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christian_n church_n particular_a universal_a 4,571 5 9.4486 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A84899 A treatise touching the peace of the church, or An apostolical rule how to judge aright in differences which concern religion. : Published by authority. Freher, Philip. 1646 (1646) Wing F2154; Thomason E506_21; ESTC R205585 91,419 92

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necessary_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v it_o who_o have_v such_o knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v promise_v everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o they_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v in_o they_o we_o thereby_o further_o argue_v and_o conclude_v thus_o that_o such_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a but_o also_o whole_o sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o no_o other_o singular_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o also_o the_o primitive_a church_n both_o in_o its_o doctrine_n and_o universal_a practice_n do_v abundant_o testify_v that_o they_o hold_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o be_v satisfactory_a unto_o salvation_n even_o for_o the_o most-able_a and_o best-learned_n man_n and_o the_o five_o aforesaid_a symbol_n or_o fundamental_a article_n sufficient_a for_o all_o unlearned_a ignorant_a christian_n as_o we_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o many_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o have_v heretofore_o already_o be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o we_o think_v it_o superfluous_a to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o therein_o at_o this_o present_a necessary_a whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a yet_o next_o and_o beside_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o decline_v and_o reject_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o the_o principal_a ground_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v mere_o and_o sole_o ground_v upon_o this_o because_o the_o lord_n say_v it_o but_o not_o upon_o this_o because_o the_o church_n or_o their_o teacher_n say_v it_o but_o as_o requisite_a mean_n whereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o what_o be_v declare_v therein_o wherein_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v exact_o distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o what_o the_o whole_a universal_a christian_a church_n have_v with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o what_o perhaps_o but_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o late_a time_n whatsoever_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o year_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v unanimous_o teach_v and_o believe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n that_o same_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n and_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o true_a primitive_a church_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 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therefore_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o his_o ignorance_n to_o who_o peradventure_o god_n may_v show_v mercy_n second_o because_o none_o can_v obtain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o he_o must_v somewhat_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v increase_v and_o thrive_v therein_o like_a as_o we_o can_v describe_v and_o set_v a_o certain_a measure_n to_o the_o height_n and_o bigness_n of_o a_o young_a child_n because_o yet_o it_o must_v needs_o daily_o grow_v if_o it_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o health_n till_o it_o have_v attain_v his_o full_a and_o perfect_a age_n so_o may_v we_o neither_o circumscribe_v and_o limit_v any_o christian_n knowledge_n within_o a_o certain_a measure_n because_o he_o ought_v to_o grow_v and_o augment_v still_o in_o the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n of_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.13_o three_o because_o we_o can_v fail_v soon_o in_o any_o thing_n then_o when_o we_o presume_v to_o regulate_v and_o measure_v all_o other_o man_n capacity_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o do_v imagine_v that_o what_o peradventure_o we_o think_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o very_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v as_o clear_a to_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o which_o be_v also_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a reason_n of_o all_o unseasonable_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n to_o know_v in_o general_a which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v that_o all_o and_o only_o that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n what_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o save_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o can_v subsist_v without_o true_a repentance_n
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v 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whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v 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church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n 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whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
christianity_n yet_o do_v very_o much_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n both_o of_o god_n truth_n and_o christian_a charity_n see_v they_o add_v many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o therein_o as_o heretic_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o themselves_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o necessary_a yea_o false_a and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n find_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v too_o too_o zealous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o undertake_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v well_o know_v which_o of_o these_o three_o divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n judge_v the_o other_o or_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o aright_o or_o wrong_n i_o will_v first_o declare_v but_o brief_o and_o only_o as_o much_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o information_n of_o the_o unlearned_a whether_o the_o other_o two_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v any_o sufficient_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a church_n as_o heretical_a then_o shall_v i_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a direction_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o our_o church_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a or_o lutherane_n church_n as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o to_o be_v heretical_a we_o make_v it_o good_a by_o reason_v thus_o because_o they_o can_v accuse_v we_o or_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o church_n either_o deny_v any_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_n apostolic_a catholic_a faith_n or_o do_v introduce_v and_o condescend_v to_o any_o false_a heretical_a point_n but_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o mere_o for_o this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v some_o article_n of_o their_o modern_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o cry_v up_o for_o universal_a or_o catholical_a and_o yet_o either_o be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o or_o false_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o they_o charge_v and_o accuse_v we_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o new_a protestant_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n un-catholike_a false_a and_o partly_o heretical_a damnable_a blasphemous_a doctrine_n as_o that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v all_o freewill_n of_o man_n even_o after_o his_o regeneration_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a even_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o justify_v though_o we_o live_v never_o so_o sinful_o that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v though_o we_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o the_o justification_n be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o a_o external_a imputation_n without_o internal_a renovation_n and_o sanctification_n that_o repentance_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n be_v quite_o unnecessary_a that_o we_o reject_v all_o fast_n all_o vow_n and_o church-discipline_n dignity_n order_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n annihilate_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v but_o naked_a bare_a sign_n blaspheme_n and_o despise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o suchlike_a point_n against_o which_o our_o church_n have_v always_o solemn_o protest_v both_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o apology_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v but_o mere_a slander_n detraction_n and_o misconstruction_n whereupon_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o hearken_v to_o any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v principal_o ground_v upon_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o main_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o general_n christian_n synod_n of_o nicene_n ephesus_n chalcedone_n and_o constantinople_n who_o universal_a confession_n of_o faith_n they_o unanimous_o maintain_v of_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n itself_o confess_v in_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n council_n trid._n sess_v 3._o to_o be_v the_o buckler_n and_o shield_n against_o all_o heresy_n the_o principle_n whereunto_o necessary_o he_o must_v agree_v that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o the_o solid_a and_o sole_a foundation_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v wherefore_o our_o church_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o new_a heretical_a doctrine_n because_o though_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n shall_v defend_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o much_o less_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o give_v way_n to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o now_o for_o all_o this_o the_o roman_a catholic_n persist_v to_o condemn_v our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v beside_o such_o ancient_a true_a catholic_a christian_n faith_n all_o their_o modern_a new-fangled_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v since_o add_v and_o invent_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o other_o popish_a council_n of_o late_a time_n or_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n it_o behove_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v and_o show_v firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n protestant_n principal_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o evangelical_n protestant_n for_o example_n will_v they_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o exterior_a service_n or_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n because_o we_o have_v no_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v nor_o do_v adore_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o call_v on_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n especial_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yea_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v and_o take_v their_o bone_n or_o other_o relic_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o worship_n they_o nor_o pay_v vow_n or_o make_v pilgrimage_n to_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v or_o purchase_v the_o pope_n indulgency_n celebrate_v no_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a nor_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o meat_n on_o certain_a day_n or_o a_o general_a weekly_a fast_a neither_o admit_v of_o any_o auricular_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o every_o particular_a sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n under_o one_o but_o both_o kind_n or_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n both_o to_o lay_v and_o clergyman_n nor_o celebrate_v any_o mass_n without_o communicant_n neither_o make_v use_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o ceremony_n which_o they_o against_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v forge_v for_o their_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n especial_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o great_a feast_n call_v corpus_n christi-day_n and_o the_o holy_a day_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o whole_a public_a service_n not_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o laic_n but_o in_o the_o know_a mother-tongue_n nor_o forbid_v to_o any_o layman_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n in_o his_o mother-tongue_n but_o exhort_v rather_o every_o one_o in_o general_n unto_o it_o that_o we_o tell_v not_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o bead_n by_o fifty_n and_o hundred_o use_v not_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o holy_a water_n nor_o wear_v about_o we_o agnus_n dei_fw-la or_o such_o like_a consecrate_a relic_n that_o we_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o order_n
