sad_a a_o experience_n as_o well_o in_o we_o as_o other_o age_n what_o a_o pernicious_a influence_n the_o intestine_a broil_n and_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n have_v have_v they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a stumb_a block_n to_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v make_v some_o among_o ourselves_o to_o become_v doubtful_a and_o sceptical_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v lead_v other_o into_o many_o dangerous_a error_n that_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o they_o have_v tempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n and_o embolden_v to_o a_o open_a and_o profess_a atheism_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a fruit_n which_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v over_o and_o above_o the_o particular_a unkindness_n and_o uncharitable_a feud_n which_o they_o common_o beget_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n as_o to_o all_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o desirable_a in_o all_o respect_n that_o these_o at_o least_o shall_v be_v all_o firm_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a communion_n they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o join_v serious_o in_o send_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n beside_o the_o many_o strict_a precept_n and_o other_o strong_a obligation_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o this_o our_o saviour_n die_v 52._o that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o contradict_v this_o end_n of_o his_o death_n if_o we_o shall_v set_v those_o at_o strife_n and_o variance_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o unite_v nay_o may_v we_o not_o be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o if_o we_o shall_v mangle_v and_o divide_v any_o sound_n and_o healthful_a part_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n if_o indeed_o our_o church_n do_v require_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o any_o false_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n if_o in_o the_o external_a order_n and_o worship_n we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a command_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o such_o instance_n to_o withdraw_v from_o she_o but_o if_o her_o doctrine_n be_v high_o approve_v by_o most_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o her_o discipline_n and_o service_n such_o as_o be_v not_o any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n then_o we_o be_v indispensable_o engage_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_v several_a time_n and_o it_o can_v be_v inculcate_v too_o often_o nothing_o but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o communicate_v can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o if_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v forsake_v notwithstanding_o that_o neither_o her_o doctrine_n nor_o discipline_n can_v be_v just_o condemn_v it_o will_v yet_o be_v convenient_a to_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o most_o advisable_a to_o be_v do_v after_o we_o have_v leave_v it_o whether_o we_o shall_v set_v up_o another_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o or_o whether_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o liberty_n of_o follow_v that_o which_o he_o fancy_v the_o best_a if_o we_o be_v for_o the_o set_n up_o another_o way_n it_o must_v be_v either_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o new_a form_n of_o government_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o reputation_n enough_o to_o be_v put_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o two_o great_a pretender_n to_o divine_a right_n and_o presbytery_n which_o have_v once_o the_o fair_a hope_n of_o establish_n itself_o be_v now_o grow_v weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o those_o few_o which_o will_v still_o be_v think_v of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v manifest_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o support_v themselves_o by_o gather_v assembly_n which_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o allow_v independency_n therefore_o seem_v at_o this_o time_n to_o be_v the_o prevail_a way_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o gather_v member_n and_o associate_a themselves_o into_o particular_a congregation_n their_o holy_a band_n special_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v essential_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o ever_o countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o former_a age_n but_o put_v the_o case_n we_o shall_v admit_v of_o either_o of_o these_o form_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o if_o not_o far_o from_o be_v unite_v than_o we_o be_v now_o for_o they_o have_v both_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v very_o rigorous_a imposer_n wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o as_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v
as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n assord_n if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a of_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o unless_o we_o profess_v a_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n and_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o infallibility_n no_o body_n know_v where_o unless_o we_o will_v worship_v the_o host_n and_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v therefore_o communicate_v with_o she_o unless_o we_o shall_v partake_v of_o her_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a error_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o may_v it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o causeless_a separation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a one_o so_o great_a that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o defend_v our_o leave_v a_o communion_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n if_o we_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o now_o since_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n we_o have_v need_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n for_o it_o before_o