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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n catholic_n communion_n external_a 3,566 5 9.8048 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33206 The Difference of the case, between the separation of Protestants from the Church of Rome, and the separation of Dissenters from the Church of England Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Williams, John, 1636?-1709. 1683 (1683) Wing C4377; ESTC R12185 45,320 73

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that_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o she_o may_v not_o lawful_o throw_v off_o and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o owe_v any_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o have_v just_a power_n without_o ask_v his_o leave_n or_o stay_v for_o his_o consent_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o withal_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ought_v to_o have_v reform_v herself_o as_o we_o have_v do_v since_o there_o be_v most_o necessary_a cause_n for_o so_o do_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n be_v defile_v with_o the_o profession_n of_o those_o damnable_a error_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o we_o have_v do_v away_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o challenge_v those_o of_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o particular_n of_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n their_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o abomination_n whereof_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n when_o we_o reform_v ourselves_o but_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o if_o nothing_o else_o be_v to_o be_v say_v because_o this_o church_n owe_v no_o subjection_n to_o that_o but_o withal_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o we_o pretend_v they_o to_o be_v the_o separation_n of_o communion_n that_o ensue_v upon_o our_o be_v and_o their_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v be_v on_o our_o side_n just_a and_o necessary_a upon_o that_o account_n also_o and_o therefore_o not_o schismatical_a so_o that_o our_o answer_n be_v twofold_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o no_o kind_n of_o right_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a or_o any_o foreign_a bishop_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o foreigner_n to_o reform_v herself_o and_o this_o we_o say_v will_v have_v clear_v she_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v if_o before_o the_o reformation_n there_o have_v be_v no_o unlawful_a condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o western_a church_n and_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o can_v have_v be_v find_v in_o they_o have_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o bare_a inconvenience_n and_o imprudence_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discipline_n or_o in_o order_v the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n it_o have_v yet_o be_v free_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o have_v reform_v those_o lesser_a fault_n within_o herself_o though_o no_o other_o church_n will_v have_v do_v the_o like_a and_o though_o for_o such_o defect_n remain_v in_o other_o church_n abroad_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v separate_v from_o their_o communion_n yet_o she_o may_v very_o just_o and_o commendable_o free_v herself_o from_o they_o at_o home_n but_o if_o a_o foreign_a church_n suppose_v that_o of_o rome_n shall_v hereupon_o have_v abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n till_o we_o have_v return_v to_o the_o former_a inconvenient_a though_o lawful_a rite_n and_o custom_n that_o foreign_a church_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o so_o do_v and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o her_o liberty_n and_o to_o prostitute_v her_o authority_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n shall_v have_v adhere_v to_o her_o own_o reformation_n she_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o communion_n follow_v that_o her_o resolution_n because_o she_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o her_o just_a power_n to_o do_v and_o in_o which_o she_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v control_v by_o any_o other_o church_n we_o say_v with_o st._n cyprian_n that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o 52._o spread_v abroad_o among_o bishop_n many_o in_o number_n but_o hearty_o agree_v together_o but_o with_o the_o same_o excellent_a man_n we_o say_v too_o that_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o part_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o 55._o which_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o management_n to_o god_n which_o he_o say_v in_o assert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o african_a church_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a this_o we_o think_v be_v just_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o national_a church_n once_o indeed_o under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o at_o length_n rescue_v from_o that_o servitude_n we_o be_v at_o present_a united_n together_o by_o common_a rule_n for_o government_n and_o worship_n consult_v upon_o and_o agree_v unto_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o convocation_n and_o then_o make_v law_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sovereign_n these_o law_n show_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o do_v not_o want_v any_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n upon_o who_o we_o have_v neither_o ecclesiastical_a nor_o civil_a dependence_n for_o if_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n of_o the_o african_a church_n may_v determine_v cause_n and_o judge_v matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a cognisance_n which_o yet_o be_v seldom_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o moment_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o colleague_n when_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n from_o persecution_n and_o this_o without_o allow_v appeal_n to_o rome_n much_o more_o may_v the_o bishop_n of_o a_o who_o christian_a kingdom_n confederate_a together_o to_o order_v church_n matter_n independent_o upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n especial_o be_v require_v thereunto_o by_o their_o christian_a sovereign_a to_o who_o they_o all_o owe_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n save_v their_o common_a christianity_n so_o that_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o