into_o hypocrisy_n it_o may_v be_v whilst_o you_o be_v contend_v against_o those_o fleshly_a inclination_n by_o which_o you_o have_v former_o be_v captivate_v your_o heart_n will_v begin_v to_o swell_v with_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o your_o own_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o as_o a_o consequence_n of_o that_o to_o entertain_v contemptuous_a and_o censorious_a thought_n of_o your_o brethren_n beware_v now_o that_o whilst_o you_o be_v struggle_v with_o your_o old_a fleshly_a lust_n you_o do_v not_o overlook_v these_o little_a defect_n and_o indecency_n of_o your_o nature_n lest_o while_o you_o be_v conquer_a one_o sort_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v captivate_v by_o another_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o nip_v they_o in_o their_o bud_n and_o to_o check_v these_o little_a essay_n and_o beginning_n of_o they_o they_o will_v soon_o spring_v up_o into_o habit_n of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n rancour_n and_o vncharitableness_n and_o so_o your_o warfare_n against_o sin_n will_v be_v only_o a_o transition_n from_o one_o evil_a into_o another_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n into_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o beast_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o devil_n wherefore_o if_o you_o will_v be_v final_o successful_a in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n you_o must_v take_v great_a care_n that_o while_o you_o be_v contend_v with_o the_o grosser_n and_o more_o inveterate_a vice_n of_o your_o nature_n you_o do_v not_o neglect_v its_o lesser_a defect_n and_o irregularity_n for_o whilst_o they_o be_v lesser_a they_o may_v be_v easy_o correct_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o will_v soon_o grow_v great_a and_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v as_o dangerous_a as_o those_o you_o be_v now_o contend_v with_o for_o every_o vice_n be_v small_a in_o the_o beginning_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v cure_v but_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v like_o a_o scratch_v in_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v corrupt_v and_o rankle_v into_o a_o spread_a gangreen_n v._o to_o our_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n in_o this_o our_o christian_a warfare_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o so_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v live_v in_o close_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n it_o be_v true_a a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_v as_o that_o its_o member_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o disunite_v themselves_o from_o it_o for_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v in_o any_o society_n not_o to_o agree_v to_o any_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o apparent_a ruin_n of_o it_o now_o the_o main_a end_n of_o christian_a society_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n every_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v in_o his_o own_o station_n to_o advance_v this_o end_n and_o consequent_o as_o to_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n he_o be_v unite_v to_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v thereunto_o so_o to_o refuse_v all_o such_o act_n of_o that_o society_n if_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v as_o do_v apparent_o oppose_v and_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o it_o so_o that_o if_o any_o act_n that_o be_v apparent_o sinful_a be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o my_o communion_n with_o she_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o general_n end_v of_o christian_a society_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v the_o church_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n require_v it_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o my_o communion_n that_o i_o shall_v transgress_v any_o just_a law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o subject_a in_o this_o case_n i_o be_o bind_v rather_o to_o desert_n that_o church_n communion_n than_o live_v in_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n have_v be_v baptise_a into_o and_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a congregation_n that_o contrary_a to_o law_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o establish_v national_a church_n for_o if_o in_o this_o national_a church_n there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v on_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v apparent_o contradictory_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o desert_n those_o separate_a congregation_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n national_a and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v wilful_a offender_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o require_v we_o to_o obey_v all_o humane_a ordinance_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o again_o suppose_v one_o national_a church_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o that_o which_o be_v subject_n be_v bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v superior_a if_o it_o can_v enjoy_v it_o without_o comply_v with_o imposition_n that_o be_v apparent_o sinful_a which_o be_v evident_o the_o case_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la we_o be_v once_o her_o subject_n and_o member_n for_o have_v we_o be_v so_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o never_o have_v separate_v ourselves_o from_o she_o can_v we_o but_o have_v separate_v her_o sin_n from_o her_o communion_n can_v we_o have_v profess_v her_o creed_n without_o implicit_o believe_v all_o her_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n or_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o her_o guide_n without_o apparent_a danger_n of_o be_v mislead_v by_o they_o into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n or_o join_v with_o her_o