we_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o have_v rash_o withdraw_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o return_v without_o delay_n then_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o may_v occasion_v quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o that_o passionate_a entreaty_n and_o admonition_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n give_v the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v rend_v into_o several_a faction_n upon_o misunderstanding_n and_o emulation_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o we_o now_o 10._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o first_o step_n that_o can_v be_v make_v towards_o this_o happy_a concord_n in_o opinion_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o teachable_a temper_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n though_o it_o contradict_v our_o former_a persuasion_n never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o animosity_n and_o uncharitable_a contention_n which_o a_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o unchristian_a division_n and_o glad_a of_o every_o opportunity_n that_o may_v bring_v we_o near_o to_o one_o another_o and_o think_v we_o have_v gain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n when_o we_o have_v overcome_v any_o mistake_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o generous_a and_o true_o christian_a disposition_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n towards_o the_o reconcile_n all_o manner_n of_o difference_n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o man_n shall_v ever_o agree_v whe●_n they_o seem_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o study_v to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o to_o cherish_v their_o scruple_n and_o hunt_v abou●_n for_o new_a one_o when_o their_o old_a objection_n be_v full_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a and_o untractable_a humour_n which_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n for_o while_n either_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v th●●_n unwilling_a to_o be_v convince_v and_o search_v after_o exception_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o cavil_v or_o other_o that_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o serve_v they_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n we_o esteem_v our_o cause_n littl●_n better_o than_o desperate_a when_o after_o the_o weapon_n we_o begin_v the_o fight_n with_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o we_o snatch_v up_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v next_o to_o hand_n to_o throw_v at_o our_o adversary_n this_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o well_o become_v we_o in_o all_o our_o debate_n our_o aim_n shall_v be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o triumph_v over_o our_o antagonist_n all_o sober_a christian_n especial_o where_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v shall_v always_o strive_v to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n to_o a_o happy_a issue_n and_o composure_n and_o not_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o widen_v the_o breach_n and_o then_o we_o may_v all_o join_v in_o praise_v and_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v again_o to_o that_o bless_a estate_n they_o be_v in_o at_o the_o ●●rst_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o 42._o ●●em_n that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n these_o ●ew_a consideration_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v may_v be_v something_o useful_a to_o the_o procurement_n of_o such_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a peace_n in_o all_o christian_a society_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o careful_a never_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o passion_n or_o interest_n if_o our_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v ●ere_z place_v upon_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a mat●●rs_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v serious_o consider_v how_o grievous_a a_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n without_o ●ny_n just_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o peace_n and_o ●illing_a to_o have_v our_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n satisfy_v i_o ●●ink_v most_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o church_n of_o eng●●nd_n may_v be_v easy_o remove_v and_o we_o may_v all_o join_v in_o ●●e_v same_o communion_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ●●y_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o good_a protestant_n and_o the_o con●●sion_n of_o those_o that_o design_n to_o swallow_v we_o up_o and_o have_v 〈◊〉_d other_o hope_n of_o prevail_a but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o those_o difference_n which_o for_o that_o end_n they_o have_v a_o long_a time_n ●●st_n studious_o foment_v among_o we_o let_v not_o our_o unreasonable_a fear_n and_o groundless_a jealousy_n encourage_v their_o attempt_n with_o too_o great_a a_o probability_n of_o success_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a addition_n to_o our_o misery_n if_o the_o gild_n and_o shame_n of_o they_o too_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n with_o what_o remorse_n shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v over_o if_o the_o protestant_a profession_n shall_v be_v far_o endanger_v and_o the_o agent_n of_o rome_n get_v great_a advantage_n daily_o by_o those_o distraction_n which_o have_v be_v secret_o manage_v by_o they_o but_o open_o carry_v on_o and_o maintain_v by_o ourselves_o with_o what_o face_n shall_v we_o look_v to_o see_v our_o enemy_n not_o only_o triumph_v over_o we_o but_o mock_v and_o deride_v we_o for_o be_v so_o far_o impose_v upon_o by_o their_o cunning_n as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o ruin_n but_o god_n almighty_a in_o his_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n so_o confound_v all_o their_o device_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o unite_v and_o compose_v our_o difference_n that_o hereafter_o we_o may_v have_v no_o just_a occasion_n to_o fear_v either_o