weighty_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o authority_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n thereupon_o ensue_v be_v whole_o guiltless_a on_o our_o part_n it_o be_v necessary_a unless_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o unjust_a and_o tyrannous_a claim_n of_o a_o foreign_a bishop_n 2._o to_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n lay_v against_o we_o by_o the_o romanist_n we_o answer_v also_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n require_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v many_o of_o they_o unlawful_a to_o be_v submit_v unto_o since_o we_o can_v not_o communicate_v with_o she_o without_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n nor_o without_o do_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v clear_o and_o particular_o forbid_v by_o it_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o our_o obligation_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o adherent_n upon_o those_o term_n but_o because_o catholic_n communion_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v away_o those_o scandal_n from_o among_o themselves_o which_o since_o they_o have_v not_o do_v though_o the_o separation_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o the_o schism_n be_v not_o we_o but_o they_o only_o and_o therefore_o we_o far_o say_v that_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o god_n forbid_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o this_o church_n of_o england_n again_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o have_v abolish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o that_o case_n we_o have_v that_o reverence_n of_o church_n authority_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o determination_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n but_o if_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o determination_n and_o to_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n we_o have_v that_o sense_n also_o of_o the_o mischief_n of_o division_n and_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o maintain_v church-communion_n that_o if_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v but_o observe_v we_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o comply_v
we_o be_v now_o teach_v authority_n must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o strange_a fire_n that_o be_v not_o command_v and_o of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n make_v all_o imposition_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o unlawful_a as_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n show_v so_o many_o particular_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o worship_n to_o be_v but_o leave_v these_o attempt_n of_o they_o to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o more_o particular_a controversy_n who_o see_v not_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a management_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o impurity_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o between_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o we_o be_v secure_a against_o all_o just_a accusation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o this_o one_o proposition_n be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o to_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o keep_v they_o but_o the_o dissenter_n can_v avoid_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o charge_n against_o they_o unless_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n to_o prescribe_v such_o in_o divine_a service_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o chrstianity_n now_o if_o what_o we_o say_v in_o these_o thing_n will_v hang_v well_o together_o that_o be_v if_o the_o former_a proposition_n be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o truth_n thereof_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o latter_a from_o be_v false_a then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v we_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_a from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n or_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v no_o just_a ground_n from_o our_o example_n to_o pretend_v the_o same_o in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o i_o think_v the_o difference_n be_v plain_o enough_o confess_v by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o be_v who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o we_o upon_o occasion_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n member_n of_o separate_a church_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v pollute_v with_o sinful_a condition_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o occasional_a communion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o lawful_a than_o constant_a communion_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a sometime_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o not_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o ordinary_o but_o i_o know_v they_o will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v that_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n become_v member_n of_o our_o church_n though_o without_o sin_n they_o can_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v order_v better_a or_o worse_o as_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o prudent_a or_o as_o they_o take_v great_a or_o less_o heed_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o gravity_n decency_n simplicity_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o their_o worship_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o let_v it_o fall_v or_o in_o practice_n to_o prefer_v we_o before_o it_o but_o by_o this_o i_o think_v any_o body_n may_v see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o what_o we_o and_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v a_o wickedness_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o any_o time_n but_o they_o mean_v no_o such_o thing_n against_o we_o since_o without_o scruple_n they_o can_v sometime_o communicate_v with_o we_o only_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o more_o perfect_a communion_n and_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o prefer_v a_o better_a before_o it_o so_o that_o in_o this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n these_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n or_o break_v any_o of_o god_n commandment_n but_o purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o less_o convenient_a or_o prudent_a order_n of_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o