public_a service_n without_o worship_v of_o creature_n or_o receive_v her_o sacrament_n without_o practise_v the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n but_o when_o she_o have_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o either_o to_o sin_n with_o or_o separate_v from_o she_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o honest_a remedy_n but_o only_o to_o withdraw_v and_o if_o in_o this_o our_o separation_n there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a schism_n on_o either_o side_n we_o can_v have_v appeal_v to_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o be_v there_o be_v that_o force_v we_o upon_o it_o or_o we_o that_o be_v force_v to_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v vast_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o separation_n of_o private_a member_n from_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n for_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o authority_n extend_v no_o far_a than_o to_o its_o own_o native_a member_n and_o consequent_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o impose_v law_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o have_v upon_o she_o our_o particular_a church_n be_v altogether_o as_o distinct_a and_o independent_a from_o she_o as_o she_o be_v from_o we_o so_o that_o though_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n she_o impose_v upon_o she_o own_o member_n be_v all_o of_o they_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a yet_o do_v they_o no_o more_o oblige_v we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o the_o great_a mogul_n do_v as_o we_o be_v subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n but_o the_o case_n of_o private_a member_n whither_o of_o we_o or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v so_o many_o form_v society_n of_o christian_n as_o we_o must_v do_v or_o else_o degrade_v they_o into_o so_o many_o confuse_a multitude_n we_o must_v necessary_o allow_v they_o to_o have_v a_o just_a authority_n even_o as_o all_o other_o form_v society_n have_v over_o their_o own_o member_n and_o that_o they_o have_v so_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o from_o scripture_n where_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overseer_n of_o their_o particular_a flock_n act_n xx_o 28_o which_o word_n both_o in_o sacred_a and_o profane_a writ_n denote_v a_o roll_a power_n and_o according_o these_o overseer_n be_v elsewhere_o call_v ruling-elders_a tim._n i._n 5.17_o and_o the_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o their_o church_n be_v require_v to_o obey_v they_o as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o heb._n xiii_o 17_o and_o elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o know_v i._n e._n submissive_o to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n thes._n i._n 5.12_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n subject_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o spiritual_a
know_v be_v a_o sin_n he_o refuse_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v be_v a_o duty_n so_o that_o whether_o that_o which_o the_o church_n impose_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v apparent_a rebellion_n in_o he_o to_o refuse_v it_o because_o for_o all_o that_o he_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a yet_o that_o can_v be_v the_o motive_n of_o his_o noncompliance_n with_o it_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v it_o so_o he_o therefore_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o cause_n that_o he_o can_v judge_v of_o must_v necessary_o separate_v without_o cause_n or_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v neither_o true_a nor_o false_a pretence_n for_o his_o separation_n because_o the_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_fw-mi be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o cognizance_n and_o consequent_o if_o he_o thereupon_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o can_v comply_v with_o her_o sinful_a imposition_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o just_a authority_n whereas_o by_o modest_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n where_o we_o can_v judge_v for_o ourselves_o we_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o secure_v our_o innocence_n for_o though_o that_o which_o the_o church_n injoin_v we_o shall_v be_v material_o sinful_a yet_o to_o we_o who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v understand_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v impute_v only_o as_o a_o innocent_a error_n because_o by_o follow_v the_o church_n reason_n where_o own_o can_v guide_v we_o we_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v not_o to_o be_v mistake_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v we_o have_v this_o to_o excuse_v we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o follow_v a_o authority_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v over_o we_o whereas_o if_o we_o be_v mistake_v on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v leave_v altogether_o inexcusable_a but_o then_o there_o may_v be_v other_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n of_o who_o unlawfulness_n a_o communicant_a may_v be_v very_o doubtful_a though_o he_o be_v not_o confident_o persuade_v of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v doubtless_o our_o duty_n not_o rash_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a or_o unlawful_a which_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n have_v determine_v to_o be_v true_a or_o lawful_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a modesty_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v a_o large_a prospect_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o and_o great_a advantage_n of_o inquire_v into_o they_o be_v far_o more_o capable_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v true_a and_o lawful_a and_o consequent_o though_o we_o may_v possible_o have_v some_o