then_o to_o be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o same_o by_o consequence_n but_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a undoubted_a and_o necessary_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n christ_n himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v declare_v it_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o breast_n and_o wine_n be_v call_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o if_o we_o desire_v also_o to_o know_v how_o we_o ought_v worthy_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v it_o so_o plain_o joh._n 6_o that_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o not_o only_o the_o aforementioned_a spiritual_n eat_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v principal_o require_v but_o also_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o save_a eat_v without_o which_o the_o oral_a manducation_n be_v rather_o noxious_a then_o profitable_a and_o wholesome_a wherefore_o we_o hold_v this_o declaration_n of_o christ_n sufficient_a unto_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o only_o stand_v to_o it_o or_o give_v we_o but_o liberty_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o we_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n not_o compel_v necessary_o to_o receive_v our_o interpretation_n and_o expression_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o word_n and_o exposition_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o will_v we_o judge_v or_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o a_o heretic_n because_o of_o the_o verbal_a alteration_n and_o disceptation_n in_o school_n whether_o what_o figure_n or_o tropus_fw-la metonymy_fw-la or_o synecdoche_n or_o praedicatio_fw-la inusitata_fw-la it_o may_v be_v call_v likewise_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o all_o believer_n as_o true_a god_n and_o man_n with_o his_o assistance_n and_o grace_n spirit_n and_o gift_n power_n and_o operation_n which_o no_o christian_n can_v deny_v but_o to_o infer_v and_o conclude_v thereby_o that_o also_o his_o body_n flesh_n and_o bone_n must_v necessary_o be_v present_a with_o we_o &_o all_o creature_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v no_o way_n plain_a and_o evident_a so_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n do_v contradict_v it_o themselves_o by_o other_o manifest_a and_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o other_o different_a point_n of_o doctrine_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o and_o also_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o predestination_n and_o election_n and_o what_o do_v depend_v on_o it_o wherein_o we_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o only_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o augustine_n prosper_n fulgentius_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n and_o withal_o to_o the_o principal_a scholastic_a author_n and_o divine_n among_o papist_n thomas_n scotus_n and_o other_o that_o follow_v they_o especial_o to_o the_o modern_a dominican_n but_o also_o to_o dr_n luther_n himself_o and_o many_o ancient_a learned_a lutheran_n divine_v brentius_n herbrand_n flacius_n hofmann_n spannenberg_n althamer_n heshusius_fw-la and_o other_o chap._n vi_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a question_n in_o this_o present_a difference_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a unity_n considerirg_n exact_o every_o thing_n that_o hitherto_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o be_v apparent_o manifest_a thereby_o that_o all_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o now_o adays_o be_v in_o agitation_n betwixt_o the_o say_a christian_n especial_o betwixt_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a perfect_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n mere_o reside_v in_o this_o chief_a and_o cardinal_a question_n which_o if_o it_o be_v right_o and_o unanimous_o answer_v on_o all_o side_n no_o doubt_n all_o such_o contention_n and_o controversy_n or_o all_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o condemn_v will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o a_o happy_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v among_o all_o christian_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v necessary_a unto_o their_o salvation_n namely_o whether_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o such_o interpretation_n and_o consequence_n or_o inference_n which_o by_o some_o teacher_n or_o particular_a church_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v collect_v and_o deduce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o understanding_n they_o have_v for_o their_o part_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o hold_v and_o receive_v for_o certain_a undoubted_a or_o necessary_a exposition_n and_o consequence_n although_o they_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o manifest_a that_o all_o other_o know_v and_o understand_v christian_n beside_o they_o may_v conceive_v they_o or_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v unanimous_o and_o undoubted_o receive_v and_o teach_v ought_v yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n unto_o salvation_n insomuch_o that_o all_o those_o that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v such_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n as_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v therefore_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o heretic_n to_o which_o we_o direct_o answer_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o supppse_n that_o such_o interpretation_n or_o inference_n be_v certain_a and_o true_a or_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o those_o that_o understand_v they_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o those_o that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o conceive_v they_o as_o yet_o in_o their_o conscience_n neither_o can_v they_o therefore_o be_v judge_v as_o unbeliever_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o weak_a in_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n not_o to_o judge_v their_o thought_n and_o to_o distract_v their_o conscience_n god_n the_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o think_v rather_o even_o this_o to_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o division_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o man_n set_v upon_o their_o own_o interpretation_n illation_n comment_n gloss_n formula_n expression_n which_o peradventure_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o infer_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o profundity_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o else_o add_v thereunto_o out_o of_o humane_a tradition_n and_o opinion_n as_o high_a nay_o a_o high_a estimate_n and_o price_n and_o insist_v as_o vehement_o thereupon_o as_o upon_o the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n itself_o as_o if_o their_o word_n and_o exposition_n be_v as_o certain_a and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o if_o they_o be_v able_a in_o some_o point_n to_o utter_v and_o deliver_v more_o plain_o express_o full_o and_o considerate_o the_o heavenly_a mystery_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v express_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n or_o as_o if_o all_o man_n do_v see_v whatsoever_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o see_v and_o to_o know_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o though_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o their_o word_n this_o this_o be_v the_o main_a and_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o division_n and_o dissension_n and_o of_o all_o unreasonable_a judge_n and_o condemn_v in_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n this_o be_v also_o the_o true_a fundamental_a point_n of_o popery_n popery_n the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o popery_n whereon_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o depend_v that_o the_o pope_n with_o his_o prelate_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o different_a and_o doubtful_a doctrine_n who_o sentence_n and_o decision_n all_o man_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n as_o certain_o aught_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o upon_o this_o one_o only_a ground_n all_o popery_n be_v build_v and_o principal_o for_o this_o point_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o abandon_v it_o for_o otherwise_o for_o our_o part_n we_o can_v well_o yield_v to_o he_o his_o primatum_fw-la or_o supremacy_n above_o all_o bishop_n yea_o above_o emperor_n and_o king_n as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v they_o upon_o condition_n he_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o dominatum_fw-la and_o rule_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o expound_v also_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o best_a he_o can_v and_o propound_v his_o sentence_n and_o opinion_n to_o his_o child_n within_o his_o bishopric_n or_o also_o to_o other_o that_o will_v believe_v and_o obey_v he_o if_o he_o will_v but_o acknowledge_v withal_o that_o he_o as_o well_o as_o other_o can_v err_v and_o fail_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o express_o and_o plain_o
in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o which_o treatise_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a to_o peruse_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o my_o worthy_a friend_n and_o countryman_n master_n jaspar_n godeman_n who_o i_o always_o in_o his_o frequent_a conversation_n perceive_v a_o singular_a wellwisher_n to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n i_o have_v immediate_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o translation_n thereof_o much_o animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o his_o and_o divers_a other_o good_a advice_n accompany_v with_o these_o two_o pregnant_a motive_n the_o one_o that_o this_o subject_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a of_o all_o theological_a controversy_n and_o question_n that_o now_o adays_o be_v in_o agitation_n and_o may_v much_o conduce_v if_o not_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o universal_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v always_o earnest_o desire_v of_o man_n true_o zealous_a and_o christian_n so_o that_o learned_a calvin_n offer_v his_o service_n therein_o to_o that_o worthy_a man_n doctor_n cranmer_n say_v it_o will_v not_o grieve_v he_o to_o sail_v over_o ten_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n yet_o prove_v a_o work_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n at_o least_o to_o promote_v the_o christian_a agreement_n and_o reconciliation_n or_o mitigation_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o kingdom_n principality_n and_o free-state_n that_o have_v abandon_v the_o superstition_n and_o pernicious_a leaven_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o not_o only_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o divine_n in_o germany_n have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n several_a conference_n at_o marpurg_n wittenberg_n and_o of_o late_a at_o leipzig_n but_o also_o at_o these_o present_a time_n that_o famous_a and_o reverend_a divine_a master_n john_n durey_n first_o stir_v up_o by_o that_o excellent_a instrument_n master_n james_n godeman_n father_n of_o the_o worthy_a gentleman_n aforemention_v one_o of_o his_o majesty_n the_o king_n of_o sweden_n privy_a counsellor_n and_o precedent_n of_o his_o court_n of_o appellation_n in_o the_o precinct_n of_o prussia_n and_o then_o second_v with_o hearty_a wish_n tnd_v prayer_n of_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a divine_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n have_v these_o fifteen_o year_n to_o my_o knowledge_n employ_v his_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n and_o singular_a industry_n in_o germany_n sweden_n denmark_n and_o low-countries_n and_o not_o without_o hopeful_a success_n have_v at_o length_n prevail_v so_o