christian_n who_o contend_v with_o the_o believe_a gentile_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o circumcision_n meat_n and_o day_n never_o that_o we_o find_v quarrel_v with_o they_o for_o not_o enter_v their_o child_n into_o the_o church_n as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o themselves_o be_v receive_v as_o proselyte_n nor_o for_o not_o baptise_v they_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o child_n and_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n ever_o contest_v with_o they_o for_o any_o such_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v forward_o enough_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v to_o object_v against_o they_o all_o which_o still_o render_v it_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n want_v in_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o may_v give_v either_o the_o judaize_v christian_n or_o unbelieve_a jew_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o a_o quarrel_n which_o otherwise_o we_o may_v well_o think_v will_v have_v rise_v among_o they_o but_o leave_v these_o thing_n suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v you_o which_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n yet_o when_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v be_v then_o baptize_v it_o may_v well_o induce_v belief_n that_o they_o then_o be_v and_o now_o may_v we_o do_v not_o find_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o any_o of_o six_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v baptize_v nor_o of_o some_o other_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n plant_v but_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v baptize_v for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o one_o universal_a church_n that_o have_v one_o baptism_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o the_o solemn_a incorporation_n and_o initiation_n of_o all_o its_o member_n of_o all_o that_o be_v qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n we_o do_v not_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n baptize_v the_o proselyte_n both_o father_n and_o child_n when_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v otherwise_o satisfy_v that_o they_o do_v so_o that_o you_o see_v it_o can_v be_v no_o good_a argument_n that_o infant_n be_v not_o baptize_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o we_o have_v no_o record_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o if_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v good_a it_o will_v oppose_v and_o run_v down_o your_o own_o practice_n as_o much_o and_o more_o than_o infant_n baptism_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o give_v the_o least_o hint_n that_o any_o be_v baptize_v at_o age_n who_o parent_n be_v christian_a at_o their_o birth_n so_o that_o either_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n be_v record_v in_o the_o record_v of_o the_o baptism_n of_o household_n or_o else_o the_o baptism_n of_o none_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n but_o of_o such_o who_o immediate_o before_o their_o be_v baptize_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o what_o be_v do_v after_o christ_n resurrection_n this_o argument_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o know_v have_v take_v much_o with_o people_n of_o weak_a mind_n who_o can_v see_v a_o far_o off_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n and_o have_v furnish_v your_o congregation_n with_o proselyte_n to_o your_o way_n but_o do_v indeed_o wound_v your_o cause_n and_o gratifi_v none_o but_o socinian_o in_o their_o opinion_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n from_o another_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v slight_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o author_n of_o good_a credit_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n who_o live_v in_o time_n not_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o age_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n or_o one_o of_o they_o live_v do_v assert_v infant_n baptism_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n from_o their_o time_n downward_o as_o many_o book_n before_o you_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v and_o that_o which_o yet_o add_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v never_o contradict_v in_o this_o their_o report_n and_o testimony_n by_o any_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n with_o they_o or_o near_o to_o it_o no_o not_o by_o tertullian_n himself_o though_o otherwise_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o opinion_n of_o all_o sin_n past_o be_v wash_v away_o by_o baptism_n he_o will_v have_v have_v it_o defer_v except_o in_o case_n of_o danger_n of_o death_n in_o infant_n not_o only_o till_o person_n be_v past_a childhood_n but_o till_o after_o marriage_n and_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n be_v over_o if_o not_o till_o old_a age_n or_o towards_o the_o time_n of_o death_n neither_o can_v ever_o any_o advocate_n of_o your_o cause_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v give_v any_o account_n short_a of_o the_o apostle_n time_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o infant_n baptism_n but_o not_o example_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v or_o do_v depend_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n from_o scripture_n why_o some_o infant_n may_v be_v baptize_v i_o reckon_v be_v more_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o fact_n and_o these_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o already_o and_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o allow_v the_o visible_a church-membership_a of_o some_o infant_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n such_o as_o be_v god_n choose_v they_o to_o it_o sanctify_v and_o set_v they_o apart_o for_o it_o and_o call_v they_o to_o it_o that_o god_n gift_n in_o grant_v this_o privilege_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o his_o call_v they_o to_o it_o be_v without_o repentance_n and_o unrepealed_a that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o qualify_v for_o the_o church_n initiate_a ordinance_n now_o as_o ever_o heretofore_o and_o as_o capable_a of_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v own_v their_o special_a relation_n to_o he_o by_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o name_n that_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n all_o which_o together_o plain_o show_v they_o to_o be_v qualify_v for_o baptism_n according_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o christ_n commission_n and_o if_o there_o be_v substance_n in_o these_o reason_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v then_o infant_n baptism_n be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o nullity_n and_o whatever_o i_o have_v say_v heretofore_o in_o time_n long_o since_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o these_o reason_n i_o hereby_o revoke_v and_o do_v think_v i_o have_v give_v you_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o my_o so_o do_v and_o for_o every_o one_o of_o you_o to_o do_v so_o likewise_o consider_v then_o what_o lie_v in_o your_o way_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o or_o to_o give_v other_o any_o tolerable_a account_n that_o you_o can_v satisfy_v yourselves_o that_o infant_n baptism_n be_v a_o nullity_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a for_o you_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v when_o yet_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n do_v agree_v with_o you_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o it_o and_o hold_v themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v by_o it_o as_o you_o do_v by_o you_o and_o the_o sincere_a of_o they_o do_v as_o well_o and_o as_o much_o perform_v their_o obligation_n as_o those_o among_o you_o do_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v they_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o infant_n baptism_n be_v indeed_o no_o nullity_n then_o so_o many_o of_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o odious_a sin_n of_o schism_n who_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o
imprimatur_fw-la 18_o march_n 1675_o 6._o rmo_z d_o no_o arch_n po_o cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la geo._n hooper_n a_o serious_a and_o friendly_a address_n to_o the_o nonconformist_n begin_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n or_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o persuasive_a to_o peace_n and_o unity_n by_o w._n a._n luke_n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st_n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxvi_o the_o preface_n the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a address_n be_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o reunite_v of_o a_o divide_a church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n earnest_o and_o with_o reiterated_a petition_n pray_v for_o to_o his_o father_n and_o which_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o do_v with_o the_o most_o pathetical_a expression_n they_o can_v well_o take_v unto_o themselves_o persuade_v the_o christian_n to_o maintain_v by_o which_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o the_o success_n of_o christ_n design_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o gospel_n do_v very_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o union_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o division_n siding_n faction_n and_o disaffection_n in_o the_o church_n and_o separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o from_o another_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o design_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n where_o these_o take_v place_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n in_o great_a part_n which_o he_o intend_v they_o in_o recommend_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o they_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o of_o the_o mind_n spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v most_o tender_a lest_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o most_o careful_a to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o repair_v breach_n when_o make_v but_o contrariwise_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o venturous_a in_o make_v breach_n upon_o pretence_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v a_o impartial_a trial_n and_o least_o careful_a to_o close_v up_o those_o which_o be_v make_v be_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o be_v so_o devoid_a of_o a_o christ-like_a frame_n of_o mind_n and_o temper_n of_o spirit_n all_o which_o look_v most_o unpleasant_o upon_o so_o many_o as_o will_v not_o do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v to_o prevent_v the_o far_a growth_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o church_n wound_n already_o make_v by_o it_o consider_v all_o which_o and_o the_o deplorable_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n by_o reason_n of_o schism_n and_o what_o man_n suffer_v and_o be_v like_a to_o suffer_v thereby_o in_o their_o religious_a interest_n i_o can_v imagine_v wherein_o or_o by_o what_o good_a man_n can_v better_o approve_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n and_o more_o answer_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n nor_o better_o serve_v their_o generation_n than_o by_o endeavour_v hearty_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v to_o promote_v the_o reunite_v of_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o if_o by_o endeavour_n of_o this_o nature_n any_o think_v i_o have_v act_v more_o than_o come_v to_o my_o share_n in_o this_o address_n or_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o