little_a probability_n that_o their_o opinion_n be_v false_a or_o their_o command_n unlawful_a yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v it_o so_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o such_o plain_a and_o evident_a case_n as_o do_v not_o only_o outweigh_v the_o probability_n of_o their_o opinion_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o to_o wherefore_o in_o case_n of_o a_o doubtful_a nature_n it_o be_v both_o modest_a and_o safe_a to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n because_o in_o so_o do_v we_o have_v not_o only_o our_o own_o ignorance_n to_o excuse_v but_o their_o authority_n to_o warrant_v we_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n through_o our_o modesty_n and_o humility_n it_o will_v be_v safe_a for_o we_o than_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n through_o our_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n but_o perhaps_o the_o probability_n of_o our_o side_n may_v be_v so_o great_a or_o at_o least_o seem_v so_o to_o we_o that_o notwithstanding_o we_o give_v all_o due_a respect_n and_o deference_n to_o her_o authority_n we_o can_v forbear_v doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o her_o condition_n of_o communion_n if_o so_o then_o second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v her_o command_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a as_o not_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o if_o we_o only_o doubt_v whether_o her_o command_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o our_o doubt_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o as_o fearful_a of_o disobey_v as_o it_o do_v of_o obey_v they_o because_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_v be_v on_o both_o side_n equal_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n wherein_o i_o be_o necessitate_v to_o determine_v myself_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o it_o be_v doubtless_o my_o duty_n to_o determine_v on_o that_o side_n which_o make_v most_o for_o the_o church_n security_n and_o peace_n which_o next_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o which_o consequent_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n with_o i_o must_v necessary_o turn_v the_o scale_n of_o my_o choice_n when_o it_o be_v before_o in_o aequilibrio_fw-la and_o whither_o to_o obey_v or_o disobey_v be_v most_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o strict_a obedience_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n so_o long_o as_o it_o enjoin_v we_o nothing_o that_o be_v plain_o and_o apparent_o sinful_a that_o if_o either_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n or_o lawfulness_n of_o her_o condition_n of_o communion_n or_o do_v only_o doubt_v of_o their_o lawfulness_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o her_o judgement_n and_o authority_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o till_o upon_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o side_n we_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o they_o be_v sinful_a now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o abovenamed_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v the_o overseer_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o and_o the_o subject_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v require_v to_o yield_v they_o obedience_n but_o also_o from_o those_o text_n which_o forbid_v division_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o 1_o cor._n i_o 10_o i_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o and_o which_o bid_v we_o mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n among_o we_o and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n xuj_o 17_o and_o also_o which_o schism_n and_o division_n to_o be_v fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o particular_o 1_o cor._n three_o 3_o and_o st._n judas_n nineteeen_o and_o in_o a_o word_n which_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n four_o 3_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n 2_o cor._n xiii_o 11_o and_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n phil._n i._n 27_o all_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o oblige_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o dissent_v and_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n unless_o they_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o just_a and_o manifest_a reason_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o most_o pathetical_a conjuration_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o there_o be_v any_o consolution_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n 2_o phil._n 1_o 2._o which_o exhortation_n he_o give_v they_o as_o they_o be_v a_o particular_a corporation_n of_o christian_n under_o epaphroditus_n their_o head_n and_o bishop_n by_o who_o he_o send_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o oblige_v we_o not_o to_o disunite_v ourselves_o from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v member_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n without_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o unlawful_a or_o if_o we_o suppose_v those_o division_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o forbid_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o faction_n within_o the_o church_n without_o actual_a separation_n then_o much_o more_o be_v separation_n which_o be_v the_o high_a faction_n and_o breach_n of_o unity_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o wicked_a and_o unlawful_a so_o that_o for_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n upon_o little_a pique_n uncertain_a scruple_n and_o blind_a prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n