much_o with_o the_o lutheran_n especial_o in_o sweden_n that_o they_o not_o only_o have_v give_v over_o their_o slander_n and_o calumniation_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o also_o be_v content_v to_o be_v call_v evangelical_n protestant_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o name_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o what_o be_v remain_v the_o other_o motive_n be_v that_o also_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o these_o tempestuous_a and_o turbulent_a time_n which_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o england_n at_o this_o present_a groan_v and_o labour_v under_o and_o which_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o inquire_v into_o do_v proceed_v original_o from_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o uncharitableness_n and_o acrimony_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o reverend_a sir_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a whereby_o be_v peradventure_o carry_v away_o with_o rashness_n and_o vehemency_n as_o natural_o all_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o prone_a unto_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o as_o unfaithful_a that_o err_v rather_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o mere_a ignorance_n than_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n much_o good_a he_o may_v here_o learn_v and_o be_v advise_v how_o to_o moderate_v and_o temperate_a his_o passion_n and_o affection_n with_o more_o charity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n and_o steadfast_o maintain_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o substance_n viz._n the_o universal_a christian_a save_v faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n lest_o in_o rash_o presumptuous_o and_o rigorous_o condemn_v other_o he_o may_v be_v inexcusable_a and_o condemn_v himself_o and_o contrariwise_o be_v either_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o or_o false_o and_o contumelious_o judge_v slander_v revile_v excommunicate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o true_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n on_o earth_n he_o may_v know_v without_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o word_n and_o offend_v thereby_o both_o his_o own_o and_o other_o true_a believe_a or_o err_a conscience_n how_o to_o appeal_v first_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n or_o to_o any_o legal_a and_o impartial_a ecclesiastical_a convocation_n synod_n or_o consistory_n or_o if_o he_o can_v be_v hear_v there_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o heaven_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v judge_v those_o judge_n themselves_o and_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n against_o all_o heresy_n schism_n and_o division_n and_o establish_v a_o universal_a harmony_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o now_o these_o two_o motive_n have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o slender_a endeavour_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o other_o interest_n or_o respect_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n lest_o the_o wellwisher_n and_o furtherer_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v too_o long_o debar_v from_o the_o lustre_n and_o use_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o jewel_n i_o think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o patronage_n as_o be_v suitable_a and_o adequate_a to_o your_o zeal_n and_o piety_n rely_v herein_o upon_o sir_n edwin_n sandys_n judgement_n deliver_v in_o his_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n pag._n 173._o where_o he_o write_v thus_o the_o end_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n will_v be_v that_o their_o enemy_n shall_v laugh_v when_o themselves_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o weep_v unless_o the_o graciousnesse_n of_o god_n stir_v up_o some_o worthy_a prince_n of_o renown_n and_o reputation_n on_o both_o side_n to_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n industry_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o unite_n these_o faction_n or_o at_o least_o for_o reconcile_n and_o compose_v those_o difference_n in_o some_o tolerable_a sort_n a_o work_n of_o immortal_a fame_n and_o desert_n and_o worthy_a of_o none_o but_o they_o of_o who_o this_o wicked_a base_a world_n be_v not_o worthy_a and_o hope_v that_o this_o weak_a attempt_n of_o my_o labour_n though_o some_o of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v perhaps_o either_o careless_o or_o censorious_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o as_o favourable_o accept_v by_o you_o as_o it_o be_v affectionate_o and_o hearty_o tender_v by_o reverend_a sir_n your_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n philip_n freher_n london_n the_o 23th_o of_o march_n 1646._o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o twelve_o chapter_n i._o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o general_n ii_o wherein_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n iii_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n iv_o that_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a vi_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a question_n in_o this_o present_a difference_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a unity_n vii_o that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n to_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n viii_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n no_o new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v teach_v ix_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_a protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n xi_o whether_o or_o how_o
all_o christian_n to_o know_v and_o at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v unanimous_o receive_v teach_v and_o believe_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n as_o the_o aforementioned_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n with_o all_o that_o be_v evident_o and_o undoubted_o depend_v from_o it_o so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v reject_v it_o without_o he_o reject_v also_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o but_o some_o be_v but_o theological_a doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o for_o some_o to_o know_v to_o who_o god_n have_v impart_v before_o other_o a_o full_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o more_o excellent_a gift_n and_o charge_n from_o who_o also_o he_o will_v require_v more_o then_o of_o other_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v luk._n 12.48_o so_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o one_o to_o know_v and_o to_o believe_v only_o implicit_o in_o the_o principal_a general_n article_n that_o what_o another_o do_v know_v and_o believe_v explicit_o in_o many_o special_a point_n which_o be_v comprehend_v therein_o for_o the_o one_o that_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o do_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o and_o direct_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o other_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v consequent_o necessary_a or_o to_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v thereunto_o yea_o for_o one_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v many_o truth_n whereof_o he_o have_v good_a ground_n and_o knowledge_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o nevertheless_o for_o another_o who_o want_v such_o knowledge_n be_v either_o not_o so_o necessary_a or_o not_o so_o profitable_a to_o believe_v without_o ground_n yet_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o deny_v or_o contradict_v they_o obstinate_o out_o of_o carnal_a affection_n because_o he_o can_v but_o have_v less_o ground_n to_o deny_v they_o and_o rather_o ought_v to_o search_v the_o truth_n diligent_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o thankfulness_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v unto_o he_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n otherwise_o the_o obstinate_a deny_v which_o be_v incompatible_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a faith_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o proceed_v mere_o from_o carnal_a affection_n whereby_o the_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v darken_v and_o eclipse_v will_v prove_v damnable_a unto_o he_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o error_n itself_o but_o rather_o because_o of_o his_o obstinacy_n three_o and_o principal_o we_o must_v discern_v what_o be_v necessary_a or_o not_o necessary_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o reveal_v word_n god_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v which_o word_n though_o proper_o there_o be_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o only_o one_o yet_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o twofold_a manner_n by_o preach_v and_o write_v from_o whence_o we_o must_v distinct_o consider_v whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o preach_v and_o ministerial_a word_n or_o the_o tradition_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o teacher_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o principal_o be_v controvert_v and_o debate_v betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n we_o intend_v at_o this_o present_a to_o lay_v down_o the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o which_o be_v undoubted_o agree_v on_o by_o both_o party_n as_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v for_o canonical_a be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o consequent_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o they_o so_o clear_o and_o manifest_o that_o every_o understanding_n christian_n certain_o and_o undoubted_o may_v know_v and_o conceive_v it_o must_v be_v necessary_a for_o all_o unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v explicitè_fw-fr and_o particular_o all_o thing_n yet_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v and_o receive_v undoubted_o all_o thing_n assoon_o at_o they_o do_v apprehend_v they_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o article_n we_o must_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n be_v brief_o collect_v in_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o we_o must_v moral_o do_v be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n concern_v the_o love_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o what_o we_o must_v ceremonial_o and_o sacramental_o perform_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a baptism_n and_o the_o bless_a communion_n or_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ordain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v general_o and_o undoubted_o agree_v on_o and_o last_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o desire_v and_o ask_v of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n in_o which_o five_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n in_o tribus_fw-la symbolis_fw-la doctrinalibus_fw-la credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v and_o in_o duobus_fw-la symbolis_fw-la sacramentalibus_fw-la regenerationis_fw-la &_o nutritionis_fw-la spiritualis_fw-la how_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o as_o child_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n spiritual_o nourish_v unto_o a_o new_a and_o eternal_a life_n do_v consist_v the_o whole_a catechism_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n think_v general_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n yet_o all_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o teach_v and_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n yea_o also_o whatsoever_o so_o evident_o and_o necessary_o do_v depend_v from_o the_o say_v fundamental_a point_n that_o every_o understanding_n christian_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o divine_a mystery_n by_o his_o natural_a reason_n may_v yet_o certain_o and_o undoubted_o apprehend_v the_o doctrine_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o therefore_o although_o any_o controversy_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o move_v about_o these_o fundamental_a article_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o declare_v or_o unanimous_o teach_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v general_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n for_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o their_o unanimous_a and_o undoubted_a meaning_n moreover_o beside_o that_o what_o direct_o in_o itself_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v yet_o many_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n partly_o theological_a partly_o historical_a and_o partly_o philosophical_a yea_o in_o general_a whatsoever_o be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o its_o consequence_n and_o dependence_n from_o these_o fundamental_a article_n be_v not_o of_o such_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o certain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o example_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n suffer_v under_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n and_o under_o the_o governor_n pontius_n pilate_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o that_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v call_v mary_n or_o that_o our_o lord_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o and_o not_o the_o four_o day_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o circumstance_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o though_o direct_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o know_v unto_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o express_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o article_n themselves_o so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o know_v they_o may_v deny_v or_o make_v a_o scruple_n of_o they_o unless_o he_o will_v also_o deny_v together_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n likewise_o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n the_o great_a antichrist_n shall_v come_v that_o at_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n not_o all_o man_n shall_v die_v but_o the_o rest_n be_v change_v which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o know_v yet_o it_o be_v