affection_n to_o so_o good_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n which_o will_v easy_o obtain_v pardon_n from_o those_o that_o be_v for_o peace_n i_o can_v say_v but_o that_o many_o attempt_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v make_v by_o other_o and_o endeavour_n use_v to_o this_o end_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o little_o come_v of_o it_o be_v because_o those_o who_o be_v the_o aggressor_n or_o many_o of_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o the_o centre_n of_o union_n and_o standard_n of_o communion_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o a_o union_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v upon_o such_o term_n or_o to_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o our_o breach_n shall_v lie_v open_a till_o it_o can_v be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v for_o when_o will_v all_o presbyterian_o think_v you_o be_v persuade_v to_o turn_v anabaptist_n or_o independent_o or_o independent_o to_o turn_v anabaptist_n or_o anabaptist_n to_o turn_v independent_o or_o both_o to_o turn_v presbyterian_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v when_o will_v those_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n fall_n in_o with_o they_o so_o that_o there_o seem_v a_o necessity_n of_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o for_o all_o the_o subdivide_v part_n of_o the_o aggressor_n to_o reunite_a themselves_o again_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o undue_o rend_v themselves_o or_o else_o to_o perpetuate_v our_o various_a schism_n until_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o thereby_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o common_a adversary_n and_o whoever_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n to_o put_v thing_n on_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o run_v that_o hazard_n rather_o than_o to_o come_v to_o such_o term_n of_o accommodation_n as_o be_v not_o sinful_a though_o otherwise_o not_o altogether_o such_o as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v certain_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v person_n of_o but_o private_a selfish_a spirit_n regard_v more_o their_o own_o personal_a satisfaction_n and_o private_a conveniency_n than_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a a_o temper_n very_o unworthy_a a_o christian_n and_o far_o from_o a_o lay_n down_o the_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n who_o be_v for_o yield_v to_o her_o competitrix_n rather_o than_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v divide_v beside_o by_o continue_v a_o schism_n upon_o such_o term_n which_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o any_o sufficient_a or_o just_a cause_n they_o make_v themselves_o accountable_a for_o all_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o it_o since_o than_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o the_o aggressor_n in_o their_o subdivision_n will_v ever_o settle_v or_o unite_v upon_o any_o one_o of_o their_o narrow_a foundation_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v much_o more_o become_v they_o as_o christian_n for_o they_o all_o to_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n rather_o than_o to_o perpetuate_v such_o a_o complex_fw-la schism_n as_o we_o see_v have_v cast_v both_o church_n and_o nation_n into_o a_o convulsion_n and_o threaten_v its_o final_a ruin_n do_v you_o or_o can_v you_o think_v that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n after_o all_o trial_n make_v any_o man_n upon_o earth_n better_a christian_n than_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o who_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o her_o communion_n i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a intelligent_a person_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v there_o be_v and_o if_o not_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n then_o if_o nothing_o but_o the_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n be_v your_o design_n why_o rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o schism_n that_o will_v not_o satisfy_v you_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v so_o successful_a for_o the_o effect_v this_o end_n in_o so_o many_o other_o worthy_a person_n as_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o example_n of_o holy_a live_n worthy_a our_o imitation_n why_o the_o matter_n as_o i_o apprehend_v it_o stand_v thus_o those_o who_o mind_n have_v be_v influence_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o different_a principle_n of_o the_o old_a non_fw-fr conformist_n brownist_n and_o anabaptist_n before_o our_o late_a unhappy_a civil_a war_n break_v out_o take_v the_o opportunity_n which_o it_o give_v they_o to_o begin_v a_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o they_o notion_v it_o to_o be_v and_o although_o they_o all_o still_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o in_o those_o doctrine_n wherein_o it_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n also_o yet_o they_o all_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o her_o order_n and_o government_n but_o when_o they_o have_v do_v so_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n but_o therein_o sharp_o oppose_v one_o another_o so_o that_o this_o so_o call_v reformation_n produce_v more_o division_n and_o
he_o to_o worse_a than_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n offend_v exact_o agree_v with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o deny_v the_o emblematical_a use_n here_o of_o the_o little_a child_n which_o our_o saviour_n set_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o cure_v they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o of_o ambition_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o become_v if_o possible_a as_o free_v from_o it_o as_o little_a child_n be_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o first_o that_o except_o they_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o thing_n they_o contend_v about_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o enter_v therein_o ver_fw-la 3._o and_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o way_n for_o they_o or_o any_o other_o to_o interess_n themselves_o so_o far_o in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o be_v make_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v by_o become_v like_o little_a child_n by_o purge_v out_o such_o ill_a habit_n of_o pride_n and_o the_o like_a which_o make_v they_o unlike_a to_o little_a child_n in_o who_o such_o ill_a habit_n have_v not_o take_v place_n for_o say_v he_o who_o so_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 4._o but_o then_o though_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n our_o saviour_n will_v cure_v this_o distemper_n in_o the_o disciple_n by_o this_o emblem_n of_o a_o little_a child_n and_o this_o he_o do_v first_o by_o intimate_v to_o they_o how_o free_a from_o pride_n and_o other_o ill_a habit_n little_a child_n be_v till_o they_o have_v defile_v themselves_o with_o actual_a sin_n and_o second_o by_o let_v they_o know_v how_o very_a dear_a to_o he_o they_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n upon_o their_o not_o have_v actual_o defile_v themselves_o with_o pride_n malice_n or_o opposition_n against_o he_o and_o his_o gospel_n for_o which_o reason_n perhaps_o he_o number_v they_o with_o those_o that_o believe_v indeed_o so_o dear_a as_o that_o he_o take_v what_o be_v do_v for_o or_o against_o they_o as_o do_v for_o or_o against_o himself_o and_o by_o thus_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o such_o little_a child_n as_o that_o be_v which_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o instruct_v they_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o purge_v out_o ill_a habit_n and_o of_o become_v humble_a and_o innocent_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v endear_v themselves_o to_o he_o or_o become_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o be_v great_a therein_o by_o the_o way_n then_o by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v you_o may_v answer_v your_o own_o argument_n why_o you_o can_v think_v it_o probable_a that_o any_o little_a child_n be_v say_v to_o be_v baptize_v when_o it_o be_v say_v such_o and_o such_o be_v baptize_v and_o their_o household_n your_o reason_n you_o know_v be_v because_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o all_o of_o those_o household_n do_v believe_v which_o yet_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v little_a child_n to_o be_v any_o of_o those_o all_o if_o the_o little_a child_n of_o believer_n be_v say_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v believer_n as_o you_o may_v see_v they_o be_v by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o represent_v to_o you_o unless_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v offer_v against_o the_o sense_n argue_v for_o than_o what_o be_v offer_v for_o it_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v touch_v the_o continuance_n of_o little_a child_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o now_o hear_v what_o his_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o first_o sermon_n they_o preach_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n peter_n use_v this_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o those_o jew_n who_o have_v crucify_a christ_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o say_v he_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v act._n 2.38_o 39_o this_o clause_n even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v show_v that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o spiritual_a benefit_n or_o privilege_n be_v not_o make_v to_o abraham_n seed_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o spiritual_a child_n in_o derive_v from_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n or_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o abraham_n and_o so_o and_o upon_o these_o term_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n here_o speak_v to_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o all_o afar_o off_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n upon_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v call_v and_o not_o to_o they_o only_o but_o to_o their_o child_n also_o now_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o little_a child_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n can_v not_o have_v be_v of_o it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o by_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o call_v to_o it_o as_o they_o be_v who_o god_n put_v under_o the_o nurture_n of_o believe_a parent_n or_o tutor_n and_o upon_o those_o term_n the_o gentile_n child_n may_v be_v of_o the_o jewish_a church_n too_o as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o stranger_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n or_o buy_v with_o his_o money_n be_v by_o this_o part_n of_o st._n peter_n sermon_n you_o may_v see_v that_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o promise_n continue_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v both_o of_o parent_n and_o child_n just_a as_o it_o be_v before_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o spiritual_a privilege_n the_o promise_n now_o be_v to_o as_o many_o both_o parent_n and_o child_n as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o before_o the_o apostle_n word_n here_o run_v but_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o old_a and_o according_a to_o what_o be_v enjoy_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n both_o by_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n and_o their_o child_n the_o