urge_v that_o pretence_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o as_o we_o do_v urge_v it_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o consequent_o our_o reason_n of_o separate_n from_o that_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n do_v not_o hold_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v find_v no_o protestant_n of_o our_o church_n easy_a and_o silly_a enough_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o such_o superficial_a colour_n as_o these_o be_v you_o see_v say_v they_o what_o be_v become_v of_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n the_o protestant_n at_o first_o forsake_v the_o catholic_n i._n e._n roman_a church_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o so_o do_v the_o independent_o set_v up_o their_o congregation_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o quaker_n from_o they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o break_v communion_n upon_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v as_o good_a against_o yourselves_o as_o they_o be_v against_o we_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v choose_v whether_o you_o will_v return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o you_o first_o break_v away_o under_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v follow_v your_o principle_n till_o you_o be_v refine_v into_o quaker_n or_o it_o may_v be_v into_o a_o more_o absurd_a and_o mad_a sort_n of_o people_n than_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o be_v it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o see_v man_n of_o common_a understanding_n cozen_v by_o such_o palpable_a fallacy_n as_o these_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o agent_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o they_o can_v since_o a_o foul_a cause_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o such_o artifices_fw-la as_o these_o to_o blanch_v it_o over_o but_o i_o pray_v may_v there_o not_o be_v such_o corruption_n in_o your_o church_n that_o we_o with_o good_a reason_n may_v pretend_v it_o necessary_a to_o forsake_v your_o communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v none_o in_o we_o to_o give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n to_o leave_v we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n be_v it_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o her_o corruption_n because_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mouth_n and_o can_v speak_v may_v say_v if_o he_o please_v that_o he_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o say_v so_o or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o deal_v by_o we_o as_o we_o have_v do_v by_o you_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o great_a purity_n as_o we_o have_v forsake_v you_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o therefore_o we_o also_o must_v needs_o proceed_v upon_o mistake_n in_o so_o do_v what_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v erroneous_o persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o human_a order_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o
to_o require_v nothing_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o in_o such_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o run_v into_o a_o separate_a communion_n upon_o these_o principle_n we_o depart_v from_o rome_n and_o stick_v where_o we_o be_v and_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v neither_o go_v back_o to_o rome_n nor_o run_v after_o the_o separation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o the_o former_a to_o preserve_v unity_n or_o of_o the_o late_a to_o avoid_v tyranny_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o main_a reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n without_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v plain_o forbid_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n be_v at_o first_o effect_v by_o and_o have_v all_o along_o stand_v upon_o good_a and_o just_a authority_n she_o do_v not_o only_o hold_v forth_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o she_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v in_o her_o communion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o schism_n to_o continue_v in_o her_o communion_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o upon_o these_o principle_n man_n must_v run_v into_o endless_a separation_n unless_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o whatever_o we_o pretend_v to_o know_v who_o be_v our_o lawful_a governor_n and_o to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o do_v and_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v know_v it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n with_o case_n of_o communion_n and_o separation_n as_o for_o the_o dissenter_n to_o omit_v the_o independent_o who_o church_n be_v in_o their_o very_a constitution_n inconsistent_a with_o submit_v to_o a_o common_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n they_o have_v forsake_v we_o for_o nothing_o but_o because_o the_o form_n of_o our_o worship_n or_o our_o two_o or_o three_o ceremony_n in_o it_o be_v not_o command_v in_o god_n word_n and_o because_o in_o thing_n leave_v otherwise_o to_o our_o liberty_n we_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n or_o because_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v better_o order_v and_o because_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v pure_a than_o we_o though_o we_o be_v a_o lawful_a communion_n now_o these_o principle_n do_v indeed_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n unless_o these_o man_n can_v tell_v we_o either_o how_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o communion_n though_o all_o of_o we_o believe_v it_o unlawful_a to_o obey_v a_o competent_a authority_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o determine_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n relate_v to_o god_n worship_n or_o what_o particular_a communion_n that_o be_v from_o which_o it_o will_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_a even_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o communion_n where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v mend_v in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o a_o word_n they_o that_o separate_a upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o stop_v there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o practice_n who_o separate_a without_o such_o cause_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v from_o our_o church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v