of_o monk_n and_o nun_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o revenue_n of_o monastery_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o miserable_a poor_a wretch_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v or_o employ_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church_n and_o school_n that_o we_o give_v liberty_n for_o marriage_n both_o to_o ecclesiastic_n and_o laic_n nor_o use_v the_o confirmation_n and_o extreme_a unction_n or_o the_o holy_a order_n for_o make_v minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o usual_o be_v among_o they_o that_o we_o permit_v no_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n or_o dominion_n to_o our_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o will_v have_v they_o submit_v to_o a_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pope_n neither_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o judicature_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o such_o like_a observation_n and_o assertion_n of_o their_o exterior_a worship_n will_v they_o therefore_o i_o say_v judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n it_o be_v fit_a then_o to_o prove_v first_o by_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o warrant_n and_o such_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v and_o satisfy_v our_o conscience_n withal_o that_o the_o say_v point_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n except_o they_o will_v yield_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o for_o unnecessary_a thing_n but_o now_o the_o papist_n themselves_o will_v hardly_o affirm_v the_o aforesaid_a point_n the_o image_n the_o invocation_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n they_o commend_v and_o extol_v only_o their_o singular_a good_a use_n and_o benefit_n but_o do_v not_o enjoin_v their_o necessity_n or_o in_o case_n they_o will_v in_o one_o or_o other_o point_n as_o in_o the_o auricular_a confession_n adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la etc._n etc._n intrude_v a_o necessity_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v so_o upon_o any_o pretence_n nor_o ground_n but_o we_o may_v have_v evident_a proof_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n likewise_o in_o point_n of_o controversy_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n that_o we_o have_v the_o affiance_n and_o assurance_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v before_o god_n not_o through_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o only_o through_o mere_a mercy_n and_o grace_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o only_a perfect_a sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o also_o in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n we_o ascribe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n of_o freewill_n but_o all_o to_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n without_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a how_o can_v they_o then_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n for_o it_o whereas_o they_o must_v at_o length_n confess_v themselves_o 3._o bellarm._n lib._n 5._o de_fw-la justificat_fw-la cap._n 7._o propos_fw-fr 2_o &_o 3._o this_o to_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o sure_a way_n not_o to_o confide_v and_o trust_v in_o our_o own_o strength_n work_n merit_n but_o only_o in_o god_n mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o precious_a merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n if_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n we_o must_v certain_o and_o necessary_o conclude_v that_o our_o doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o heretical_a nor_o damnable_a and_o their_o doctrine_n of_o own_o merit_n and_o strength_n not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o rather_o that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o safe_a whereby_o all_o honour_n and_o praise_n be_v deny_v to_o man_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o their_o doctrine_n dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a ascribe_v all_o honour_n to_o man_n and_o deny_v it_o to_o god_n moreover_o that_o we_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v the_o transformation_n of_o the_o bread_n or_o transubstantiation_n as_o they_o call_v it_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o a_o true_a sacrifice_n though_o without_o blood_n of_o the_o transubstantiated_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n both_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o purgatory_n they_o can_v condemn_v we_o for_o unless_o they_o do_v convince_v we_o first_o that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o spiritual_a eat_v thereof_o profit_v we_o nothing_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n can_v cleanse_v we_o from_o sin_n except_o we_o believe_v also_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n and_o the_o purgatory_n which_o nevertheless_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o assert_v or_o never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v since_o they_o partly_o confess_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v assure_v in_o those_o and_o such_o like_a point_n only_o by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n unless_o the_o declaration_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v to_o they_o satisfaction_n therein_o and_o this_o be_v their_o main_a objection_n church_n whether_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o aforementioned_a and_o such_o like_a controversy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o and_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yet_o be_v necessary_a even_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v be_v thus_o teach_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o here_o we_o ask_v first_o the_o question_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o catholic_a church_n if_o they_o understand_v the_o universal_a christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n disperse_v as_o the_o word_n catholic_a do_v imply_v it_o than_o we_o confess_v as_o we_o have_v already_o declare_v it_o heretofore_o that_o whatsoever_o it_o teach_v with_o one_o accord_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v undoubted_o necessary_a but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o assert_v this_o of_o most_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a point_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v assert_v it_o of_o some_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o prove_v it_o neither_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n whereas_o by_o this_o very_a same_o ground_n we_o can_v rather_o make_v appear_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o most_o and_o principal_a point_n thereof_o must_v be_v either_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v teach_v thus_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n neither_o have_v the_o primitive_a church_n ever_o presume_v and_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o a_o power_n as_o if_o it_o may_v or_o shall_v teach_v or_o ordain_v some_o new_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n and_o so_o impose_v on_o the_o christian_n a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o prescribe_v they_o a_o narrow_a way_n to_o salvation_n than_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o also_o consequent_o be_v make_v void_a whatsoever_o they_o object_n concern_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o produce_v any_o certain_a ground_n or_o warrant_n that_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n although_o otherwise_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o either_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v count_v only_o as_o useful_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la illis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à_fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la verò_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la tertull._n de_fw-fr praescr_n c._n 21._o exit_fw-la ipso_fw-la ordine_fw-la manifestatur_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la dominicum_fw-la &_o verum_fw-la quod_fw-la sit_fw-la prius_fw-la traditum_fw-la id_fw-la autem_fw-la extraneum_fw-la &_o falsum_fw-la quod_fw-la posterius_fw-la immissum_fw-la id._n 32._o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la curiositate_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la opus_fw-la post_fw-la jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la nec_fw-la inquisitione_n post_fw-la evangelium_fw-la cùm_fw-la credimus_fw-la nihil_fw-la desideramus_fw-la ultra_fw-la credere_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la prius_fw-la credimus_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ultra_fw-la
we_o can_v punctual_o explain_v it_o and_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n have_v already_o abundant_o and_o often_o spend_v their_o study_n and_o labour_n in_o it_o wherefore_o we_o refer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o pious_a heart_n whether_o man_n have_v cause_n and_o ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v assure_v that_o what_o have_v not_o be_v for_o the_o first_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n in_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n without_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o so_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n be_v pious_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n that_o can_v be_v also_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o we_o may_v live_v and_o die_v as_o religious_a christian_n without_o it_o for_o we_o need_v not_o any_o other_o faith_n or_o religion_n beside_o that_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v and_o die_v we_o have_v with_o they_o obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o old_a commandment_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o joh._n 2.7_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n 2.3_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o tae_n saint_n judas_n vers_fw-la 3._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_a catholic_a what_o be_v to_o be_v true_a catholic_a or_o the_o universal_a christian_a faith_n which_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n especial_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o stand_v fast_o to_o it_o we_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a catholic_a christian_n whereas_o those_o that_o add_v thereunto_o any_o new_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n as_o necessary_a which_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o in_o use_n though_o they_o bear_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o catholic_a name_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a ancient_a catholic_a christian_n but_o new-catholikes_a which_o be_v equivalent_a with_o vn-catholikes_a and_o that_o church_n which_o by_o its_o own_o command_n impose_v such_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n though_o christ_n