proselyte_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n upon_o their_o be_v call_v be_v of_o old_a graft_v into_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v that_o be_v they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n as_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n be_v thus_o the_o proselyte_n be_v then_o and_o the_o believe_a gentile_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o more_o they_o be_v but_o graft_v into_o the_o same_o stock_n or_o olive_n tree_n i._n e._n into_o the_o same_o church_n rom._n 11.17_o i_o say_v into_o the_o same_o church_n for_o that_o continue_v still_o though_o not_o all_o the_o same_o law_n and_o be_v constitute_v of_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n as_o before_o it_o have_v be_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o will_v call_v you_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o when_o st._n paul_n in_o rom._n 11.20_o speak_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n say_v because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o it_o do_v appear_v thereby_o there_o be_v no_o discontinuance_n of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o change_n make_v by_o the_o gospel_n upon_o its_o first_o entrance_n this_o be_v employ_v when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v break_v off_o for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n the_o same_o church_n from_o which_o they_o be_v break_v off_o of_o which_o they_o be_v branch_n or_o member_n until_o they_o be_v break_v off_o but_o then_o the_o church_n itself_o remain_v still_o in_o be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o as_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o and_o after_o also_o into_o which_o other_o be_v graft_v the_o case_n be_v plain_o this_o before_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o jew_n general_o both_o better_a and_o worse_o profess_v a_o belief_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o send_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v of_o abraham_n seed_n in_o which_o seed_n all_o nation_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v by_o profession_n of_o which_o faith_n or_o this_o and_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n otherwise_o they_o be_v all_o external_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o spiritual_a seed_n they_o be_v the_o
church_n of_o god_n when_o the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v come_v and_o the_o promise_n thereby_o fulfil_v and_o a_o new_a revelation_n make_v touch_v his_o be_v come_v and_o that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v he_o some_o of_o they_o believe_v this_o and_o so_o keep_v their_o stand_n in_o the_o church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o that_o belief_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n as_o they_o be_v before_o by_o their_o former_a faith_n whereas_o the_o other_o jew_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o but_o oppose_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o those_o that_o do_v cease_v thereby_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o nominal_o or_o by_o profession_n the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o become_v break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n be_v now_o his_o seed_n but_o after_o the_o flesh_n only_o this_o which_o be_v indeed_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v pointblank_o against_o your_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o assertion_n on_o which_o you_o much_o build_v touch_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v jewish_n when_o the_o church_n as_o christian_n do_v commence_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n do_v not_o make_v a_o new_a church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o be_v before_o have_v thereby_o a_o new_a illumination_n and_o their_o faith_n change_v into_o a_o belief_n that_o that_o now_o be_v do_v which_o they_o believe_v before_o will_v be_v do_v the_o church_n consider_v as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o the_o world_n be_v resemble_v by_o one_o stand_a olive-tree_n that_o have_v some_o branch_n break_v off_o and_o other_o graft_v in_o and_o as_o the_o same_o church_n continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v exist_v or_o be_v in_o be_v before_o so_o the_o very_a same_o church-member_n keep_v their_o place_n and_o stand_v in_o it_o which_o be_v of_o it_o before_o except_o such_o as_o be_v break_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o little_a child_n which_o be_v of_o the_o church_n immediate_o before_o their_o parent_n become_v christian_a do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o by_o their_o parent_n become_v such_o nor_o by_o any_o alteration_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v for_o if_o those_o who_o be_v break_v off_o be_v break_v off_o by_o unbelief_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n express_v assertion_n then_o unless_o those_o little_a child_n i_o speak_v of_o be_v guilty_a of_o unbelief_n in_o themselves_o or_o have_v it_o impute_v to_o they_o from_o their_o parent_n they_o can_v not_o be_v break_v off_o but_o still_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o guilty_a of_o unbelief_n by_o imputation_n of_o it_o from_o their_o parent_n they_o can_v not_o be_v for_o they_o be_v believer_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v any_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o by_o any_o act_n or_o omission_n of_o their_o own_o than_o they_o be_v while_n as_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n before_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o dischurch_a of_o those_o who_o be_v dischurch_v not_o be_v find_v in_o those_o little_a child_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v dischurch_v by_o any_o alteration_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v you_o may_v further_o observe_v how_o that_o such_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o holy_a writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o do_v denote_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n to_o be_v holy_a to_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n now_o as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v in_o old_a testament_n time_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o hebrew_n christian_n and_o their_o seed_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v first_o constitute_v as_o the_o first-fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v as_o the_o root_n or_o stock_n into_o which_o the_o believe_a gentile_n in_o part_n be_v already_o and_o be_v further_a to_o be_v graft_v he_o say_v thus_o in_o rom._n 11.16_o if_o the_o first-fruit_n be_v holy_a the_o lump_n be_v also_o holy_a and_o if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n in_o old_a testament_n time_n if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a if_o the_o parent_n abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n be_v holy_a the_o branch_n their_o little_a child_n be_v holy_a also_o as_o come_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n with_o their_o parent_n and_o we_o here_o see_v the_o apostle_n assert_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v now_o and_o to_o take_v place_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n he_o do_v not_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o time_n past_a if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n but_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o time_n present_a if_o the_o root_n be_v holy_a so_o be_v the_o branch_n and_o as_o here_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o hebrew_n believer_n so_o elsewhere_o he_o assert_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n when_o he_o say_v the_o unbelieving_a husband_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o unbelieving_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o husband_n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o if_o we_o shall_v read_v this_o text_n according_a to_o your_o interpretation_n of_o it_o thus_o else_o be_v your_o child_n bastard_n but_o now_o they_o be_v legitimate_a we_o shall_v impose_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o will_v represent_v he_o as_o speak_v untrue_o for_o certain_o the_o child_n of_o heathen_a parent_n bear_v in_o lawful_a wedlock_n be_v no_o bastard_n although_o the_o parent_n be_v neither_o of_o they_o believer_n nor_o neither_o of_o they_o sanctify_v by_o faith_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o other_o whereas_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n here_o speak_v of_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n if_o one_o of_o they_o have_v not_o be_v sanctify_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o other_o their_o child_n will_v have_v be_v unclean_a and_o yet_o not_o bastard_n neither_o provide_v the_o parent_n be_v lawful_o marry_v before_o either_o of_o they_o believe_v if_o then_o your_o interpretation_n be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o you_o see_v for_o what_o reason_n it_o can_v then_o what_o can_v so_o reasonable_o be_v assign_v for_o it_o and_o so_o agreeable_o to_o the_o current_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o those_o child_n be_v separate_v together_o with_o their_o parent_n from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n from_o idol_n to_o god_n from_o be_v without_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n choose_v and_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o become_v relative_o holy_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v let_v we_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o little_a child_n together_o with_o their_o father_n be_v express_o call_v disciple_n act_n 15.10_o where_o it_o be_v say_v why_o tempt_v you_o god_n to_o put_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v a_o put_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v the_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o proselyte_v the_o believe_a gentile_n with_o their_o child_n by_o circumcision_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n ver_fw-la 1._o now_o the_o manner_n of_o initiate_a proselyte_n of_o the_o gentile_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v to_o circumcise_v the_o father_n and_o his_o male_a child_n too_o if_o he_o have_v any_o exod._n 12._o and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o the_o believe_a father_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v those_o disciple_n upon_o who_o neck_n this_o yoke_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v put_v this_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o text_n in_o all_o probability_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a put_v off_o and_o weak_a evasion_n to_o escape_v the_o force_n of_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o this_o text_n to_o the_o discipleship_n of_o some_o infant_n for_o you_o to_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n only_o of_o the_o false_a teacher_n impose_v upon_o the_o parent_n and_o other_o grow_v person_n who_o only_o and_o not_o their_o infant_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o that_o be_v the_o yoke_n the_o only_a yoke_n that_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n here_o and_o that_o therefore_o they_o only_o must_v be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o disciple_n upon_o who_o neck_n the_o yoke_n be_v