then_o our_o ceremony_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o significant_a can_v be_v sacrament_n because_o they_o want_v so_o many_o necessary_a and_o essential_a condition_n that_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o sacrament_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a ordination_n and_o appointment_n they_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n to_o confer_v any_o grace_n neither_o be_v they_o any_o pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v every_o significant_a ceremony_n to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o pleasant_a nor_o profitable_a to_o quarrel_v about_o word_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o three_o ceremony_n and_o that_o be_v the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n that_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v significant_a and_o that_o indeed_o be_v make_v in_o baptism_n token_n that_o the_o party_n new_o baptize_v shall_v not_o hereafter_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v etc._n etc._n but_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v very_o ancient_o if_o not_o always_o use_v at_o baptism_n and_o upon_o several_a other_o occasion_n by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o desiance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o infidel_n and_o as_o we_o do_v it_o in_o token_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n our_o church_n in_o this_o do_v but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o holy_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o that_o but_o at_o a_o distance_n too_o in_o do_v that_o but_o once_o which_o they_o repeat_v often_o and_o this_o can_v scarce_o be_v call_v a_o significant_a ceremony_n it_o be_v not_o appoint_v to_o represent_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o but_o only_o to_o remind_v we_o of_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v like_o the_o altar_n that_o be_v build_v by_o the_o child_n of_o reuben_n and_o gad_n and_o the_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasseh_n not_o for_o burnt-offering_a nor_o for_o sacrifice_n but_o 26._o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v the_o surplice_n be_v order_v to_o be_v wear_v to_o denote_v the_o innocency_n of_o life_n that_o do_v more_o especial_o become_v those_o that_o be_v particular_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o our_o church_n have_v declare_v but_o yet_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v that_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o let_v his_o thought_n expatiate_v into_o a_o pious_a and_o seasonable_a meditation_n and_o consider_v how_o incongruous_a it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v his_o inward_a part_n full_a of_o filtheness_n and_o corruption_n when_o his_o outside_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o clean_a white_a linen_n garment_n the_o sum_n be_v every_o significant_a ceremony_n be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n and_o none_o of_o we_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v significant_a represent_v symbolical_a but_o only_o commemorate_n or_o if_o any_o man_n please_v to_o call_v they_o so_o profess_v sign_n but_o though_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v sacrament_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v superstitious_a and_o that_o be_v objection_n enough_o against_o they_o and_o i_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v be_v superstitious_a but_o not_o in_o themselves_o for_o so_o they_o be_v perfect_o indifferent_a but_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n or_o conceit_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o or_o use_v they_o not_o there_o may_v be_v superstition_n in_o the_o observe_v of_o these_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o forbear_n superstition_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n attend_v sometime_o with_o a_o anxious_a fear_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o fond_a hope_n that_o god_n be_v please_v or_o displease_v with_o the_o bare_a performance_n or_o forbearance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o offend_v god_n in_o do_v of_o that_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v and_o he_o that_o imagine_v he_o shall_v please_v he_o by_o the_o observe_n of_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v be_v both_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o it_o may_v be_v equal_o superstitious_a and_o then_o the_o superstition_n that_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o ceremony_n must_v lie_v on_o the_o part_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n who_o think_v they_o shall_v sin_n in_o keep_v they_o though_o they_o general_o confess_v they_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o not_o on_o we_o who_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o no_o otherwise_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o discipline_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v far_o urge_v by_o some_o that_o these_o ceremony_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n i_o need_v not_o enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v that_o the_o be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o part_n though_o not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o be_v free_v from_o observe_v it_o as_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v voluntary_o observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_n consideration_n and_o impose_v some_o thing_n as_o the_o abstain_v 29._o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v free_a because_o whatever_o they_o do_v of_o this_o nature_n they_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v it_o but_o upon_o other_o motive_n most_o common_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jewish_a convert_v and_o if_o some_o judaical_a rite_n may_v not_o only_o be_v observe_v but_o impose_v then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n may_v not_o be_v appoint_v now_o without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o infringement_n of_o that_o