have_v not_o command_v but_o rather_o forbid_v they_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o will_v condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o church_n do_v thereby_o discover_v itself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o rather_o antichristian_a tyrannical_a church_n which_o also_o have_v need_n to_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o the_o apostolical_a curse_n if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o but_o we_o hope_v that_o all_o understanding_n and_o conscientious_a man_n and_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n among_o the_o roman_a catholic_n will_v beware_v of_o this_o malediction_n and_o take_v serious_o to_o heart_n this_o declaration_n of_o we_o abstain_v hereafter_o from_o presumptuous_a judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n much_o less_o persecute_v we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o loss_n of_o our_o good_n and_o honour_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v which_o certain_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o undoubted_o from_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v that_o arch-lyer_n and_o murderer_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v faithful_o warn_v we_o and_o especial_o the_o roman_a church_n lest_o it_o may_v imagine_v some_o special_a privilege_n before_o other_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n judge_v not_o their_o thought_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v but_o if_o this_o warning_n will_v do_v no_o good_a to_o they_o certain_o the_o other_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o they_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n the_o city_n and_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o rom._n 11.21_o 22._o chap._n v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a what_o we_o have_v speak_v now_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n concern_v its_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o the_o same_o we_o may_v partly_o well_o say_v of_o the_o lutheran_n which_o indeed_o together_o with_o we_o have_v protest_v against_o this_o judge_a and_o condemn_v of_o papist_n in_o the_o forename_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o yet_o no_o less_o although_o in_o few_o point_n from_o whence_o also_o the_o evangelical_n church_n and_o estate_n general_o all_o be_v call_v protestant_n do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v our_o church_n or_o teacher_n as_o heretic_n under_o the_o most-odious_a man_n name_n who_o nevertheless_o rely_v not_o upon_o any_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o nature_n word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a apostolical_a rule_n we_o may_v make_v appear_v yet_o more_o plain_o then_o to_o the_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n thus_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worship_n ceremony_n the_o principal_a point_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n 1._o in_o ceremony_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o concern_v some_o controversy_n about_o ceremony_n both_o of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_v of_o god_n as_o that_o we_o use_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a baptism_n the_o exorcism_n or_o conjure_v of_o the_o devil_n to_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o infant_n or_o young_a child_n because_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o either_o spiritual_o or_o corporal_o possess_v by_o the_o devil_n although_o they_o natural_o be_v bear_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o cast_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o they_o by_o such_o conjure_n and_o therefore_o do_v just_o abhor_v from_o take_v therein_o god_n holy_a name_n in_o vain_a that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o image_n in_o our_o church_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v abuse_v in_o popery_n unto_o idolatry_n but_o rather_o approve_v and_o justify_v the_o take_n away_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n that_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n we_o use_v not_o the_o hosty_n or_o wafer_n but_o ordinary_a nourish_a bread_n and_o observe_v the_o break_n of_o it_o how_o can_v they_o judge_v we_o therefore_o whereas_o they_o themselves_o hold_v their_o exorcism_n image_n hosty_n not_o even_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o itself_o erroneous_a but_o only_o to_o be_v adïaphora_fw-it indifferent_a thing_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n do_v not_o account_v they_o absolute_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n necessary_a partly_o because_o of_o god_n command_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n at_o least_o for_o ourselves_o who_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n use_v the_o exorcism_n or_o the_o image_n or_o without_o any_o urgent_a cause_n omit_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n yet_o since_o we_o judge_v not_o nor_o condemn_v according_a to_o the_o abovementioned_a apostolical_a rule_n those_o that_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n necessary_a but_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o also_o shall_v not_o condemn_v we_o therein_o but_o to_o impart_v to_o we_o so_o much_o freedom_n that_o we_o may_v herein_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v do_v more_o safe_o and_o without_o any_o sin_n as_o we_o likewise_o permit_v they_o to_o omit_v it_o and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o we_o in_o our_o catechism_n punctual_o retain_v all_o the_o commandment_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o exod._n 20._o deut._n 5_o and_o do_v not_o omit_v doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o doctrine_n
mistake_n shall_v they_o judge_v we_o presumptuous_o in_o our_o misconstruction_n of_o their_o pretend_a understanding_n neither_o shall_v they_o bewray_v any_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o contradiction_n but_o also_o that_o they_o together_o with_o we_o shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o and_o diligent_o inquire_v further_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v yet_o or_o doubt_v of_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o on_o both_o side_n attain_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o give_v no_o offence_n till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o we_o even_o what_o be_v remain_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o only_a way_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a mean_n to_o settle_v and_o maintain_v a_o true_a unity_n among_o all_o true_a christian_n whereby_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o spirit_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a christian_n for_o all_o those_o that_o now_o adays_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v agree_v therein_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereof_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v original_o write_v in_o hebrew_n those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o submit_v their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o practise_v it_o not_o only_o with_o word_n but_o also_o with_o true_a and_o sincere_a heart_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n in_o all_o thing_n agree_v that_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o teach_v therein_o nay_o they_o be_v already_o unite_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v true_a fellow-member_n of_o the_o only_a apostolic_a catholic_a church_n if_o together_o with_o this_o universal_a christian_a faith_n they_o do_v but_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n and_o other_o thing_n 5._o chap._n 5._o that_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o may_v thorough_o and_o general_o agree_v beside_o this_o we_o know_v no_o other_o mean_n on_o earth_n that_o either_o god_n have_v give_v and_o ordain_v for_o we_o or_o may_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n wit_n whereby_o a_o true_a universal_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o maintain_v church_n the_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o fit_a mean_n for_o unity_n but_o rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o the_o jesuit_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o catholic_a uniformity_n that_o same_o be_v rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o make_v impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n see_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o inexcusable_a withal_o that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o man_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v subject_v and_o submit_v in_o every_o thing_n their_o conscience_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o jesus_n christ_n to_o one_o man_n solely_n who_o have_v no_o charge_n and_o warrant_v for_o the_o same_o from_o god_n which_o though_o they_o urge_v and_o press_v as_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n to_o salvation_n and_o unity_n yet_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o of_o some_o roman_a catholic_n themselves_z who_o extol_v the_o general_a counsel_n above_o the_o pope_n time_n neither_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o unity_n in_o these_o last_o time_n nor_o be_v concilia_fw-la vniversalia_fw-la in_o these_o last_o time_n the_o true_a mean_n for_o unity_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a impossibility_n in_o these_o last_o thousand_o year_n since_o the_o ancient_a roman_a empire_n destruction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v be_v impossible_a till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o indict_v and_o gather_v any_o true_a universal_a council_n compose_v of_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o establish_v any_o other_o unity_n then_o by_o reiteration_n and_o renovation_n of_o that_o which_o with_o one_o accord_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o primitive_a universal_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o evident_a and_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n on_o earth_n though_o its_o meeting_n at_o once_o in_o one_o place_n be_v possible_a can_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o power_n to_o astrain_v and_o oblige_v its_o posterity_n to_o any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n further_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o predecessor_n or_o rather_o by_o god_n himself_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o church_n nor_o the_o confession_n &_o formulae_fw-la of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o shall_v neither_o the_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o less_o other_o disperse_a sect_n to_o and_o fro_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o tolerable_a ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n either_o by_o their_o vehement_a disceptation_n and_o dispute_n or_o exhortation_n to_o peace_n or_o by_o colloquia_fw-la and_o conference_n or_o by_o national_a and_o provincial_a synod_n or_o per_fw-la synodales_n formulas_fw-la or_o any_o other_o mean_n as_o long_o as_o they_o insist_v and_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n consequence_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o will_v of_o necessity_n judge_v other_o thereby_o see_v chief_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v nor_o approve_v that_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v submit_v and_o agree_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o far_o more_o will_v thereby_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n about_o the_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n in_o make_v necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n thereof_o by_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n as_o woeful_a experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v increase_n and_o grow_v dangerous_a even_o to_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o 7._o chap._n 7._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o v._n 15._o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o christian_n yea_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o the_o east_n south_n and_o west_n which_o know_v nothing_o or_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o augspourge_n or_o of_o other_o confession_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o europe_n much_o less_o of_o the_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v undergo_v to_o settle_v by_o such_o mean_n and_o writ_n a_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v other_o church_n thereunto_o now_o notwithstanding_o we_o conceive_v also_o no_o hope_n to_o obtain_v a_o total_a and_o universal_a reconcilement_n of_o the_o modern_a unhappy_a difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o side_n among_o those_o that_o be_v incline_v and_o give_v to_o contradiction_n and_o contention_n because_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v division_n heresy_n and_o sect_n partly_o for_o punishment_n partly_o for_o trial_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 19_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n unity_n in_o what_o manner_n &_o how_o far_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n but_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a heart_n which_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n whereof_o yet_o a_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n