endeavour_v to_o be_v put_v for_o this_o doctrine_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v no_o further_o a_o yoke_n or_o burden_n than_o as_o it_o refer_v to_o the_o thing_n thereby_o urge_v to_o be_v practise_v the_o yoke_n or_o burden_n which_o st._n peter_n a_o jew_n here_o say_v neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v be_v the_o pain_n they_o undergo_v in_o be_v circumcise_a and_o the_o costly_a sacrifice_n and_o other_o external_a burdensome_a observance_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o real_o or_o circumcision_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o yoke_n or_o burden_n which_o the_o false_a teacher_n will_v now_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o believe_a gentile_n and_o their_o child_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n also_o call_v the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n wherewith_o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o believer_n entangle_v again_o gal._n 5.1_o which_o do_v not_o consist_v only_o in_o doctrine_n for_o he_o present_o by_o a_o instance_n show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v say_v ver_fw-la 2._o behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a he_o have_v do_v before_o chap._n 4.9_o how_o turn_v you_o again_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n whereunto_o you_o desire_v again_o to_o be_v in_o bondage_n instance_v wherein_o in_o the_o next_o word_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n this_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n than_o we_o see_v do_v consist_v in_o more_o than_o mere_o doctrine_n the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o neck_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v bear_v the_o yoke_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o it_o as_o the_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v they_o be_v and_o such_o be_v child_n of_o eight_o day_n old_a who_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o have_v be_v bring_v under_o that_o yoke_n have_v the_o false_a teacher_n prevail_v to_o restrain_v then_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n yoke_n to_o doctrine_n only_o when_o as_o the_o thing_n urge_v by_o that_o doctrine_n be_v the_o yoke_n which_o the_o child_n be_v as_o much_o to_o bear_v as_o their_o parent_n be_v as_o i_o say_v but_o a_o weak_a evasion_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o adult_a person_n be_v primary_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o disciple_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o they_o only_o be_v so_o with_o exclusion_n of_o little_a child_n be_v that_o which_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o false_a teacher_n do_v no_o less_o impose_v the_o burden_n of_o circumcision_n upon_o the_o child_n than_o upon_o the_o parent_n though_o it_o be_v true_a they_o begin_v with_o the_o adult_n and_o the_o dispute_n lie_v between_o the_o adult_n and_o they_o for_o they_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o child_n but_o by_o procure_v the_o parent_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o imposition_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o child_n in_o that_o infant_n be_v not_o in_o a_o immediate_a and_o the_o most_o proper_a capacity_n to_o learn_v of_o christ_n make_v you_o think_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o call_v they_o disciple_n but_o that_o need_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a to_o you_o when_o you_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o need_v not_o here_o repeat_v how_o that_o little_a child_n in_o scripture_n account_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v or_o to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o in_o a_o religious_a respect_n when_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o first_o put_v into_o a_o way_n or_o but_o bring_v near_o a_o proper_a capacity_n of_o be_v or_o do_v it_o when_o they_o be_v but_o place_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v issue_v there_o and_o which_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o man_n that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o how_o else_o shall_v little_a child_n be_v style_v believer_n and_o be_v say_v to_o do_v several_a other_o thing_n every_o whit_n as_o remote_a from_o their_o capacity_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n as_o their_o learning_n of_o christ_n be_v i_o can_v show_v i_o think_v by_o many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v or_o to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v but_o visible_a in_o their_o foundation_n or_o cause_n thus_o to_o give_v you_o one_o instance_n our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o family_n of_o zacheus_n this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o this_o house_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o also_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n lu._n 19.9_o the_o name_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a cause_n salvation_n be_v say_v then_o to_o be_v come_v to_o the_o family_n of_o zacheus_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v become_v a_o son_n of_o abraham_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o bring_v his_o household_n to_o be_v so_o too_o beside_o in_o scripture_n account_n as_o be_v the_o parent_n so_o be_v their_o little_a child_n repute_v to_o be_v if_o the_o parent_n be_v count_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n so_o be_v their_o offspring_n with_o they_o isa_n 65.23_o psal_n 37.26_o if_o they_o be_v call_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n into_o a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o special_a or_o peculiar_a people_n or_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n which_o be_v but_o another_o name_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n isa_n 8.16_o so_o be_v and_o be_v their_o child_n with_o they_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n they_o be_v account_v to_o do_v that_o in_o their_o somewhat_o remote_a religious_a progenitor_n much_o more_o in_o their_o immediate_a parent_n which_o they_o do_v and_o thus_o levi_n pay_v tithe_n in_o abraham_n heb._n 7.9_o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v whoso_o shall_v receive_v one_o of_o those_o little_a child_n he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o name_n will_v receive_v himself_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o in_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v receive_v such_o child_n as_o special_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o disciple_n be_v and_o to_o receive_v they_o in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o his_o disciple_n seem_v to_o be_v two_o word_n signify_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v mark_v 9.41_o with_o mat._n 10.42_o where_o both_o express_a the_o same_o thing_n in_o different_a phrase_n that_o which_o one_o call_v a_o give_v to_o one_o a_o cup_n of_o water_n in_o christ_n name_n because_o he_o belong_v to_o christ_n the_o other_o call_v a_o give_v it_o to_o one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n and_o to_o receive_v little_a child_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o way_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o his_o name_n which_o be_v his_o family_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o his_o school_n as_o design_v by_o he_o there_o to_o learn_v his_o doctrine_n which_o may_v well_o give_v they_o the_o denomination_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o account_n which_o i_o have_v now_o give_v why_o little_a child_n be_v call_v disciple_n may_v serve_v as_o reason_n also_o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v now_o hear_v what_o doctrine_n our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v teach_v concern_v the_o little_a child_n of_o believe_a parent_n and_o in_o what_o visible_a state_n they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o church_n i_o think_v you_o will_v find_v little_a room_n leave_v for_o you_o so_o much_o as_o but_o once_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o take_v place_n put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o visible_a church-membership_a of_o infant_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o what_o capacity_n such_o infant_n stand_v in_o reference_n to_o baptism_n and_o can_v any_o man_n that_o do_v consider_v they_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v if_o such_o infant_n be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o much_o abraham_n spiritual_a seed_n as_o ever_o infant_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n church_n be_v than_o they_o can_v be_v no_o more_o uncapable_a than_o they_o be_v of_o a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o initiation_n for_o the_o time_n be_v as_o baptism_n be_v now_o as_o circumcision_n be_v then_o that_o which_o qualify_v any_o for_o visible_a church-membership_a certain_o qualify_v they_o for_o baptism_n all_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n that_o be_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o and_o such_o infant_n can_v be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o the_o spiritual_a end_n of_o baptism_n now_o than_o they_o be_v of_o the_o spiritual_a end_n of_o circumcision_n then_o
separate_v from_o christian_a congregation_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v otherwise_o baptize_v than_o in_o their_o infancy_n and_o which_o deny_v church_n communion_n with_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a for_o that_o reason_n and_o practice_v upon_o it_o according_o for_o this_o be_v a_o causeless_o and_o unwarrantable_a rent_n and_o breach_n make_v in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o ordinary_a the_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o like_a in_o other_o church_n which_o be_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n as_o that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o be_v but_o a_o proud_a uncharitable_a and_o unpeaceable_a faction_n and_o side_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o high_a as_o to_o separation_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o other_o in_o public_a worship_n and_o church_n communion_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n at_o all_o practise_v then_o by_o any_o christian_n upon_o any_o occasion_n though_o there_o be_v great_a disorder_n among_o they_o but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o st._n judas_n say_v be_v sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o if_o schism_n be_v so_o high_o condemn_v when_o it_o never_o rise_v to_o that_o height_n among_o christian_n as_o to_o deny_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n to_o be_v lawful_a what_o can_v we_o think_v of_o such_o a_o schism_n then_o as_o for_o you_o without_o cause_n to_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n except_o those_o few_o congregation_n which_o have_v be_v rebaptise_v and_o to_o practice_v according_o not_o to_o mention_v your_o censure_v they_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o member_n of_o they_o proper_o a_o christian_n but_o people_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o little_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n which_o never_o proceed_v to_o separation_n be_v think_v of_o such_o ill_a consequence_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o they_o labour_v hardly_o in_o any_o thing_n more_o in_o their_o epistle_n than_o to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v they_o then_o certain_o such_o a_o schism_n as_o you_o can_v in_o reason_v but_o be_v of_o as_o much_o more_o a_o criminal_a nature_n and_o of_o so_o much_o worse_a consequence_n as_o the_o unchurch_a of_o almost_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v worse_a than_o those_o lesser_a division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v notwithstanding_o which_o they_o keep_v on_o foot_n their_o communion_n in_o the_o solemn_a worship_n the_o schism_n which_o