proceed_v far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o themselves_o 2._o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reformation_n do_v not_o obstruct_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n abroad_o where_o there_o be_v no_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o so_o do_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissenter_n separation_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o our_o governor_n determine_v one_o common_a order_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n for_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v authority_n the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n also_o may_v determine_v in_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o prudence_n for_o the_o people_n subject_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o we_o who_o blame_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n among_o we_o with_o who_o she_o have_v no_o more_o right_o to_o meddle_v than_o any_o other_o foreign_a church_n have_v must_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o come_v within_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n leave_v other_o church_n that_o be_v as_o independent_a upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v upon_o rome_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o liberty_n and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o church_n have_v express_o declare_v in_o these_o our_o do_n we_o condemn_v not_o other_o nation_n nor_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o our_o own_o people_n only_o for_o we_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o every_o country_n shall_v use_v such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v best_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n honour_n and_o glory_n liturgy_n and_o to_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o most_o perfect_a and_o godly_a live_n without_o error_n or_o superstition_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v put_v away_o other_o thing_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n they_o perceive_v to_o be_v most_o abuse_v as_o in_o man_n ordinance_n it_o often_o chance_v diverse_o in_o divers_a country_n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o excellent_a and_o true_o catholic_n declaration_n i_o will_v not_o only_o communicate_v with_o foreign_a church_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o nothing_o but_o matter_n of_o from_o and_o ceremony_n but_o if_o i_o be_v among_o they_o i_o shall_v observe_v their_o establish_v mode_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o though_o i_o think_v our_o own_o way_n at_o home_n worthy_a upon_o all_o the_o account_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o they_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n but_o religious_o abstain_v from_o create_v any_o prejudice_n against_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_a people_n in_o those_o place_n and_o rather_o do_v all_o that_o honest_o i_o can_v to_o bring_v those_o to_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o it_o this_o be_v that_o rule_n which_o st._n austin_n think_v shall_v take_v place_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o synod_n of_o bishop_n but_o in_o respect_n also_o of_o those_o custom_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o particular_a church_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o tell_v why_o or_o how_o they_o come_v in_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v he_o there_o be_v one_o most_o wholesome_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v januarium_fw-la that_o wherever_o we_o see_v any_o of_o they_o obtain_v which_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o faith_n nor_o good_a manner_n 119._o and_o have_v some_o tendency_n to_o edification_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o but_o commend_v and_o practise_v they_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o he_o complain_v in_o this_o very_a epistle_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o ceremonious_a observation_n in_o which_o particular_a church_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o and_o wish_n that_o a_o reformation_n be_v make_v by_o authority_n thus_o in_o the_o forego_n epistle_n speak_v of_o the_o different_a observation_n of_o divers_a place_n for_o instance_n that_o some_o fast_n upon_o the_o saturday_n and_o some_o do_v not_o 118._o etc._n etc._n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v indifferent_a nothing_o say_v he_o do_v more_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o prudence_n of_o a_o christian_a then_o to_o do_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o church_n into_o which_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o come_v then_o he_o relate_v st._n ambrose_n his_o celebrate_a answer_n to_o monica_n about_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n when_o i_o be_o at_o rome_n i_o fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n when_o i_o be_o here_o at_o milan_n i_o do_v not_o fast_a and_o so_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o any_o church_n observe_v its_o custom_n if_o thou_o will_v neither_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n nor_o take_v offence_n without_o cause_n this_o advice_n st._n austin_n magnify_v high_o and_o the_o more_o he_o think_v of_o it_o the_o better_a he_o like_v it_o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v often_o with_o great_a sorrow_n consider_v how_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n have_v be_v disturb_v by_o the_o
quarrelsome_a humour_n and_o superstitious_a niceness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n of_o reason_v or_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o custom_n at_o home_n or_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v abroad_o raise_v such_o wrangle_a dispute_n about_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o reckon_v nothing_o well_o do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o plain_a rule_n he_o give_v elsewhere_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n define_v nothing_o certain_a one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o casulanum_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 86._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o law_n now_o by_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o liberty_n be_v which_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v in_o matter_n of_o indifference_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o order_v and_o