and_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v direct_o be_v account_v unfaithful_a heathen_n or_o damn_a heretic_n but_o hold_v yet_o for_o weak_a believer_n and_o err_a christian_n then_o the_o say_a reformation_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v put_v on_o against_o their_o will_n before_o they_o be_v bitter_a inform_v especial_o the_o error_n be_v such_o which_o have_v not_o be_v reject_v or_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n nevertheless_o lest_o the_o true_a believer_n out_o of_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o have_v good_a reason_n yea_o be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o avoid_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o acknowledge_v dangerous_a error_n and_o abuse_n yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o separate_v themselves_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o err_a congregation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o schism_n or_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o unity_n till_o god_n may_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o err_a party_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o when_o the_o true-beleever_n themselves_o be_v not_o tolerate_v by_o the_o err_a party_n as_o it_o happen_v oftentimes_o but_o excommunicate_v or_o condemn_v because_o of_o the_o reject_v of_o their_o error_n then_o they_o have_v not_o only_o very_o good_a reason_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n be_v compel_v to_o settle_v separately_z their_o assembly_n and_o religion_n and_o consequent_o a_o particular_a reformation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v quite_o to_o omit_v and_o set_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n aside_o for_o the_o err_a party_n sake_n which_o they_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n if_o not_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o from_o the_o use_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n where_o again_o not_o those_o that_o be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o separate_v themselves_o but_o these_o that_o reject_v subject_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v undertake_v the_o reformation_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o schism_n especial_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v no_o way_n be_v restrain_v or_o blame_v if_o they_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o like_a error_n and_o abuse_n though_o their_o subject_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o any_o reformation_n yet_o at_o least_o do_v reform_v the_o say_v error_n for_o their_o family_n and_o fellow-beleever_n without_o compulsion_n of_o the_o other_o like_a as_o joshua_n denounce_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n though_o they_o shall_v forsake_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v other_o god_n yet_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v he_o jos_n 24._o v._n 15_o 16._o and_o like_v as_o some_o godly_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o david_n himself_o though_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v the_o people_n from_o sacrifice_v in_o high_a place_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o person_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o depart_v and_o turn_v aside_o from_o his_o house_n and_o ordinance_n 1_o reg._n 3._o vers_fw-la 2._o 1_o reg._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o &_o 22._o vers_fw-la 43_o 2_o chron._n 20._o v._o 33._o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v compel_v the_o true-beleeving_a or_o err_a subject_n against_o their_o conscience_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a will_v it_o then_o be_v that_o subject_n religion_n subject_n the_o author_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenboug_n case_n with_o his_o lutheran_n subject_n who_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v he_o &_o his_o reform_a attendant_n from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o religion_n though_o true-beleever_n shall_v stop_v and_o restrain_v the_o magistrate_n and_o their_o dependent_n from_o their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o under_o their_o protection_n and_o in_o their_o error_n enjoy_v and_o all_o this_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o such_o difference_n and_o dissension_n of_o the_o church_n which_o concern_v partly_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o but_o the_o condemn_a and_o separation_n be_v so_o much_o more_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o when_o the_o difference_n and_o dispute_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o from_o any_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o by-point_n in_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n though_o the_o error_n and_o abuse_n in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a lest_o a_o little_a leaven_n may_v at_o length_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n where_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o err_v which_o in_o their_o error_n nevertheless_o conserve_v the_o bond_n of_o charity_n in_o unity_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v as_o brethren_n but_o also_o account_v for_o better_a christian_n then_o those_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o err_v in_o the_o controvert_v doctrine_n yet_o procure_v thereby_o a_o schism_n and_o division_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o unseasonable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v who_o although_o they_o keep_v on_o both_o side_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o overthrow_n therewith_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o requisite_a whereof_o we_o read_v in_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n about_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n 250._o a_o very_a memorable_a example_n of_o cyprian_a and_o his_o follower_n on_o one_o side_n and_o of_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o dependent_n on_o the_o other_o side_n whereas_o though_o cyprian_a together_o with_o the_o bishop_n in_o africa_n err_v in_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o heretic_n be_v convert_v shall_v be_v rebaptise_v yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o by_o such_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o condemn_v other_o who_o defend_v the_o contrary_a but_o inviolable_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a unity_n servatur_fw-la à_fw-la nobis_fw-la patient_fw-la &_o firmiter_fw-la charitas_fw-la animi_fw-la collegii_fw-la honour_n vinculum_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o concordia_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la epist_n 73._o he_o be_v therefore_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v then_o stephen_n who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o err_v in_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o condemn_v cyprian_a and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n sharp_o reprove_v for_o such_o unchristian_a judge_n and_o unnecessary_a separation_n tu_fw-la stephano_n haereticis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la pejor_fw-la ●s_n &_o light_n &_o dissensiones_fw-la quantas_fw-la parasti_fw-la per_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la peceatum_fw-la verò_fw-la quàm_fw-la magnum_fw-la tibi_fw-la exaggerasti_fw-la quando_fw-la te_fw-la à_fw-la tot_fw-la gregibus_fw-la scidisti_fw-la excidisti_fw-la enim_fw-la te_fw-la ipsum_fw-la noli_fw-la te_fw-la fallere_fw-la siquidem_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la verè_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la qui_fw-la se_fw-la à_fw-la communione_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la apostatam_fw-la fecerit_fw-la dum_fw-la enim_fw-la putas_fw-la omnes_fw-la à_fw-la te_fw-la abstiner●_n posse_fw-la solum_fw-la te_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la abstinuisti_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la stephanum_n propter_fw-la haereticos_fw-la asserendos_fw-la fraternitatem_fw-la scindere_fw-la insuper_fw-la &_o cyprianum_n pseudo-christum_a &_o pseudo-apostolum_a &_o dolosum_fw-la operatorem_fw-la dicere_fw-la qui_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o se_fw-la esse_fw-la conscius_fw-la praevenit_fw-la ut_fw-la alteri_fw-la ea_fw-la per_fw-la m●ndacium_fw-la objiceret_fw-la qua_fw-la ipse_fw-la ex_fw-la merito_fw-la audire_fw-la deberet_fw-la apud_fw-la cypr._n epist_n 75._o otherwise_o this_o say_a cyprian_a notwithstanding_o such_o error_n have_v be_v always_o account_v for_o a_o godly_a teacher_n and_o martyr_n in_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n but_o when_o afterward_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n not_o only_o follow_v he_o in_o such_o error_n but_o also_o condemn_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o true-beleeving_a church_n they_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v reject_v as_o pernicious_a schismatic_n because_o they_o follow_v cyprian_a in_o his_o error_n 10._o chap._n 10._o but_o not_o in_o his_o charity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n and_o cause_v thereby_o a_o most_o scandalous_a breach_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o augustin_n and_o optatus_n milevitanus_fw-la against_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v sufficient_o discern_v whether_o or_o how_o far_o man_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o which_o to_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v with_o more_o ground_n and_o example_n in_o each_o point_n
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o
pretence_n or_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o other_o church_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n necessary_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o italian_a or_o romish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o they_o must_v be_v tie_v to_o those_o palpable_a abuse_n they_o have_v introduce_v nor_o dare_v alter_v or_o remove_v they_o whereas_o yet_o much_o more_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n aswell_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a as_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v oblige_v in_o its_o authority_n and_o duty_n and_o by_o god_n precept_n to_o purge_v themselves_o from_o all_o pernicious_a leaven_n in_o doctrine_n practice_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o conform_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v also_o every_o where_o most_o earnest_o admonish_v as_o well_o from_o the_o prophet_n who_o reprove_v and_o warn_v sermon_n be_v mere_o altogether_o direct_v to_o this_o end_n as_o from_o the_o apostle_n who_o labour_n to_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v thereby_o the_o future_a calamity_n and_o misery_n rom._n 16._o v._n 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1._o v._n 10._o &_o 5._o v._o 7.13_o gal._n 1._o v._n 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o 5._o v._o 1.7.9.10_o phil._n 2._o v._n 2.15_o &_o 3._o v._o 2._o &_o 4._o v._o 8_o 9_o colos_n 2._o v._n 7_o 8.16.18.20.22_o 23._o revel_v 2._o v._n 4_o 5.14_o 15_o 16.20_o &_o 3._o v._o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o as_o every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v his_o own_o conscience_n from_o all_o pollution_n of_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o life_n and_o need_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o man_n consent_n in_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v also_o every_o congregation_n ought_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o purge_v and_o reform_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o pollution_n and_o scandal_n