consist_v in_o separation_n we_o see_v be_v perpetrate_v by_o none_o then_o but_o those_o vile_a gnostic_n who_o though_o they_o pretend_v to_o more_o knowledge_n and_o perfection_n than_o be_v in_o they_o they_o withdraw_v from_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o opinion_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o they_o and_o their_o separation_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v they_o be_v sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n which_o i_o note_v not_o as_o judge_v you_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a man_n as_o those_o gnostic_n be_v set_v aside_o your_o schism_n but_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a disorder_n that_o be_v in_o those_o church_n and_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o several_a of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n yet_o no_o good_a christian_n then_o ever_o attempt_v to_o erect_v separate_a community_n for_o reformation_n sake_n much_o less_o be_v ever_o encourage_v so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a now_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v such_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o mischievous_a nature_n and_o effect_n of_o schism_n as_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o strenuous_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v or_o supress_v it_o as_o we_o find_v they_o use_v methinks_v this_o shall_v awaken_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o and_o what_o you_o have_v do_v by_o your_o separation_n in_o make_v such_o a_o rent_n as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o what_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o have_v be_v i_o know_v you_o can_v be_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o what_o sad_a effect_n our_o church_n division_n have_v produce_v such_o as_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n and_o papist_n and_o the_o tempt_a of_o those_o to_o become_v such_o which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o discompose_v unsettle_v and_o confound_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o well_o meaning_n and_o well-designing_a but_o injudicious_a people_n to_o the_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o seducer_n who_o have_v make_v their_o advantage_n of_o our_o division_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n study_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o engage_v they_o in_o contentious_a jangle_n and_o uncharitable_a censuring_n and_o revile_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o true_a christian_a charity_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o place_v religion_n much_o in_o opinion_n and_o in_o be_v of_o a_o different_a form_n and_o party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o we_o all_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o break_n in_o of_o popery_n by_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n who_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o by_o weaken_v our_o own_o and_o by_o encourage_v they_o in_o hope_n of_o prevail_v at_o last_o to_o practice_v upon_o we_o and_o by_o all_o their_o art_n to_o improve_v the_o advantage_n we_o have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o our_o division_n and_o distraction_n you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o many_o have_v take_v their_o way_n to_o quakerism_n and_o scepticism_n through_o your_o congregation_n like_o wander_a star_n have_v first_o leave_v the_o parochial_a assembly_n have_v promise_v themselves_o this_o and_z that_o satisfaction_n first_o in_o one_o new_a form_n and_o then_o in_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o at_o last_o quite_o lose_v themselves_o and_o seldom_o return_v and_o if_o upon_o review_n and_o examination_n you_o find_v as_o doubtless_o you_o may_v that_o your_o separation_n which_o with_o the_o separation_n of_o other_o have_v bring_v forth_o such_o bitter_a fruit_n have_v proceed_v on_o mistake_v ground_n and_o be_v undertake_v without_o any_o just_a cause_n what_o work_n then_o will_v here_o be_v for_o repentance_n that_o ever_o you_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o such_o mischief_n as_o those_o beforementioned_a be_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o you_o that_o be_v leader_n to_o sound_v a_o retreat_n to_o your_o follower_n i_o can_v assure_v you_o it_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o no_o small_a humble_v to_o some_o when_o they_o have_v perceive_v the_o bad_a effect_n of_o such_o separation_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v their_o hand_n in_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o bad_a effect_n also_o first_o put_v they_o upon_o such_o a_o serious_a review_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o first_o set_v out_o in_o it_o as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o come_v to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o unsoundness_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o as_o what_o i_o have_v herein_o do_v to_o help_v you_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o your_o mistake_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o real_a service_n to_o you_o so_o i_o ought_v to_o presume_v that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o can_v receive_v thereby_o any_o such_o benefit_n as_o be_v design_v they_o by_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v receive_v conviction_n and_o yet_o for_o their_o reputation_n sake_n among_o their_o party_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o reproach_n of_o inconstancy_n shall_v still_o persist_v in_o their_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o such_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o buy_v the_o truth_n with_o the_o price_n of_o liberty_n estate_n or_o life_n that_o be_v scare_v from_o a_o public_a own_n of_o it_o by_o the_o corrupt_a breath_n of_o such_o injudicious_a and_o heady_a person_n which_o can_v excuse_v they_o by_o answer_v for_o they_o to_o god_n to_o who_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o they_o do_v because_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n of_o their_o own_o party_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n joh._n 12.42_o 43._o and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o can_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o
seek_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o because_o i_o know_v in_o part_n how_o strong_a a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v and_o how_o hard_o to_o be_v overcome_v but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o count_v a_o disparagement_n to_o any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a when_o as_o it_o be_v true_o dishonourable_a for_o any_o to_o carry_v it_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o he_o be_v when_o almost_o all_o know_n and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a true_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o retract_v his_o error_n when_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v what_o place_n be_v leave_v for_o man_n to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n or_o to_o perfect_a that_o which_o be_v lack_v in_o their_o repentance_n which_o be_v not_o do_v without_o a_o change_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v few_o man_n that_o arrive_v at_o any_o great_a wisdom_n but_o have_v find_v occasion_n to_o alter_v their_o opinion_n in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v another_o principle_n of_o separation_n beside_o this_o of_o infant_n baptism_n which_o be_v common_a both_o to_o you_o and_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o though_o you_o differ_v in_o the_o former_a yet_o in_o this_o you_o be_v one_o this_o principle_n of_o separation_n consist_v in_o a_o opinion_n that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v communion_n with_o in_o church-fellowship_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n save_o call_v and_o save_o sanctify_v which_o you_o and_o they_o call_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o discretion_n this_o be_v a_o opinion_n and_o the_o practise_v upon_o it_o a_o thing_n plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a this_o i_o have_v show_v already_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n more_o the_o one_o be_v that_o herein_o you_o and_o they_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n wherein_o you_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v competent_a judge_n he_o that_o judge_v a_o man_n to_o have_v save_v grace_n or_o not_o to_o have_v it_o must_v pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o his_o outward_a action_n only_o and_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n only_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v usurp_v by_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o may_v and_o must_v judge_v the_o best_a of_o man_n with_o a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n to_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o state_n godward_o but_o we_o must_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o judge_v in_o the_o negative_a against_o man_n in_o the_o worse_a sense_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n except_o they_o have_v those_o black_a character_n on_o they_o for_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o exclude_v they_o from_o have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v enumerate_v in_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o we_o may_v judge_v of_o man_n declare_v principle_n and_o action_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reception_n to_o or_o rejection_n or_o at_o least_o suspension_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n godward_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o scandalous_a as_o for_o which_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v that_o man_n to_o have_v no_o grace_n if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o word_n by_o this_o epistle_n note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o the_o reason_n of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v signify_v already_o which_o be_v because_o we_o be_v incompetent_a judge_n in_o this_o at_o least_o unless_o they_o be_v monstrous_o wicked_a person_n the_o part_a difference_n between_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v but_o common_a grace_n be_v so_o little_a and_o to_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n so_o undiscernible_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n that_o have_v who_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o that_o matter_n yea_o and_o of_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o those_o church_n privilege_n which_o according_a to_o your_o own_o tenant_n they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o have_v save_a grace_n and_o thus_o in_o go_v about_o to_o weed_n out_o the_o tare_n you_o will_v root_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o master_n mat._n 13.29_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v mat._n 7.1_o as_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o severe_a in_o judge_v other_o man_n word_n and_o action_n or_o intention_n so_o much_o less_o their_o state_n and_o stand_v before_o god_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 rom._n 14.4_o and_o again_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o jam._n 4.12_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n not_o outward_o but_o inward_o and_o who_o circumcision_n be_v not_o outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o heart_n that_o his_o praise_n or_o approbation_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n decisive_o or_o