but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v either_o unlawful_a or_o necessary_a by_o divine_a command_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o ceremony_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o most_o scruple_v be_v as_o little_a liable_a to_o the_o objection_n that_o i_o have_v now_o answer_v as_o either_o of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v very_o uncharitable_a and_o unjust_a to_o say_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a communion_n christian_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n that_o they_o receive_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n we_o can_v certain_o tell_v what_o that_o be_v if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_o conjecture_v it_o be_v never_o use_v it_o be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o by_o those_o that_o argue_v the_o most_o zealous_o for_o it_o but_o sure_o if_o the_o particular_a gesture_n have_v be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o some_o do_v imagine_v there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o plain_n and_o express_v mention_n of_o it_o somewhere_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v very_o unwarrantable_a in_o those_o that_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v in_o that_o reverend_a manner_n which_o she_o have_v prescribe_v if_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o enjoin_v in_o this_o matter_n a_o man_n upon_o a_o serious_a apprehension_n of_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o bless_a saviour_n can_v scarce_o have_v forbear_v fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n when_o he_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v redeem_a will_v strike_v he_o almost_o natural_o into_o the_o humble_a posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o if_o any_o reverence_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v due_a at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o be_o sure_a sit_v at_o the_o table_n be_v a_o very_a unfit_a posture_n to_o express_v it_o or_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v like_v it_o better_o than_o that_o which_o be_v require_v with_o we_o yet_o to_o make_v this_o a_o occasion_n of_o depart_v from_o our_o communion_n will_v argue_v but_o too_o little_a value_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o some_o there_o be_v who_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o these_o rite_n and_o usage_n and_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v
a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ephes_n 4._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v by_o j._n redmayne_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1682_o 3._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o scandalize_v and_o unsettle_v the_o weak_a nor_o tempt_v the_o proud_a and_o licentious_a to_o a_o profess_a neglect_n of_o all_o religion_n than_o the_o many_o causeless_a division_n which_o do_v sometime_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v no_o lively_a member_n of_o that_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o sensible_o affect_v with_o the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o endeavour_n what_o he_o lawful_o may_v to_o do_v something_o towards_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o wound_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o extreme_a scrupulosity_n of_o some_o and_o be_v still_o keep_v bleed_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o and_o can_v now_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o papist_n have_v always_o attempt_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o pretend_a protestant_a hand_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o facility_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o bring_v about_o their_o own_o design_n i_o wish_v the_o eminent_a danger_n we_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o will_v prevail_v with_o they_o at_o last_o to_o forbear_v to_o batter_v and_o undermine_n we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v when_o they_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o common_a enemy_n be_v wait_v all_o opportunity_n and_o stand_v ready_a to_o enter_v at_o those_o breach_n which_o they_o be_v make_v they_o may_v condemn_v the_o rashness_n of_o their_o own_o counsel_n and_o lament_v it_o it_o may_v be_v when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a if_o they_o shall_v see_v popery_n erect_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v overthrow_v we_o know_v how_o restless_a and_o industrious_a the_o r●mish_a faction_n have_v always_o be_v and_o the_o only_a visible_a security_n we_o have_v against_o the_o prevail_a of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d union_n of_o the_o whole_a protestant_a profession_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o there_o be_v the_o least_o probability_n that_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v all_o unite_a unless_o it_o be_v the_o church_n o●_n england_n as_o it_o stand_v by_o law_n establish_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n consonant_a to_o t●e_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o high_o honour_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n here_o be_v a_o point_n fix●●_n in_o which_o we_o all_o may_v centre_n whereas_o they_o that_o di●●●●_n from_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o will_v be_v perfect_o agree_v upon_o their_o own_o new_a model_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o find_v one_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n for_o the_o constitute_v any_o church_n without_o a_o episcopal_a power_n preside_v ove●_n it_o and_o if_o any_o party_n among_o they_o can_v have_v th●●_n form_n of_o church_n government_n confirm_v by_o law_n which_o they_o esteem_v the_o most_o apostolical_a it_o be_v manifest_a from_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o will_v be_v present_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o no_o less_o violence_n than_o our_o be_v and_o instead_o of_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o division_n will_v most_o certain_o increase_v they_o therefore_o