of_o union_n and_o a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o christ_n authority_n in_o his_o church_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v brand_v with_o such_o a_o infamous_a character_n for_o thus_o in_o the_o 31_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v call_v ambition_n and_o tyranny_n and_o condemn_v by_o ignatius_n the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o original_a of_o evil_n ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n as_o a_o sin_n that_o shut_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ep._n ad_fw-la philad_n and_o by_o the_o african_a code_n it_o be_v style_v a_o destructive_a sacrilegious_a sin_n con._n carth_n etc._n etc._n can._n 100_o and_o st._n cyprian_n make_v it_o to_o be_v more_o heinous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o lapsi_fw-la that_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o martyrdom_n itself_o will_v not_o expiate_v de_fw-la vnit._fw-la eccles._n and_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n affirm_v that_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n rather_o than_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o glorious_a a_o act_n as_o to_o die_v refuse_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o idol_n euseb._n eccl._n hist._n lib._n 6._o and_o as_o they_o thus_o decry_v schism_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o extol_v union_n as_o the_o nurse_n of_o piety_n the_o fence_n of_o religion_n the_o quintessence_n and_o extract_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n their_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o charity_n or_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o church-member_n edify_v 1_o cor._n viij_o 1_o but_o also_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o collection_n of_o member_n become_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compact_a and_o close_o unite_v together_o in_o all_o its_o part_n eph._n two_o 21_o 22._o and_o eph._n four_o 16_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v or_o improve_v unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n by_o be_v close_o compact_v and_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o member_n and_o col._n two_o 19_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a from_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o those_o nourish_a influence_n that_o be_v thereby_o convey_v from_o he_o that_o the_o church_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o also_o from_o its_o be_v knit_v together_o or_o firm_o unite_v in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o if_o union_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o growth_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o each_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o schism_n and_o unnecessary_a breach_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v natural_o sour_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o render_v they_o peevish_a and_o uncharitable_a towards_o one_o another_o for_o the_o separate_a party_n must_v in_o their_o own_o vindication_n be_v force_v to_o accuse_v those_o they_o separate_v from_o of_o something_o that_o may_v be_v foul_a enough_o to_o justify_v their_o separation_n and_o what_o they_o want_v in_o reality_n they_o must_v make_v up_o in_o pretence_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o peevish_a and_o obstinate_a schismatic_n and_o then_o the_o party_n they_o separate_v from_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o deem_v itself_o injure_v and_o in_o its_o own_o defence_n be_v force_v to_o recriminate_a and_o this_o will_v alarm_n the_o separatist_n into_o great_a heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o so_o like_o two_o flint_n dash_v together_o they_o will_v be_v continual_o sparkle_v and_o spit_v fire_n at_o one_o another_o till_o they_o have_v kindle_v the_o quarrel_n into_o a_o inquenchable_a flame_n whereas_o have_v the_o divider_n but_o continue_v their_o communion_n all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o they_o may_v have_v easy_o continue_v their_o charity_n though_o they_o have_v retain_v the_o opinion_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_v for_o have_v they_o but_o exercise_v that_o modesty_n and_o goodness_n as_o not_o to_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n before_o the_o reason_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o will_v either_o have_v keep_v their_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v advance_v they_o into_o principle_n of_o separation_n and_o so_o by_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o party_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o opinion_n they_o will_v have_v declare_v that_o they_o judge_v their_o error_n to_o be_v tolerable_a for_o by_o not_o separate_v from_o they_o they_o will_v have_v plain_o manifest_v that_o they_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o unite_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v but_o none_o to_o disunite_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o these_o in_o which_o they_o differ_v and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o love_n but_o none_o to_o hate_n and_o persecute_v one_o another_o and_o whilst_o they_o mutual_o retain_v this_o good_a opinion_n of_o one_o another_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o their_o little_a difference_n shall_v cause_v any_o great_a breach_n in_o their_o charity_n schism_n therefore_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o our_o charity_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lead_a virtue_n of_o our_o religion_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a malevolent_a aspect_n upon_o our_o perseverance_n for_o he_o that_o from_o a_o charitable_a temper_n relapse_n into_o a_o spiteful_a and_o rancorous_a one_o be_v apostatise_v from_o one_o half_a of_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o have_v exchange_v one_o of_o the_o fair_a grace_n of_o a_o saint_n for_o one_o of_o the_o black_a character_n of_o a_o devil_n but_o then_o 2._o schism_n or_o unnecessary_a breach_n of_o church_n communion_n do_v natural_o lead_v to_o the_o foul_a hypocrisy_n