determinate_o but_o of_o god_n only_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n than_o man_n shall_v not_o attempt_v it_o or_o undertake_v it_o rom._n 2.28_o 29._o that_o be_v one_o thing_n another_o which_o respect_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n chief_o be_v this_o that_o their_o practice_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o principle_n aforesaid_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o refuse_v any_o adult_n person_n communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o universal_a church_n by_o baptism_n but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o be_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n but_o that_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o and_o the_o proselyte_n stranger_n of_o old_a who_o be_v circumcise_a be_v by_o god_n appointment_n admit_v to_o the_o same_o church_n privilege_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v exo._n 12.49_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n though_o they_o baptize_v their_o child_n yet_o refuse_v they_o church_n communion_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v if_o they_o have_v any_o strong_a suspicion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o save_a grace_n although_o they_o never_o come_v under_o church_n censure_n for_o notorious_a scandalous_a offence_n which_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a and_o unscriptural_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o in_o they_o who_o scruple_n some_o thing_n because_o not_o command_v in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v so_o that_o their_o foresay_a principle_n of_o separation_n in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o practice_n of_o baptise_v their_o child_n render_v they_o inconsistent_a in_o their_o way_n and_o their_o way_n contradictious_a in_o itself_o there_o be_v further_a great_a inconvenience_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o attend_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o first_o they_o have_v hereby_o prepare_v a_o way_n to_o anabaptism_n and_o give_v occasion_n for_o many_o to_o take_v their_o way_n to_o that_o throughth_n eir_n congregation_n as_o take_v a_o degree_n towards_o it_o there_o for_o when_o some_o have_v perceive_v the_o interfering_n that_o be_v in_o their_o way_n in_o baptise_v person_n into_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o particular_a church_n nor_o permit_v they_o communion_n with_o they_o therein_o when_o come_v to_o age_n notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o upon_o a_o new_a account_n of_o special_a grace_n they_o have_v be_v thereby_o draw_v to_o think_v the_o
to_o all_o community_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o flourish_a of_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v any_o direction_n or_o command_n in_o particular_a that_o when_o that_o people_n shall_v choose_v they_o a_o king_n that_o he_o shall_v use_v his_o authority_n in_o cause_v both_o priest_n and_o people_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n his_o law_n any_o more_o than_o king_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o particular_a appoint_v and_o require_v to_o see_v that_o the_o christian_n under_o they_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o yet_o when_o hezekiah_n for_o instance_n to_o restore_v religion_n after_o a_o decay_n of_o it_o in_o his_o dominion_n command_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o with_o advice_n of_o the_o prince_n summon_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n to_o come_v and_o keep_v the_o passover_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o conclusion_n it_o be_v say_v thus_o of_o he_o thus_o do_v hezekiah_n throughout_o all_o judah_n and_o wrought_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o good_a and_o true_a before_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o in_o every_o work_n which_o he_o begin_v in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o commandment_n to_o seek_v his_o god_n he_o do_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o prosper_v 2_o chro._n 31.20_o 21._o and_o if_o this_o and_o the_o like_a in_o other_o good_a king_n be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v then_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v displease_v to_o he_o when_o king_n now_o do_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 13.4_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a in_o thing_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a he_o be_v not_o out_o of_o his_o way_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o well_o please_v to_o god_n for_o abraham_n to_o command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o great_a household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n himself_o applaud_v he_o for_o it_o gen._n 18.19_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o he_o for_o king_n to_o command_v their_o subject_n to_o do_v likewise_o it_o be_v no_o small_a blessing_n that_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o say_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n their_o nurse_v mother_n and_o it_o will_v be_v great_a ingratitude_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o they_o use_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o protect_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o in_o make_v provision_n as_o nurse_n father_n for_o their_o spiritual_a nourishment_n isa_n 49._o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o the_o high_a power_n concern_v themselves_o in_o due_a way_n to_o promote_v religion_n in_o their_o dominion_n the_o more_o usual_o it_o flourish_v as_o we_o see_v not_o only_o by_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n but_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v general_o the_o least_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o place_n as_o have_v be_v most_o neglect_v in_o the_o public_a provision_n i_o will_v advise_v those_o among_o you_o who_o be_v most_o tender_a in_o this_o point_n touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o j._n o._n in_o some_o sheet_n entitle_v two_o question_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o one_o about_o tithe_n propose_v and_o resolve_v who_o word_n i_o know_v they_o will_v more_o regard_n than_o another_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v or_o aught_o to_o exert_v his_o power_n legislative_a and_o executive_a for_o the_o supportment_n preservation_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forbid_v coerce_a or_o restrain_v such_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o the_o answer_n to_o which_o be_v manage_v under_o ten_o head_n of_o argument_n the_o affirmative_a say_v he_o of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o question_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o from_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n 3._o from_o god_n institution_n in_o and_o by_o law_n positive_a upon_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n of_o pure_a revelation_n 4._o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o godly_a magistrate_n accept_v with_o god_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o gospel_n time_n 6._o from_o the_o equity_n of_o gospel_n rule_v 7._o from_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o the_o world_n 8._o from_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o in_o particular_a who_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n on_o account_n of_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o principle_n as_o to_o toleration_n and_o forbearance_n 9_o from_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o world_n 10._o from_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n this_o be_v good_a doctrine_n in_o 1659._o and_o if_o upon_o apprehension_n and_o experience_n such_o high_a power_n do_v judge_v that_o all_o the_o christian_a minister_n and_o people_n in_o their_o dominion_n be_v never_o like_a to_o prove_v so_o wise_a and_o sober_a as_o not_o to_o abuse_v a_o absolute_a liberty_n by_o make_v different_a party_n in_o the_o church_n by_o choose_v different_a way_n of_o administration_n and_o if_o to_o prevent_v this_o and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n as_o of_o great_a concernment_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o for_o the_o better_a propagation_n of_o it_o they_o have_v think_v it_o best_a to_o prescribe_v some_o method_n and_o form_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o you_o that_o if_o nothing_o in_o that_o method_n and_o form_n be_v enjoin_v you_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o you_o to_o submit_v to_o than_o which_o be_v most_o eligible_a whether_o to_o separate_v or_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o method_n and_o form_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o in_o your_o apprehension_n be_v so_o useful_a beneficial_a and_o grateful_a to_o you_o as_o a_o liberty_n for_o you_o and_o your_o minister_n will_v be_v to_o use_v what_o way_n you_o like_v best_a if_o you_o say_v to_z separate_z be_v most_o eligible_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v choose_v in_o this_o case_n then_o you_o must_v prove_v that_o which_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o i_o think_v be_v able_a to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o break_v church_n to_o piece_n upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o some_o conveniency_n you_o desire_v and_o inconvenience_n which_o in_o your_o apprehension_n you_o suffer_v when_o otherwise_o you_o may_v lawful_o and_o without_o defile_v yourselves_o with_o sin_n continue_v and_o maintain_v your_o communion_n in_o those_o church_n to_o your_o own_o and_o their_o edification_n with_o who_o you_o be_v unite_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v on_o foot_n between_o the_o judaise_n and_o gentile_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v somewhat_o burden_v their_o communion_n together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n with_o some_o considerable_a inconvenience_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scandalous_a opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o many_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o church_n make_v the_o communion_n which_o those_o have_v with_o they_o who_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n the_o less_o pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n burdensome_a to_o they_o but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o separation_n and_o break_n of_o church_n in_o piece_n upon_o that_o account_n nor_o of_o any_o encouragement_n give_v thereto_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o bring_v this_o business_n down_o from_o above_o let_v we_o try_v it_o a_o little_a in_o your_o own_o court_n suppose_v the_o high_a power_n shall_v not_o have_v concern_v themselves_o in_o prescribe_v any_o common_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o particular_a