in_o doctrine_n life_n and_o worship_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o that_o church_n which_o resist_v such_o reformation_n with_o a_o violent_a power_n and_o force_n discover_v itself_o manifest_o thereby_o to_o be_v herein_o not_o a_o true-christian_a but_o rather_o anti-christian_n church_n heretical_a although_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n be_v not_o blameless_a yet_o it_o may_v not_o therefore_o be_v reject_v and_o disapprove_v as_o heretical_a moreover_o though_o the_o reformation_n may_v be_v culpable_a either_o in_o the_o manner_n or_o in_o some_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o main_a work_n in_o itself_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v find_v fault_n withal_o since_o we_o willing_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o also_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n within_o and_o without_o germany_n not_o always_o the_o true_a moderation_n be_v use_v and_o do_v not_o imagine_v that_o even_o in_o our_o church_n a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n without_o any_o defect_n and_o blemish_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o can_v approve_v it_o that_o the_o reformation_n in_o some_o place_n be_v begin_v with_o a_o tumult_n and_o insurrection_n of_o the_o vulgar_a people_n by_o demolish_n and_o destroy_v of_o image_n altar_n and_o monastery_n and_o such_o other_o violent_a proceed_n much_o less_o that_o arm_n be_v take_v up_o against_o legal_a magistrate_n with_o the_o intent_n to_o reform_v withal_o neither_o can_v we_o excuse_v that_o the_o laity_n under_o colour_n of_o reformation_n have_v seize_v and_o transfer_v ad_fw-la prophanos_fw-la usus_fw-la the_o monastery_n and_o ecclesiastical_a revenue_n 11._o chap._n 11._o which_o shall_v have_v be_v rather_o addict_v and_o dedicate_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church_n and_o school_n and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a and_o other_o poor_a and_o then_o if_o somewhat_o remain_v for_o the_o incident_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o the_o country_n and_o commonwealth_n nor_o can_v we_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o church-government_n since_o that_o it_o be_v devolve_v from_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o layman_n in_o many_o place_n great_a defect_n occur_v in_o the_o disposition_n and_o administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a function_n we_o complain_v also_o oftentimes_o that_o the_o wholesome_a church-discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v quite_o go_v down_o and_o decay_v and_o wish_v nothing_o more_o but_o that_o it_o may_v flourish_v and_o revive_v again_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n likewise_o we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o removal_n of_o popish_a abuse_n in_o fast_n confession_n vow_n etc._n etc._n the_o true_a christian_a fast_v with_o other_o practice_n of_o repentance_n and_o devotion_n especial_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catechism_n may_v be_v more_o diligent_o and_o earnest_o perform_v both_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o youth_n and_o the_o idiot_n and_o ignorant_n in_o bourough_n and_o village_n last_o we_o willing_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n in_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o divine_n on_o both_o side_n which_o rather_o shall_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o school_n and_o discern_v from_o the_o necessary_a universal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o because_o of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a defect_n which_o be_v also_o perceive_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o in_o one_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o we_o can_v blame_v the_o principal_a work_n in_o itself_o but_o must_v rather_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a that_o the_o chief_a abuse_n of_o popery_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a ceremony_n be_v remove_v and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o the_o true-saving_a doctrine_n and_o wholesome_a use_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n restore_v again_o and_o so_o purge_v from_o manifold_a tradition_n and_o rudiment_n of_o man_n that_o the_o papist_n themselves_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o pretend_v why_o they_o may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n have_v communion_n with_o we_o in_o our_o religion_n or_o else_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o they_o can_v have_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o primitive_a catholic_a church_n be_v that_o all_o our_o outward_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v absolute_o conformable_a to_o the_o first_o apostolical_a simplicity_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v afterward_o for_o a_o long_a time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n inform_v we_o die_fw-fr qui_fw-fr dicitur_fw-la solis_fw-la omnium_fw-la qui_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o oppidis_fw-la vel_fw-la ruri_fw-la degunt_fw-la in_fw-la eundem_fw-la locum_fw-la conventus_fw-la fit_a et_fw-la commentaria_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la aut_fw-la scripta_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la quoad_fw-la tempus_fw-la fert_fw-la leguntur_fw-la deinde_fw-la lectore_fw-la quiescente_fw-la praesidensoratione_n populum_fw-la instruit_fw-la ad_fw-la imitationem_fw-la tàm_fw-la pulchrarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la &_o cohortatur_fw-la sub_fw-la haec_fw-la consurgimus_fw-la communiter_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o precationes_fw-la profundimus_fw-la precibus_fw-la peractis_fw-la profertur_fw-la panis_fw-la &_o vinum_fw-la &_o aqua_fw-la praepositus_fw-la autem_fw-la quantum_fw-la pro_fw-la virili_fw-la sva_fw-la potest_fw-la preces_fw-la &_o gratiarum_fw-la actiones_fw-la fundit_fw-la &_o populus_fw-la faustè_fw-fr acclamat_fw-la dicens_fw-la amen_o et_fw-la distributio_fw-la communicatioque_fw-la fit_a eorum_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la gratiae_fw-la sunt_fw-la actae_fw-la cuique_fw-la praesenti_fw-la etc._n etc._n justinus_n martyr_n in_o apolog._n 2._o pro_fw-la christianis_fw-la vid._n &_o tertullianum_fw-la in_o apologet._n chap._n xi_o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o reform_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o lutheran_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o we_o may_v likewise_o apply_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v controvert_v and_o dispute_v though_o in_o few_o point_n betwixt_o the_o lutheran_n and_o other_o reform_a church_n where_o we_o first_o willing_o confess_v and_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n that_o as_o we_o differ_v in_o few_o article_n yea_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o against_o the_o papist_n and_o other_o sectary_n we_o have_v also_o much_o less_o reason_n to_o judge_v the_o lutheran_n or_o to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o they_o then_o from_o the_o papist_n because_o of_o such_o difference_n which_o be_v rather_o foment_v by_o some_o contentious_a divine_n then_o by_o the_o church_n itself_o lutheran_n why_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v hitherto_o seek_v a_o reconcilement_n &_o unity_n with_o the_o lutheran_n for_o though_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v in_o our_o conscience_n some_o
principal_o guilty_a of_o the_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o division_n betwixt_o evangelicall_n church_n by_o which_o also_o without_o any_o further_a enlargement_n sufficient_o appear_v that_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a cause_n and_o fault_n of_o the_o long_o continue_a schism_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a evangelicall_n church_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n from_o thence_o arise_v principal_o refide_v not_o in_o the_o reform_a but_o in_o the_o lutheran_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o divine_n yet_o not_o general_o in_o all_o but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o condemn_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o hitherto_o have_v refuse_v and_o stop_v without_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n the_o reconciliation_n we_o seek_v and_o offer_v to_o they_o for_o although_o they_o use_v to_o pretend_v for_o their_o excuse_n many_o damnable_a doctrine_n yea_o many_o terrible_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o reform_a 2._o chap._n 2._o yet_o partly_o and_o most_v of_o they_o consist_v in_o such_o slander_n and_o aspersion_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n never_o profess_v but_o rather_o many_o time_n have_v express_o and_o unanimous_o reject_v so_o that_o those_o do_v but_o aggravate_v their_o fault_n before_o god_n and_o man_n who_o restrain_v and_o hinder_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n by_o false_a testimony_n or_o by_o their_o own_o unreasonable_a misconstruction_n of_o strange_a word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o which_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o divert_v if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v way_n to_o a_o peaceable_a conference_n partly_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o controvert_v point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n before_o which_o can_v afford_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o condemn_a and_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o reform_a neither_o for_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o suppose_v we_o do_v err_v in_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o will_v only_o exempt_v we_o from_o all_o heretical_a damnable_a error_n that_o we_o beside_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a fundamental_a doctrine_n do_v not_o make_v any_o way_n our_o own_o particular_a opinion_n to_o be_v a_o by-ground_n as_o the_o lutheran_n nor_o impose_v they_o on_o any_o man_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n except_o so_o far_o as_o he_o acknowledge_v they_o himself_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v thereunto_o not_o by_o our_o word_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o also_o congregation_n whether_o the_o lutheran_n may_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n have_v communion_n &_o fellowship_n with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o reform_a congregation_n although_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n as_o long_o as_o they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o because_o of_o their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n yet_o they_o can_v pretend_v any_o reasonable_a cause_n why_o they_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o it_o in_o regard_v no_o man_n on_o our_o side_n be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v somewhat_o against_o his_o conscience_n if_o he_o but_o stand_v firm_a to_o the_o universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o labour_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 21.26_o to_o which_o end_n also_o some_o few_o year_n ago_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o a_o public_a synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n at_o charenton_n 1631._o anno_fw-la 1631._o that_o the_o lutheran_n desire_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o it_o if_o they_o do_v but_o otherwise_o behave_v themselves_o peaceable_o and_o without_o scandal_n for_o those_o lutheran_n who_o refuse_v not_o to_o take_v the_o holy_a communion_n with_o we_o do_v even_o testify_v thereby_o that_o they_o condemn_v not_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o although_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o real_a and_o corporal_a presence_n and_o oral_a manducation_n of_o christ_n body_n yet_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o as_o necessay_v article_n of_o faith_n but_o receive_v we_o also_o in_o our_o opinion_n as_o fellow-member_n and_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v general_o all_o thus_o mind_v the_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n be_v soon_o conclude_v and_o the_o way_n prepare_v to_o a_o total_a unity_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o shall_v not_o have_v any_o further_a cause_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o communion_n and_o other_o godly_a exercise_n but_o will_v be_v ready_a for_o peace_n and_o unity_n sake_n to_o tolerate_v the_o other_o defect_n