though_o they_o have_v all_o still_o impose_v their_o several_a form_n with_o the_o great_a rigour_n wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n or_o but_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o in_o their_o hand_n yet_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o dissenter_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o the_o confederacy_n for_o the_o present_a we_o hear_v now_o of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o mischief_n of_o imposition_n and_o the_o natural_a right_n and_o great_a advantage_n of_o toleration_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o romish_a emissary_n have_v always_o aim_v at_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o subtle_a part_n of_o the_o popish_a plot_n as_o may_v be_v make_v out_o by_o divers_a undeniable_a argument_n and_o appear_v sufficient_o from_o many_o of_o the_o letter_n trial_n and_o narrative_n that_o have_v be_v late_o publish_v and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o cordial_a assistance_n to_o such_o a_o design_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v ever_o pass_v into_o a_o act_n will_v reward_v their_o diligence_n with_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n for_o they_o may_v plain_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n we_o that_o it_o will_v undoubted_o break_v we_o in_o piece_n by_o ●●●aw_n now_o if_o union_n be_v always_o necessary_a upon_o the_o common_a obligation_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n consider_v the_o strength_n and_o encouragement_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o p●pi●●_n cause_n by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o dissension_n and_o if_o there_o be_v far_o great_a hope_n that_o we_o may_v at_o length_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v soon_o unite_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ●he_n church_n of_o england_n than_o in_o any_o other_o than_o it_o must_v ●eeds_o be_v the_o great_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o the_o protestant_a interest_n if_o we_o can_v all_o be_v persuade_v to_o join_v hearty_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o great_a a_o defence_n against_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a vanity_n to_o imagine_v that_o ●●ese_n short_a paper_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o effect_v what_o so_o many_o ●earned_a and_o solid_a treatise_n have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o i_o ●●dress_v this_o little_a essay_n only_o to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o time_n ●●_o peruse_v a_o large_a volume_n i_o have_v be_v encourage_v to_o ●●is_n undertake_v by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o here_o in_o london_n that_o have_v seem_v former_o to_o dissent_v from_o we_o who_o have_v late_o join_v with_o we_o not_o only_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o bless_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o many_o more_o may_v be_v invite_v and_o dispose_v by_o their_o good_a example_n to_o receive_v the_o same_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o have_v find_v these_o that_o be_v already_o come_v in_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o far_a persuasion_n but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v continue_v constant_a in_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v now_o embrace_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v leave_v we_o again_o and_o return_v to_o their_o separate_a assembly_n they_o will_v seem_v by_o this_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o once_o it_o must_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v so_o still_o and_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v be_v self-condemned_n if_o they_o shall_v forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o i●_n they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a they_o sin_v wilful_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v then_o sin_n in_o withdraw_v from_o it_o since_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o that_o power_n which_o they_o confess_v they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v in_o lawful_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o once_o think_v it_o unlawful_a after_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o now_o conceive_v it_o unlawful_a again_o th●_n strange_a unsteadiness_n in_o opinion_n will_v look_v a_o great_a dea●_n more_o like_a humour_n than_o judgement_n and_o it_o may_v occasion_v vehement_a suspicion_n in_o some_o not_o otherwise_o very_o censorious_a that_o this_o uncertainty_n proceed_v not_o from_o conscience_n but_o design_n and_o that_o all_o their_o complianc●_n be_v only_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n to_o decline_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n to_o keep_v a_o beneficial_a place_n or_o to_o b●_n qualify_v for_o a_o office_n in_o some_o great_a corporation_n th●●_n man_n may_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o suspect_v but_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o that_o hau●_n always_o make_v show_v of_o so_o great_a a_o tenderness_n shall_v b●_n guilty_a of_o so_o much_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n together_o as_o to_o dare_v even_o to_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n under_o great_a dissatisfaction_n of_o mind_n it_o may_v be_v mere_o to_o advance_v some_o secular_a