fact_n it_o be_v true_a that_o more_o may_v and_o sometime_o be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o usual_o become_v a_o temptation_n to_o more_o or_o less_o to_o run_v into_o schism_n and_o it_o likewise_o furnish_v such_o with_o some_o pretence_n to_o draw_v disciple_n to_o themselves_o who_o be_v ambition_n of_o head_v a_o party_n in_o which_o respect_v it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a prudence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n to_o make_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a the_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o although_o more_o shall_v be_v impose_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o be_v necessary_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o more_o as_o make_v it_o sinful_a to_o hold_v communion_n on_o those_o term_n then_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n who_o separate_v upon_o account_n of_o such_o a_o imposition_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o schism_n be_v without_o sufficient_a cause_n or_o just_a ground_n which_o just_a ground_n be_v when_o one_o can_v do_v otherwise_o than_o separate_v without_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v thing_n may_v be_v ill_o impose_v as_o when_o they_o be_v inadequate_a to_o their_o end_n and_o yet_o well_o observe_v by_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v impose_v as_o when_o not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o when_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o and_o the_o church_n suffer_v less_o in_o point_n of_o inconvenience_n and_o enjoy_v a_o great_a benefit_n in_o preserve_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n than_o can_v be_v obtain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o opposition_n if_o we_o shall_v allow_v a_o liberty_n much_o more_o if_o we_o hold_v it_o a_o duty_n for_o inferior_n under_o government_n to_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o command_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v they_o command_v thing_n inconvenient_a though_o they_o shall_v think_v right_a so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o command_v thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v we_o shall_v soon_o bring_v intolerable_a confusion_n into_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n into_o family_n and_o all_o community_n of_o man_n where_o government_n be_v exercise_v inconvenience_n in_o such_o case_n must_v be_v yield_v to_o rather_o than_o great_a mischief_n draw_v on_o we_o and_o on_o the_o community_n by_o not_o yield_v but_o you_o at_o least_o many_o of_o you_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o infringe_n of_o your_o christian_a liberty_n for_o man_n to_o determine_v and_o impose_v upon_o you_o where_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o impose_v and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o that_o liberty_n shall_v you_o not_o withstand_v such_o imposition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v true_a that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v impose_v by_o man_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v command_v of_o god_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o as_o this_o will_v be_v a_o teach_n for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n so_o a_o yield_n to_o they_o so_o impose_v will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o more_o than_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o betray_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o lord_n unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n and_o a_o make_n to_o ourselves_o other_o master_n than_o christ_n and_o ourselves_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o the_o prohibit_v sense_n and_o all_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n among_o yourselves_o also_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n touch_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n between_o you_o and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o thing_n impose_v at_o which_o you_o most_o stick_v be_v not_o at_o all_o impose_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o only_o upon_o a_o prudential_a account_n be_v thing_n mutable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o alterable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o they_o who_o impose_v they_o and_o be_v so_o declare_v in_o the_o preface_n before_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n so_o that_o your_o conscience_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o to_o take_v the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o any_o other_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v undue_o infringe_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v we_o before_o such_o a_o imposition_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o our_o christian_a liberty_n do_v not_o exempt_v we_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n in_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o out_o of_o such_o circumstance_n may_v be_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o call_v no_o man_n on_o earth_n master_n nor_o to_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n enjoin_v child_n also_o to_o obey_v their_o parent_n servant_n their_o master_n church-member_n their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o governor_n and_o subject_n their_o prince_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o disobey_v god_n in_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o command_n so_o that_o when_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o undetermined_a by_o god_n be_v impose_v by_o our_o governor_n domestic_a politic_a or_o ecclesiastic_a only_o as_o their_o command_n our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v no_o bar_n nor_o plea_n against_o they_o and_o whoever_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v draws_z too_o near_o the_o wicked_a gnostic_n who_o pretend_v exemption_n from_o be_v command_v and_o govern_v by_o man_n by_o their_o be_v christ_n freeman_n against_o which_o abuse_n of_o christian_a liberty_n st._n peter_n caution_v the_o christian_n then_o for_o after_o he_o have_v exhort_v they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.13_o 14._o he_o present_o add_v in_o ver_fw-la 16._o as_o free_a and_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n not_o to_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n to_o cover_v their_o disaffection_n to_o government_n as_o the_o gnostic_n do_v our_o christian_a liberty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o bar_n to_o our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o otherwise_o order_v by_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a accommodation_n to_o we_o in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o they_o without_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o when_o circumstance_n in_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v leave_v so_o much_o undetermined_a by_o god_n as_o they_o be_v we_o be_v at_o the_o great_a liberty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o prudential_a determination_n of_o our_o governor_n either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o what_o god_n have_v determine_v in_o thing_n even_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o our_o governor_n for_o conscience_n sake_n rom._n 13.5_o that_o be_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o command_v our_o obedience_n to_o our_o governor_n but_o not_o out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o they_o as_o if_o by_o any_o inherent_a holiness_n in_o they_o our_o conscience_n be_v engage_v unto_o they_o and_o here_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o superstition_n and_o lawful_a obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o case_n of_o superstition_n the_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v as_o if_o sacred_a though_o but_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lawful_a obedience_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o same_o act_n be_v do_v out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n not_o as_o command_v the_o thing_n but_o as_o command_v my_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n who_o command_v i_o to_o do_v it_o and_o command_v it_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o make_v sacred_a by_o any_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o god_n let_v i_o say_v this_o further_a to_o you_o there_o be_v more_o of_o real_a religion_n and_o true_a christianity_n in_o thus_o obey_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o governor_n out_o of_o conscience_n to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v it_o so_o than_o i_o fear_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o more_o of_o irreligion_n profaneness_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o slight_v god_n express_v command_v in_o this_o while_o we_o seem_v so_o very_o fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a to_o
have_v be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o st._n judas_n speak_v of_o that_o separate_v themselves_o be_v sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n judas_n 19_o now_o then_o when_o there_o have_v be_v church_n of_o christian_a professor_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o distinguish_v by_o the_o civil_a bound_n and_o precinct_n for_o order_n and_o government_n sake_n in_o like_a sort_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o you_o in_o this_o case_n to_o rend_v from_o they_o and_o set_v up_o other_o church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o first_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n without_o a_o necessity_n to_o do_v so_o or_o sin_n though_o you_o shall_v not_o perhaps_o sin_n against_o the_o civil_a power_n in_o do_v so_o in_o case_n you_o have_v their_o leave_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o free_v you_o from_o schism_n in_o make_v a_o causeless_a breach_n in_o the_o church_n second_o i_o have_v show_v that_o a_o gather_v out_o the_o better_a people_n from_o among_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o good_a and_o to_o make_v a_o new_a church_n thereof_o be_v cross_v to_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n consociation_n which_o be_v that_o the_o better_a may_v help_v the_o worse_o and_o the_o strong_a bring_v forward_o the_o weak_a the_o more_o spiritual_a part_n help_v to_o spiritualise_v the_o more_o carnal_a the_o contrary_n be_v as_o if_o the_o grow_v person_n in_o a_o family_n shall_v withdraw_v from_o the_o child_n and_o the_o healthy_a from_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a which_o every_o body_n will_v cry_v out_o of_o and_o if_o the_o high_a power_n shall_v connive_v at_o such_o disorder_n the_o thing_n will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a in_o itself_o three_o i_o have_v show_v what_o bad_a effect_n schism_n do_v natural_o produce_v and_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o it_o be_v and_o do_v so_o leave_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o perpetrate_v this_o evil_a will_v never_o sanctify_v it_o or_o make_v it_o other_o than_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v sinful_a have_v say_v thus_o much_o as_o you_o see_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v any_o far_a apology_n why_o i_o have_v do_v it_o than_o what_o you_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o address_n and_o as_o to_o what_o it_o consist_v of_o i_o shall_v trust_v it_o to_o speak_v for_o itself_o if_o you_o will_v but_o make_v that_o allowance_n to_o the_o author_n which_o consider_v his_o circumstance_n i_o be_o confident_a ingenuity_n will_v not_o deny_v he_o only_o this_o i_o can_v and_o therefore_o may_v say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o have_v offer_v any_o abuse_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o any_o undue_a interpretation_n or_o to_o you_o by_o any_o mis-application_n of_o they_o nor_o by_o any_o misrepresentation_n of_o you_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v you_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n in_o both_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o all_o be_v not_o alike_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o address_n as_o my_o intention_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o which_o be_v the_o public_a good_a so_o upon_o review_n i_o can_v perceive_v that_o i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o