for_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o and_o zeal_n for_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o he_o separate_v which_o zeal_n of_o he_o when_o once_o he_o be_v actual_o separate_v will_v be_v much_o more_o inflame_v and_o that_o both_o by_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o sect_n he_o be_v separate_v to_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n that_o holy_a fervour_n which_o shall_v animate_v he_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n will_v blaze_v into_o a_o fierce_a contention_n for_o those_o little_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v the_o sect_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o for_o our_o nature_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v in_o all_o its_o operation_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v operate_v diverse_a way_n at_o once_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n but_o whatsoever_o time_n and_o attention_n we_o bestow_v upon_o one_o thing_n we_o must_v necessary_o subtract_v from_o another_o now_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o a_o peaceable_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n for_o our_o zeal_n but_o to_o inspire_v our_o devotion_n to_o quicken_v our_o virtue_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o our_o sin_n with_o it_o and_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v be_v the_o best_a use_v it_o can_v be_v put_v to_o but_o when_o once_o we_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n we_o shall_v find_v other_o employment_n for_o it_o namely_o to_o quarrel_v at_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o wrangle_v about_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o contend_v for_o our_o trifle_a speculation_n and_o opinion_n which_o must_v necessary_o weaken_v it_o in_o its_o noble_a operation_n and_o render_v it_o more_o remiss_a and_o indifferent_a in_o the_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o impertinent_o busy_v in_o pick_v straw_n and_o contend_v about_o mint_n and_o cummin_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o must_v more_o or_o less_o neglect_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o proportionable_o as_o it_o grow_v warm_a and_o warm_a about_o little_a opinion_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v continual_o wax_a cool_a and_o cool_a in_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a duty_n of_o it_o till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v whole_o degenerate_v into_o peevishness_n and_o faction_n and_o dwindle_v away_o into_o a_o fierce_a contention_n about_o trifle_n that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o schism_n appear_v by_o too_o many_o woeful_a experiment_n for_o how_o many_o instance_n of_o man_n be_v there_o among_o ourselves_o who_o have_v once_o a_o honest_a zeal_n for_o the_o
governor_n and_o oblige_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v they_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o countermand_v by_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o though_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v refuse_v the_o imposition_n of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v sinful_a but_o as_o they_o be_v imposition_n because_o the_o other_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n over_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n lawful_a for_o the_o subject_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o disobey_v their_o church-governor_n in_o any_o lawful_a matter_n because_o be_v subject_v to_o their_o authority_n by_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church-catholick_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o substitute_n and_o vicegerent_n in_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o antecedent_o prohibit_v and_o if_o rather_o than_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v choose_v to_o revolt_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o be_v rebel_n to_o christ_n authority_n in_o that_o particular_a church_n they_o revolt_v from_o for_o what_o faction_n be_v in_o the_o state_n that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n a_o unjust_a opposition_n to_o authority_n the_o one_o to_o christ_n civil_a authority_n derive_v upon_o our_o magistrate_n the_o other_o to_o his_o spiritual_a authority_n derive_v upon_o our_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n it_o be_v true_a in_o some_o case_n as_o i_o hint_v before_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n may_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o where_o christ_n who_o be_v my_o supreme_a lord_n and_o my_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n who_o be_v in_o authority_n under_o he_o command_v thing_n that_o be_v direct_o inconsistent_a i_o be_o doubtless_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o rather_o than_o they_o yea_o though_o their_o command_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v they_o be_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o fot_o when_o i_o do_v what_o i_o false_o believe_v christ_n have_v forbid_v i_o be_o in_o will_n as_o much_o a_o rebel_n against_o his_o authority_n as_o when_o i_o do_v what_o i_o true_o believe_v he_o have_v forbid_v and_o so_o by_o not_o comply_v with_o my_o spiritual_a governor_n out_o of_o a_o innocent_a mispersuasion_n that_o what_o they_o command_v be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v formal_o and_o in_o will_n as_o much_o obey_v christ_n in_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o unlawful_a so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o member_n do_v impose_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o my_o communion_n thing_n that_o be_v either_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o or_o that_o after_o due_a examination_n i_o very_o believe_v be_v unlawful_a i_o be_o bind_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n rather_o to_o desert_v