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church_n call_v elder_n ephesus_n 2,928 5 11.2611 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34541 The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd by a nonconformist, with respect to the church-divisions in England. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6260; ESTC R37663 30,758 79

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which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o m●_n liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o kno●_n no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o t●_n incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n here_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o wa●_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o goo●_n 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congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n you_o have_v hear_v brethren_n as_o well_o in_o your_o private_a examination_n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n and_o holy_a lesson_n take_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o what_o dignity_n and_o how_o great_a importance_n this_o office_n be_v whereto_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o messenger_n the_o watchmen_z the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o teach_v to_o premonish_v to_o feed_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o lord_n family_n i_o mention_v my_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o episcopal_a form_n because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o they_o to_o who_o this_o representation_n be_v more_o especial_o tender_v nevertheless_o i_o own_o 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a_o presbyter_n by_o any_o opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o may_v render_v i_o unfit_a for_o the_o same_o touch_v which_o matter_n i_o humble_o offer_v myself_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o my_o superior_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o god_n word_n nothing_o necessary_a to_o authorise_v i_o to_o those_o ministration_n be_v want_v that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o be_o christ_n commissioned_n officer_z and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v revoke_v the_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o without_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o law_n no_o man_n can_v take_v it_o from_o i_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o office_n or_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o christ_n require_v that_o it_o be_v exercise_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o subordination_n to_o a_o disocesan_n bishop_n that_o i_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n according_a to_o the_o 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the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o a_o nonconformist_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o church-division_n in_o england_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o content_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n what_o the_o church_n be_v both_o in_o its_o invisible_a and_o visible_a state_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o state_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o partition_n of_o church_n by_o local_a bound_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n of_o the_o association_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n of_o a_o national_a church_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o diocese_n and_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n of_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n without_o subordination_n to_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n no_o human_a power_n may_v prejudice_v christ_n interest_n in_o his_o minister_n or_o people_n all_o have_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n about_o their_o own_o act_n chap._n ii_o of_o true_a church-unity_n the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n shall_v be_v right_o apply_v true_a church-unity_n be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o be_v include_v therein_o true_a unity_n be_v primary_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a secondary_o in_o its_o visible_a state_n holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n church-unity_n consider_v in_o three_o point_n 1._o in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n 2._o in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n 3._o in_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n the_o different_a value_n of_o these_o different_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o rule_n of_o unity_n be_v god_n word_n of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n as_o a_o rule_n thereof_o of_o thing_n leave_v to_o human_a determination_n with_o the_o pastor_n and_o magistrate_n interest_n therein_o the_o ruler_n wisdom_n in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v schism_n be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n the_o violation_n of_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o root_n of_o schism_n schism_n lie_v primary_o in_o a_o breach_n make_v upon_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a and_o secondary_o as_o visible_a the_o high_a point_n of_o schism_n against_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a be_v that_o which_o be_v about_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n how_o both_o person_n and_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a 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the_o right_n of_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n on_o such_o occasion_n what_o endeavour_n of_o reformation_n be_v unlawful_a to_o subject_n a_o difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n and_o amicable_a necessary_a segregation_n the_o object_v inconvenience_n against_o the_o amicable_a segregation_n answer_v the_o import_n of_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o open_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o the_o donatist_n of_o the_o novatian_o whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o case_n of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n the_o case_n of_o such_o nonconformist_n as_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o accommodation_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o case_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o accommodation_n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n against_o relax_v the_o term_n of_o conformity_n of_o diverse_a other_o remarkable_a schism_n in_o the_o ancient_a time_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n case_n different_a from_o they_o a_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n and_o to_o our_o superior_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o the_o right_a way_n to_o unity_n the_o great_a abuse_n of_o the_o name_n schism_n and_o the_o bad_a consequence_n thereof_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n to_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n in_o worthy_n of_o ancient_a time_n charity_n in_o censure_v thence_o infer_v true_a unity_n be_v found_v in_o true_a holiness_n and_o promote_v by_o impartiality_n and_o equity_n towards_o all_o real_a christian_n and_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o true_a church-discipline_n and_o by_o remove_v the_o snare_n of_o division_n and_o as_o by_o the_o equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o by_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n a_o question_n consider_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a errata_fw-la pag._n 2._o lin_v 2._o r._n regeneration_n p._n 12._o l._n 8._o r._n without_o ib._n l._n 16._o r._n and_o in_o p._n 22._o l._n 6._o r._n due_a extent_n p._n 25._o l._n 14._o r._n account_n of_o accidental_a p._n 32._o l._n 16._o r._n injure_a christian_n as_o be_v p._n 33._o l._n 25._o r._n segregation_n p._n 42._o l._n 27._o r._n renounce_v p._n 47._o l._n 21._o r._n depose_v the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o
scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distanc●_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o ●here_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a part●●ion_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n a●d_v invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a subordination_n in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o either_o in_o way_n of_o proper_a authority_n or_o of_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o the_o associate_v church_n and_o particular_a member_n therein_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o orderly_a state_n of_o the_o whole_a association_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n thereof_o when_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o the_o people_n adhere_v to_o he_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o pastor_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n by_o their_o conjunction_n with_o the_o large_a combination_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n may_v in_o such_o manner_n err_v in_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o make_v right_o inform_v person_n uncapable_a of_o their_o combination_n a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o a_o combination_n or_o coagmentation_n of_o particular_a church_n unite_v under_o one_o civil_a supreme_a either_o personal_a as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n or_o collective_a as_o in_o a_o republic_n and_o the_o true_a notion_n thereof_o lie_v not_o in_o any_o combination_n pure_o ecclesiastical_a and_o intrinsical_v but_o civil_a and_o extrinsical_a as_o of_o so_o many_o church_n that_o be_v collect_v under_o one_o that_o have_v the_o civil_a supremacy_n over_o they_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n true_o denote_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n unite_v under_o one_o supreme_a civil_a church-governour_n the_o king_n majesty_n civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o be_v no_o constitutive_a part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o christian_a church_n stand_v for_o several_a century_n without_o the_o support_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a extrinsical_a episcopacy_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o negligence_n and_o maladministration_n and_o they_o may_v reform_v the_o church_n when_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n the_o possession_n of_o the_o tithe_n and_o temple_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o true_a pastor_n and_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o privation_n thereof_o declare_v no_o pastor_n and_o no_o church_n for_o these_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o secular_a power_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v neither_o make_v nor_o make_v void_a a_o pastor_n or_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o diocesan_n if_o the_o several_a parish_n be_v so_o many_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o those_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v mention_v by_o that_o name_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n then_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o church_n an●_n the_o diocesan_n be_v a_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n or_o governor_n over_o many_o church_n and_o their_o immediate_a bishop_n if_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o a_o knowledged_a to_o be_v church_n nor_o their_o presbyter_n to_o be_v realy_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n but_o the_o diocese_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o low_a political_a church_n and_o the_o diocesan_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o the_o sole_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o all_o the_o include_v parish_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a
that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o 〈◊〉_d essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o unnecessary_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a nor_o of_o mischievous_a consequence_n may_v be_v of_o god_n allow_v as_o to_o the_o submitter_n thereupon_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n yet_o lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o wrongful_o urge_v upon_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o ministerial_a station_n where_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o church_n order_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o require_v to_o justify_v the_o impose_v of_o such_o unnecessary_n here_o i_o speak_v of_o contumacious_a refuser_n who_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o breach_n than_o yield_v but_o refuser_n out_o of_o conscience_n believe_v or_o with_o appearance_n of_o reason_n suspect_v the_o say_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v either_o accquit_v from_o schism_n or_o guilty_a but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o much_o less_o culpable_a than_o the_o imposer_n who_o may_v well_o forbear_v to_o impose_v be_v it_o here_o note_a that_o when_o superior_n sin_n in_o command_v a_o thing_n exempt_a from_o their_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v in_o this_o case_n the_o say_a observance_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o that_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o ruler_n authority_n to_o command_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n equity_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o to_o the_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o to_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v peace_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o all_o lawful_a 〈◊〉_d and_o mean_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n rom._n 14._o 5._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n v_o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a ver_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o good_a security_n for_o act_v against_o a_o rational_a doubt_a conscience_n when_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o comply_v with_o ruler_n for_o though_o in_o general_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n be_v a_o certain_a duty_n yet_o in_o the_o particular_a doubt_a case_n i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o my_o compliance_n be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o ruler_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v god_n allowance_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v their_o command_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v moreover_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o act_v against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o as_o be_v the_o discerner_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o be_v of_o right_a the_o immediate_a director_n of_o my_o action_n indeed_o my_o conscience_n can_v alter_v god_n law_n or_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n