end_n but_o i_o hope_v their_o behaviour_n for_o the_o future_a will_v sufficient_o clear_v they_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o apply_v myself_o only_o to_o those_o that_o do_v still_o forbear_v our_o communion_n and_o offer_v something_o very_o brief_o which_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o satisfy_a their_o most_o know_a and_o ordinary_a doubt_n that_o as_o we_o do_v all_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n we_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o all_o become_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_v this_o most_o excellent_a end_n first_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o impartial_o to_o consider_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v incline_v they_o to_o be_v peaceable_o mind_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o general_n prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v unhappy_o conceive_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o chief_a objection_n against_o we_o which_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o urge_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v exhort_v they_o to_o a_o brotherly_a union_n upon_o such_o motive_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o gospel_n suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o pretestant_a religion_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v commend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v take_v up_o be_v such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o sinister_a end_n or_o corrupt_a passion_n that_o do_v either_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o separation_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o provoke_v they_o now_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o because_o i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v too_o often_o influence_v by_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o affection_n these_o will_v be_v always_o mix_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o consultation_n these_o do_v common_o blind_a and_o pervert_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o ten_o thousand_o error_n these_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o fancy_n sometime_o pass_v for_o conscience_n that_o melancholy_a fume_n be_v admire_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o our_o gall_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o pure_a zeal_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o usual_a mistake_v that_o do_v frequent_o proceed_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o passion_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v divide_v from_o a_o church_n it_o will_v most_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o such_o principle_n for_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o gain_v and_o grow_v rich_a by_o our_o departure_n if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a or_o scorn_v to_o retract_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v once_o profess_v if_o we_o imagine_v we_o have_v more_o light_n than_o the_o first_o reformer_n when_o indeed_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o we_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o our_o governor_n when_o they_o require_v our_o obedience_n where_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o pay_v it_o these_o be_v sign_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v turbulent_a and_o unruly_a and_o while_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v but_o that_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o impatience_n may_v be_v the_o great_a motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n and_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v to_o maintain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o these_o thing_n i_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o intention_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n which_o other_o be_v i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v never_o lead_v away_o by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n but_o that_o they_o will_v always_o labour_v to_o preserve_v those_o holy_a disposition_n of_o integrity_n meekness_n humility_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o irregular_a passion_n and_o design_n it_o will_v conduce_v exceed_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o express_v their_o great_a care_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v prevent_v many_o of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o do_v often_o arise_v in_o matter_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n if_o real_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o then_o when_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o very_o forward_o to_o enter_v upon_o fierce_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o the_o external_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o i_o may_v serve_v god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n why_o shall_v a_o gown_n or_o a_o cloak_n or_o a_o surplice_n fright_v i_o from_o the_o church_n when_o either_o of_o these_o be_v enjoin_v by_o my_o superior_n if_o i_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n why_o shall_v i_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o i_o be_o not_o allow_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o what_o congregation_n i_o please_v and_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o pastor_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v bend_v upon_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v see_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v contentious_a about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n a_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a point_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o promote_a our_o union_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o separate_n ourselves_o from_o a_o true_a church_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n give_v the_o want_n of_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n man_n be_v not_o general_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o do_v oppose_v that_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a love_n which_o shall_v diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n when_o they_o suppose_v every_o slender_a pretence_n enough_o to_o justify_v their_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n they_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n almost_o indifferent_a and_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v with_o what_o society_n of_o christian_n they_o please_v themselves_o which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_a for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o 21._o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o divers_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_n church_n we_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n 6._o of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o