agreeable_a to_o that_o design_n nor_o unbecoming_a any_o man_n of_o a_o modest_o public_a spirit_n and_o if_o the_o removal_n of_o a_o public_a grievance_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o procure_v its_o public_a benefit_n have_v make_v the_o mention_n and_o discovery_n of_o those_o thing_n necessary_a the_o mention_n and_o discovery_n of_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o offend_v some_o yet_o the_o necessity_n off_o that_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o so_o worthy_a a_o end_n will_v i_o hope_v plead_v my_o excuse_n with_o they_o and_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o after_o thought_n and_o if_o this_o address_n may_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o public_a good_a either_o while_o i_o be_o alive_a or_o after_o my_o death_n though_o but_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o altogether_o despair_v i_o shall_v not_o lose_v my_o â—end_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v if_o you_o will_v not_o then_o have_v the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n cease_v from_o among_o we_o or_o degenerate_a into_o form_n and_o unkindliness_n of_o temper_n if_o you_o will_v not_o leave_v the_o people_n in_o superstition_n into_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v lead_v they_o nor_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o god_n word_n by_o make_v they_o believe_v he_o have_v forbid_v and_o command_v what_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v nor_o command_v but_o leave_v to_o such_o direction_n as_o general_a rule_n and_o emergent_a circumstance_n shall_v suggest_v to_o prudent_a man_n if_o you_o will_v not_o vary_v from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n by_o separate_v from_o the_o christian_a congregation_n where_o you_o reside_v when_o you_o be_v not_o necessitate_v to_o it_o or_o to_o sin_n if_o you_o will_v not_o tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o squabble_v if_o you_o will_v not_o give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n that_o due_a regard_n be_v want_v in_o you_o to_o order_n and_o government_n if_o you_o will_v not_o betray_v our_o posterity_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o popish_a policy_n and_o power_n nor_o expose_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o nation_n to_o that_o ruin_n which_o have_v befall_v other_o church_n in_o other_o place_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n through_o division_n among_o themselves_o then_o be_v persuade_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consult_v some_o better_a thing_n than_o the_o keep_n still_o open_a the_o wide_a breach_n among_o we_o can_v possible_o promise_v you_o farewell_o the_o end_n
church_n in_o their_o dominion_n but_o have_v leave_v they_o all_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o suppose_v again_o that_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v think_v fit_a to_o have_v prescribe_v the_o same_o form_n for_o all_o the_o parish_n church_n which_o now_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o high_a power_n in_o this_o nation_n or_o some_o other_o as_o dissatisfactory_a to_o some_o nay_o to_o go_v low_a suppose_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o be_v under_o any_o such_o general_a ecclesiastical_a power_n nor_o rule_v over_o the_o whole_a neither_o but_o each_o particular_a congregation_n have_v be_v under_o its_o own_o government_n only_o and_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o roll_a prevail_a or_o major_a part_n in_o one_o or_o more_o such_o independent_a congregation_n shall_v have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o have_v such_o a_o form_n use_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n as_o be_v now_o prescribe_v by_o our_o high_a power_n or_o shall_v have_v do_v or_o cause_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a administration_n something_o else_o as_o unacceptable_a to_o part_v of_o such_o a_o congregation_n as_o the_o form_n now_o prescribe_v by_o our_o high_a power_n be_v to_o you_o yet_o the_o question_n will_v still_o be_v which_o will_v have_v be_v most_o christian_a in_o either_o of_o these_o case_n whether_o to_o divide_v separate_v and_o break_v the_o church_n to_o piece_n or_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o breach_n and_o the_o bad_a effect_n of_o it_o until_o they_o can_v in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o regular_a way_n have_v obtain_v their_o desire_n or_o come_v to_o better_a satisfaction_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n suppose_v still_o that_o all_o this_o while_n the_o dissatisfied_a part_n have_v be_v put_v upon_o do_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o what_o be_v less_o useful_a and_o desirable_a in_o their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o if_o you_o allow_v of_o separation_n upon_o any_o account_n less_o than_o that_o of_o necessity_n when_o man_n must_v sin_v or_o separate_v or_o a_o utter_a failure_n in_o the_o mean_n of_o edification_n you_o open_v a_o door_n to_o confusion_n in_o and_o destruction_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n of_o necessity_n that_o we_o justify_v our_o separation_n at_o first_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o if_o such_o thing_n as_o now_o suppose_v do_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o church_n govern_v power_n be_v it_o indulge_v to_o by_o the_o high_a power_n will_v be_v no_o good_a ground_n of_o separation_n neither_o then_o can_v they_o be_v any_o when_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o high_a power_n for_o let_v they_o proceed_v from_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o stamp_n of_o authority_n may_v make_v that_o in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a in_o use_n which_o be_v and_o still_o be_v but_o indifferent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o may_v have_v be_v use_v or_o another_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o now_o see_v then_o where_o you_o be_v and_o to_o what_o you_o be_v bring_v if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n administer_v according_a to_o our_o liturgy_n be_v a_o sin_n then_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o of_o it_o you_o make_v yourselves_o guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o the_o monstrous_a effect_n of_o a_o unlawful_a schism_n and_o separation_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v and_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o your_o join_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n administer_v by_o our_o liturgy_n be_v a_o sin_n unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o something_o therein_o appoint_v for_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o which_o you_o must_v join_v in_o if_o you_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n at_o all_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o institution_n rule_n or_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n which_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o pray_v therein_o and_o for_o which_o we_o give_v thanks_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v prayer_n matter_n and_o thanksgiving_n matter_n and_o then_o for_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o method_n you_o can_v prove_v these_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n to_o present_v your_o prayer_n matter_n or_o thanksgiving_n matter_n to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o external_a form_n and_o method_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o liturgy_n but_o rather_o countenance_v therefrom_o as_o by_o our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o psalm_n compose_v to_o be_v use_v as_o prayer_n the_o title_n of_o psal_n 102._o be_v this_o a_o prayer_n for_o the_o afflict_a when_o he_o be_v overwhelm_v and_o pour_v out_o his_o complaint_n before_o the_o lord_n the_o title_n of_o psal_n 90._o be_v this_o a_o prayer_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o 72._o psalm_n end_v thus_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n be_v end_v hezekiah_n the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o word_n of_o david_n and_o asaph_n 2_o chron._n 29_o 30._o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o the_o use_n of_o a_o book_n or_o without_o or_o whether_o long_o or_o short_a or_o whether_o in_o our_o public_a devotion_n one_o or_o two_o or_o more_o shall_v be_v use_v or_o whether_o all_o shall_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o or_o part_n by_o the_o people_n also_o we_o do_v not_o count_v it_o unlawful_a to_o pray_v to_o and_o praise_n god_n with_o unite_a voice_n in_o sing_v of_o psalm_n now_o where_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n there_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o to_o use_v either_o the_o one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o circumstance_n direct_v some_o circumstance_n may_v make_v one_o way_n or_o mode_n convenient_a at_o one_o time_n and_o in_o one_o case_n and_o other_o circumstance_n may_v make_v another_o more_o convenient_a at_o another_o time_n and_o in_o another_o case_n about_o external_a form_n of_o worship_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o intend_v we_o a_o christian_a liberty_n in_o outward_a form_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o particular_a direction_n in_o they_o as_o we_o have_v about_o the_o substance_n and_o we_o may_v well_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o exhort_v one_o another_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o this_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a i_o mean_v in_o use_v this_o liberty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o peace_n charity_n and_o edification_n and_o not_o the_o contrary_a as_o some_o urge_v it_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o liturgy_n in_o their_o synagogue_n at_o the_o use_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n we_o may_v presume_v use_v to_o be_v present_a in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o find_v he_o frequent_v the_o synagogue_n where_o he_o live_v lu._n 4.16_o the_o ancient_a church_n before_o popery_n look_v out_o into_o the_o world_n have_v their_o liturgy_n and_o so_o have_v other_o reform_a church_n beside_o we_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o we_o in_o this_o nation_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v have_v only_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o break_v ourselves_o in_o piece_n about_o it_o whoever_o sober_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o cast_v off_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o establish_a church_n government_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o of_o the_o liberty_n that_o be_v take_v in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o liberty_n may_v by_o this_o time_n be_v pretty_a well_o reconcile_v to_o it_o again_o whatever_o his_o thought_n may_v have_v be_v heretofore_o can_v any_o consider_a man_n think_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n suffer_v at_o that_o rate_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o liturgy_n before_o our_o late_a sad_a distraction_n break_v out_o as_o it_o have_v do_v by_o those_o sundry_a strange_a sect_n monstrous_a opinion_n and_o practice_n violent_a contention_n sore_a breach_n and_o division_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o which_o that_o little_a time_n of_o liberty_n in_o which_o the_o liturgy_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o the_o bond_n of_o government_n break_v have_v produce_v suppose_v there_o be_v or_o be_v some_o thing_n superfluous_a or_o want_v in_o