regulate_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n over_o their_o charge_n as_o st._n ambrose_n word_n to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n about_o the_o forementioned_a case_n do_v plain_o imply_v 86._o resist_v not_o thy_o bishop_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o do_v that_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o dispute_n and_o beside_o those_o particular_a custom_n the_o variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n complain_v of_o 119._o there_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o episcopal_a synod_n concern_v thing_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o liberty_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o sort_n establish_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o foreign_a church_n and_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o break_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o custom_n for_o though_o st._n austin_n be_v sorry_a to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n trouble_v about_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n give_v he_o to_o complain_v that_o communion_n be_v break_v upon_o these_o account_n as_o before_o his_o time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o pope_n victor_n rashness_n in_o presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o observe_v easter_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o of_o march_n have_v not_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o wise_a and_o moderate_a person_n seasonable_o interpose_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n phrase_n contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n our_o separation_n from_o she_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v we_o from_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o bar_v we_o out_o by_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n for_o in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n this_o church_n perfume_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n abroad_o nor_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n who_o custom_n and_o observation_n be_v different_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o make_v a_o end_n of_o impose_v false_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o let_v she_o give_v over_o command_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o she_o may_v for_o we_o use_v her_o authority_n at_o home_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o though_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a abuse_n even_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o need_v a_o reformation_n yet_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o she_o for_o these_o thing_n if_o she_o will_v thorough_o purge_v herself_o from_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n that_o presume_v not_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n nor_o to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o actual_a communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o they_o but_o this_o make_v our_o case_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n but_o enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n only_a they_o must_v not_o upon_o those_o principle_n have_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o there_o be_v far_o more_o vncommand_v rite_n and_o usage_n establish_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o worship_n than_o now_o there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o reform_a church_n abroad_o since_o how_o different_a so_o ever_o the_o external_n mode_n of_o their_o worship_n may_v be_v from_o we_o yet_o some_o they_o all_o have_v and_o that_o consist_v of_o rule_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n but_o by_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o man._n to_o new_a england_n they_o must_v not_o go_v hope_v to_o find_v a_o communion_n there_o lawful_a to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o these_o principle_n the_o nonconformist_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v there_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o own_o censure_n concern_v worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o will_v make_v out_o by_o their_o church_n authority_n such_o as_o it_o be_v what_o they_o can_v show_v chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o our_o separatist_n if_o they_o go_v thither_o shall_v find_v no_o other_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n allow_v there_o but_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o there_o obtain_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unommand_v rite_n and_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v something_o more_o oblige_v by_o this_o principle_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n if_o rule_n for_o custom_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o as_o most_o certain_o such_o rule_n more_o or_o few_o all_o of_o they_o have_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n our_o separatist_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o proper_a governor_n and_o pastor_n who_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n where_o they_o may_v happen_v to_o go_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o authority_n at_o home_n there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v their_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v therein_o by_o one_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n leave_v usfree_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n abroad_o that_o do_v not_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v yet_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o we_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n destructive_a of_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v communicate_v with_o several_a reform_a church_n abroad_o but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a at_o home_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o reform_a church_n which_o exercise_v no_o authority_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o in_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o the_o external_a regulation_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o be_o yet_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v those_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o term_n of_o communion_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o plea_n i_o propound_v which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o only_o common_a to_o both_o side_n but_o which_o also_o may_v be_v as_o true_o allege_v on_o