so_o they_o will_v soon_o again_o become_v more_o odious_a to_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o dissenter_n than_o episcopacy_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_o foresee_v we_o be_v not_o now_o urge_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o set_v up_o either_o of_o these_o the_o great_a expedient_a that_o have_v be_v propose_v of_o late_a be_v to_o indulge_v a_o liberty_n of_o choose_v what_o church_n and_o what_o way_n of_o worship_n any_o man_n please_v that_o be_v to_o grant_v a_o public_a toleration_n of_o divers_a religion_n but_o this_o though_o it_o may_v gratify_v the_o present_a humour_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o serve_v some_o man_n occasion_n better_o than_o any_o establishment_n will_v be_v quick_o dislike_v by_o most_o of_o those_o that_o now_o contend_v so_o zealous_o for_o it_o for_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o constant_a emulation_n and_o struggle_v betwixt_o the_o several_a tolerate_a party_n which_o will_v give_v a_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o any_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o grow_v numerous_a and_o powerful_a and_o have_v any_o hope_n of_o succeed_a they_o will_v present_o imagine_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o impose_v their_o own_o discipline_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o probable_o may_v soon_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o so_o much_o desire_v and_o magnify_v way_n of_o toleration_n or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o content_v to_o allow_v the_o same_o freedom_n to_o other_o which_o they_o enjoy_v themselves_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o this_o indulgence_n must_v strange_o multiply_v our_o division_n while_o some_o member_n of_o their_o separate_a church_n will_v take_v offence_n and_o withdraw_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o new_a pastor_n and_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o another_o new_a church_n and_o that_o after_o a_o while_n upon_o the_o like_a pretence_n may_v be_v split_v into_o another_o and_o another_o and_o so_o on_o without_o any_o stop_n and_o then_o this_o will_v certain_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n to_o a_o flood_n of_o heresy_n and_o such_o monstrous_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n as_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o prejudice_v dissenter_n to_o be_v of_o far_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o sober_a and_o pious_a liturgy_n and_o those_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n which_o be_v now_o enjoin_v this_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o late_a time_n find_v to_o be_v true_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o soon_o overthrow_v but_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o most_o forward_o and_o busy_a to_o pull_v she_o down_o when_o they_o see_v how_o sudden_o the_o swarm_n of_o other_o sectary_n increase_v upon_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o constitution_n which_o they_o have_v destroy_v be_v a_o great_a check_n and_o restraint_n to_o those_o error_n which_o grow_v bold_a and_o licentious_a under_o the_o liberty_n they_o have_v procure_v the_o bishop_n then_o who_o just_o before_o have_v be_v the_o common_a theme_n of_o popular_a obloquy_n have_v some_o good_a word_n unwilling_o drop_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o diligence_n and_o success_n in_o suppress_v absurd_a heretical_a and_o many_o time_n blasphemous_a doctrine_n be_v allow_v some_o just_a commendation_n that_o government_n which_o they_o have_v traduce_v and_o render_v as_o odious_a as_o be_v possible_a by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o defamation_n that_o can_v be_v use_v be_v find_v upon_o trial_n to_o be_v far_o more_o desirable_a by_o some_o of_o its_o great_a enemy_n than_o that_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o violence_n but_o if_o we_o can_v be_v make_v sufficient_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o dismal_a effect_n that_o will_v almost_o natural_o follow_v upon_o a_o public_a toleration_n yet_o methinks_v we_o shall_v now_o be_v a_o little_a suspicious_a of_o it_o since_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o main_a engine_n the_o papist_n have_v be_v work_v with_o these_o many_o year_n if_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o church_n must_v fall_v let_v we_o not_o throw_v it_o down_o ourselves_o by_o method_n of_o their_o prescribe_v let_v we_o not_o act_v as_o if_o we_o be_v prosecute_a the_o design_n of_o the_o conclave_n and_o proceed_v just_a as_o if_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v so_o like_o tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jesuit_n when_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o those_o measure_n which_o they_o have_v take_v and_o talk_v and_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v from_o rome_n for_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o toleration_n have_v be_v a_o device_n of_o they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n to_o grow_v unreasonable_o fond_a of_o the_o invention_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o think_v to_o strengthen_v the_o protestant_a interest_n by_o those_o very_a mean_n which_o their_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n have_v contrive_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o if_o this_o consideration_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v otherwise_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o our_o departure_n from_o a_o church_n when_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n as_o we_o may_v certain_o do_v in_o we_o who_o great_a adversary_n have_v not_o be_v able_a after_o the_o most_o curious_a search_v they_o can_v make_v to_o find_v out_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a constitution_n which_o they_o can_v positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o till_o