that_o communion_n than_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o since_o to_o desert_n the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o vast_a moment_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a caution_n and_o tenderness_n for_o he_o that_o reject_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n without_o just_a enquiry_n and_o sufficient_a examination_n be_v formal_o as_o much_o a_o schismatic_a i._n e._n he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o rebel_n in_o will_n to_o christ_n spiritual_a authority_n in_o his_o church_n delegate_n and_o vicegerent_n as_o he_o that_o rash_o reject_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a one_o for_o have_v it_o be_v only_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o condition_n that_o displease_v he_o he_o will_v have_v make_v conscience_n before_o he_o presume_v to_o reject_v it_o due_o to_o inform_v himself_o whether_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o no_o but_o by_o thus_o reject_v it_o at_o a_o venture_n without_o a_o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o sin_n that_o displease_v he_o as_o the_o authority_n that_o impose_v it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o conscience_n that_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o but_o his_o humour_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v have_v have_v the_o same_o dislike_n of_o it_o though_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a for_o conscience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o reason_n can_v be_v offend_v without_o reason_n either_o real_a or_o apparent_a and_o without_o make_v a_o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v offend_v at_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n that_o will_v either_o warrant_v or_o excuse_v our_o offence_n now_o to_o a_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v impartial_o examine_v both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v do_v so_o we_o shall_v keep_v both_o our_o ear_n open_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o equal_o attend_v to_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o than_o that_o upon_o a_o full_a hear_n of_o both_o we_o shall_v determine_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v without_o favour_n or_o affection_n for_o he_o that_o inquire_v only_o what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o matter_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o do_v thereby_o give_v a_o plain_a indication_n that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o right_a or_o wrong_n and_o that_o the_o end_n of_o his_o enquiry_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n as_o to_o fortify_v his_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n wherefore_o before_o we_o do_v reject_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o church_n communion_n as_o sinful_a we_o be_v oblige_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o wilful_a schism_n impartial_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o as_o well_o as_o against_o they_o and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o pastor_n and_o propose_v our_o doubt_n to_o they_o and_o attend_v to_o their_o resolution_n with_o a_o honest_a teachable_a mind_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v inform_v and_o where_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v faithful_o to_o peruse_v those_o book_n and_o argument_n that_o make_v for_o the_o one_o side_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o unless_o we_o do_v thus_o its_o plain_a that_o we_o be_v bias_v by_o a_o factious_a inclination_n and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n communion_n for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o her_o authority_n by_o a_o schismatical_a temper_n of_o mind_n we_o shall_v be_v as_o forward_o at_o least_o to_o consult_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o her_o imposition_n as_o what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o but_o then_o if_o the_o matter_n she_o impose_v be_v such_o as_o a_o plain_a and_o illiterate_a communicant_a can_v judge_n of_o nor_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v for_o or_o against_o they_o such_o person_n in_o such_o case_n be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o not_o blind_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o they_o know_v not_o why_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v the_o matter_n impose_v shall_v be_v such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n or_o such_o modes_n of_o discipline_n or_o right_n and_o circumstance_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o carry_v no_o such_o apparent_a evil_n in_o they_o or_o express_v contradiction_n to_o any_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o enable_v a_o illiterate_a christian_a rational_o to_o pronounce_v they_o unlawful_a and_o whither_o they_o be_v unlawful_a or_o no_o be_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v perhaps_o without_o some_o skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n and_o the_o critical_a acceptation_n of_o phrase_n or_o insight_n into_o ecclesiastical_a history_n or_o metaphysical_a nicety_n and_o speculation_n and_o it_o be_v by_o some_o of_o these_o that_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o decide_v now_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o where_o he_o can_v judge_v for_o himself_o what_o shall_v a_o unlearned_a communicant_a do_v why_o this_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o reverence_n christ_n authority_n in_o they_o but_o whether_o the_o abovenamed_a matter_n they_o impose_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v so_o that_o if_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o those_o imposition_n he_o reject_v the_o church_n communion_n he_o reject_v it_o he_o know_v not_o why_o and_o to_o avoid_v do_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o