and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o walk_v with_o they_o as_o brethren_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v phil._n 3._o v._n 15_o 16._o till_o god_n may_v reveal_v unto_o we_o on_o both_o side_n even_o what_o be_v remain_v 11._o chap._n 11._o wherein_o we_o disagree_v but_o those_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n condescend_v unto_o this_o shall_v not_o with_o all_o their_o sophistry_n and_o art_n wind_v themselves_o out_o from_o bear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o long_o continue_v most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v hereafter_o ensue_v thereupon_o lutheran_n cause_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o lutheran_n now_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n that_o same_o declare_v and_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n in_o all_o place_n where_o both_o a_o general_a and_o particular_a reformation_n be_v settle_v for_o where_o the_o whole_a congregation_n acknowledge_v with_o one_o consent_n the_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o lutheran_n doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o different_a and_o controvert_v point_n there_o no_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o its_o unanimous_a and_o general_a reformation_n wherein_o it_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v though_o some_o few_o private_a man_n dissent_v from_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o have_v rather_o adhere_v to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o way_n restrain_v but_o where_o the_o congregation_n in_o any_o city_n or_o province_n disagree_v so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n but_o adhere_v so_o close_o to_o their_o lutheran_n opinion_n concern_v oral_a manducation_n and_o omni-presence_n of_o christ_n body_n exorcism_n image_n hosty_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n that_o they_o therefore_o condemn_v as_o heretic_n the_o other_o party_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o they_o there_o these_o since_o they_o of_o necessity_n must_v separate_a themselves_o from_o their_o condemner_n be_v force_v also_o to_o a_o particular_a reformation_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o for_o their_o part_n may_v discharge_v it_o towards_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n especial_o when_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n after_o the_o example_n of_o king_n asae_n josaphat_n hiskia_n josia_n chief_o depend_v upon_o give_v assent_n to_o the_o true-beleeving_a party_n wherein_o neither_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o any_o temporal_a constitution_n or_o ordinance_n of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o posterity_n nor_o can_v tie_v they_o to_o any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v undeniable_a among_o christian_n on_o all_o side_n who_o do_v not_o ground_n or_o build_v their_o religion_n upon_o temporal_a ordinance_n like_o the_o heathen_a and_o mahumetan_n but_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o such_o reformation_n most_o common_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o great_o offend_v the_o err_a party_n yet_o a_o more_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o scandalize_a first_o their_o own_o conscience_n than_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o true-beleever_n and_o last_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o err_a lest_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v in_o their_o error_n then_o of_o offend_v and_o scandalize_a the_o affection_n of_o the_o err_a whereby_o other_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o zeal_n to_o their_o error_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n which_o zeal_n nevertheless_o i_o hope_v shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o with_o the_o lutheran_n that_o they_o against_o their_o legal_a magistrate_n who_o have_v give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o religion_n without_o any_o impediment_n shall_v
therefore_o tumultuous_o rise_v when_o they_o maintain_v and_o use_v the_o like_a liberty_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o confession_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o confessor_n have_v hitherto_o not_o as_o yet_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v never_o do_v it_o to_o absolve_v and_o discharge_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n towards_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o popish_a see_v and_o supremacy_n as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o the_o example_n in_o france_n and_o england_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v think_v in_o itself_o a_o unheard_a of_o injustice_n if_o subject_n shall_v not_o suffer_v their_o magistrate_n to_o have_v as_o much_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n as_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v under_o their_o protection_n nevertheless_o if_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v but_o so_o much_o obtain_v of_o the_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o congregation_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o may_v not_o calumniate_v or_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n but_o receive_v we_o also_o as_o fellow-brethren_n and_o christian_n in_o our_o faith_n and_o confession_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o their_o assembly_n i_o willing_o then_o confess_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o rash_o undertake_v such_o a_o particular_a reformation_n in_o ceremony_n whereby_o a_o division_n may_v be_v occasion_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v such_o defect_n because_o of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o do_v little_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v the_o discrepancy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o at_o the_o alteration_n of_o ceremony_n present_o imagine_v a_o quite_o new_a religion_n whereas_o they_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o find_a information_n of_o doctrine_n till_o they_o at_o length_n without_o offence_n and_o division_n either_o may_v be_v correct_v with_o a_o unanimous_a goodly_a consent_n or_o each_o one_o enjoy_v his_o own_o liberty_n therein_o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o conduce_v also_o what_o augustine_n say_v of_o such_o like_a alteration_n ep._n 118._o ipsa_fw-la mutatio_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la etiam_fw-la quae_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la utilitate_fw-la novitate_fw-la perturbat_fw-la that_o many_o time_n the_o alteration_n do_v not_o profit_n and_o edify_v as_o much_o as_o the_o division_n do_v hurt_v and_o destroy_v chap._n xii_o whether_o or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o person_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o all_o this_o what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v declare_v of_o judge_v the_o matter_n itself_o in_o different_a and_o controvert_v doctrine_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o separation_n and_o reformation_n which_o arise_v from_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o now_o understand_v whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o person_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o must_v discern_v the_o matter_n what_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a or_o false_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n so_o far_o we_o can_v and_o must_v also_o extend_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o person_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o of_o they_o teach_v true_a or_o false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v who_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v lest_o they_o become_v not_o to_o we_o or_o other_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v see_v that_o that_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o this_o judge_n of_o the_o person_n who_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n yet_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o instant_o to_o condemn_v the_o err_a person_n because_o of_o their_o error_n though_o it_o be_v damnable_a in_o itself_o but_o rather_o always_o hope_v for_o their_o amendment_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o first_o those_o that_o maintain_v ignorant_o such_o a_o error_n which_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o stand_v steadfast_o to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o and_o build_v not_o their_o salvation_n even_o upon_o such_o a_o error_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o and_o our_o church_n which_o maintain_v the_o very_a same_o ground_n those_o i_o say_v no_o doubt_n notwithstanding_o their_o error_n they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o do_v but_o labour_v to_o testify_v also_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n and_o that_o such_o a_o error_n which_o will_v be_v damnable_a unto_o we_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o against_o conscience_n yet_o be_v not_o damnable_a to_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o work_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o ignorance_n second_o those_o also_o which_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n as_o those_o false_a apostle_n gal._n 1._o and_o 3._o and_o 4._o but_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o mere_a ignorance_n either_o because_o they_o be_v not_o true_o inform_v of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n or_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n those_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v although_o they_o condemn_v we_o with_o indiscretion_n but_o rather_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o presume_v not_o without_o reason_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v three_o those_o likewise_o who_o ground_n and_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o erroneous_a and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o in_o some_o manner_n all_o those_o be_v enforce_v to_o do_v who_o account_v they_o for_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o indeed_o sufficient_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o mere_o out_o of_o infirmity_n but_o out_o of_o a_o uncharitableness_n and_o malice_n and_o also_o retain_v not_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n those_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o man_n who_o pass_v their_o life_n in_o notorious_a sin_n and_o vice_n without_o true_a repentance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v condemn_v they_o of_o right_a in_o their_o blindness_n and_o malice_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o condemn_v they_o unless_o they_o repent_v final_o we_o may_v proceed_v also_o with_o they_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n reject_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n matth._n 18._o v._n 17._o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o utter_o to_o condemn_v they_o but_o rather_o still_o pray_v for_o they_o hope_v god_n may_v convert_v they_o yet_o before_o their_o last_o gasp_n for_o although_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 5._o vers_n 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v yet_o he_o say_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o sinner_n much_o less_o condemn_v he_o unto_o death_n we_o be_v not_o able_a exact_o to_o know_v nor_o aught_o to_o judge_v whether_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n viz._n the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o in_o other_o sin_n be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o harden_a and_o a_o obdurate_a unbeleef_n and_o impenitency_n with_o one_o word_n we_o must_v absolute_o resign_v and_o commit_v the_o judgement_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v jam._n 4._o v._n 12._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v rom._n 14._o v._n 4._o which_o we_o now_o may_v easy_o apply_v to_o our_o often-mentioned_n twofold_a adversary_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v condemn_v all_o roman-catholic_n much_o less_o all_o lutheran_n in_o general_a or_o even_o one_o single_a and_o particular_a man_n for_o first_o concern_v the_o papist_n religion_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n like_v as_o a_o twofold_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v maintain_v among_o they_o viz._n partly_o the_o true_a primitive_a catholic_n apostolic_a doctrine_n wherein_o they_o with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o they_o do_v agree_v partly_o the_o new_a popish_a