that_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v we_o must_v still_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a if_o the_o imposition_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o separation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o urge_v since_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o unlawfulness_n be_v despair_v of_o than_o we_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o the_o apostolical_a church_n who_o have_v some_o such_o usage_n as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o other_o who_o indifferency_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o be_v whole_o disuse_v we_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o the_o first_o church_n that_o succeed_v they_o which_o have_v all_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n enjoin_v we_o must_v separate_a at_o this_o time_n from_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o shall_v judge_v cause_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o nay_o when_o we_o have_v once_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v then_o separate_a from_o one_o another_o and_o every_o man_n must_v be_v a_o church_n by_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o society_n whether_o mere_o humane_a or_o christian_n shall_v subsist_v without_o the_o orderly_a determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o maintain_v our_o separation_n upon_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o will_v not_o only_o part_v we_o from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v and_o tear_n christendom_n into_o ten_o thousand_o piece_n but_o scarce_o leave_v we_o so_o much_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o make_v christian_a communion_n absolute_o impracticable_a let_v we_o not_o give_v those_o of_o rome_n the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v that_o church_n which_o have_v always_o oppose_v they_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o be_v the_o constant_a mark_n of_o their_o envy_n quite_o ruin_v or_o extreme_o weaken_v by_o a_o pernicious_a mistake_n that_o will_v divide_v and_o divide_v we_o again_o and_o again_o and_o never_o make_v any_o end_n of_o divide_v let_v we_o show_v at_o least_o that_o we_o be_v well_o incline_v unto_o peace_n by_o come_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a let_v not_o this_o hinder_v we_o from_o join_v in_o those_o other_o holy_a office_n in_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_n let_v not_o our_o groundless_a scruple_v at_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o exception_n and_o for_o those_o that_o esteem_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o particular_n utter_o unlawful_a which_o i_o suppose_v be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o i_o know_v they_o have_v but_o very_o slight_a argument_n for_o the_o severe_a judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o we_o if_o they_o will_v meet_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n that_o they_o can_v without_o any_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o their_o number_n which_o can_v be_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o may_v make_v their_o adherent_n over_o forward_a and_o bold_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o create_v of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o government_n and_o while_o they_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v any_o connivance_n they_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o it_o from_o his_o majesty_n wont_a and_o often_o experience_a clemency_n when_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o dissent_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o but_o a_o religious_a design_n in_o it_o than_o when_o they_o assume_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n and_o think_v to_o extort_v indulgency_n by_o clamour_n and_o discontent_n and_o resolve_v to_o assemble_v open_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o royal_a command_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n to_o outbrave_v authority_n these_o be_v but_o ill_a method_n of_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v all_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n and_o sober_a christian_n and_o make_v no_o disturbance_n neither_o on_o a_o civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a account_n let_v it_o pity_v we_o at_o last_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n let_v we_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_a and_o in_o eminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_n and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v we_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v our_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v we_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v no_o forbid_v thing_n of_o we_o let_v we_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o our_o unanimous_a agreement_n and_o since_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v her_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o despise_v her_o worship_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccessful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n finis_fw-la john_n 17._o 20_o 21._o eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o rom._n 14._o 19_o act_n 4._o 32._o ch._n 2._o 42._o exod._n 25._o 40._o heb._n 3._o 5_o 6._o luk._n 22._o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 23_o 24_o 25._o heb._n 13._o 17._o see_v 2_o sam._n 17._o 1_o chron._n 17._o 2_o chron._n 6._o 8._o john_n 10._o 22._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o heb._n 13._o 17._o rom._n 4._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 12._o 10._o 23._o matth._n 6._o 9_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 11._o 2._o ezek._n 33._o 32._o common_a prayer_n in_o the_o catech._n ibid._n in_o public_a baptism_n josh_n 22._o 26._o act_n 15._o 29._o rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n see_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o see_v rubr._n before_o the_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 21._o ver._n 28._o 2_o tim._n 4_o 3._o joh._n 11._o 52._o