a_o treatise_n touch_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o apostolical_a rule_n how_o to_o judge_v aright_o in_o difference_n which_o concern_v religion_n john_n 7._o v._o 24._o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o george_n thomason_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n pious_a and_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n convene_v at_o westminster_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parliament_n for_o consultation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reverend_n sir_n consider_v with_o myself_o with_o a_o charitable_a and_o tender_a commiseration_n the_o pestiferous_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n schism_n division_n and_o sect_n wherewith_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_a both_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v ever_o continual_o infest_a distract_a and_o tear_v in_o piece_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o you_o will_v confess_v that_o the_o latter_a two_o rent_n the_o one_o between_o the_o christian-protestants_a and_o roman-catholic_n the_o other_o between_o we_o and_o the_o evangelical-lutherans_a which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n then_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universal-occidental-christian-world_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o desolation_n and_o devastation_n of_o christendom_n be_v foment_v with_o more_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a cruelty_n bitterness_n calumny_n slander_n oppression_n persecution_n and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n then_o ever_o you_o hear_v or_o read_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n then_o from_o a_o unseasonable_a uncharitable_a rash_a presumptuous_a and_o unjust_a judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v do_v very_o well_o exact_o to_o search_v and_o inquire_v which_o of_o these_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n be_v guilty_a or_o innocent_a of_o such_o a_o prejudicial_a schism_n and_o separation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o discern_v which_o side_n to_o embrace_v and_o give_v assent_n unto_o and_o which_o not_o and_o that_o the_o true_a undeniable_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o true_a evangelical_n reform_v protestant_n may_v not_o be_v condemn_v and_o reject_v by_o any_o incompetent_a judge_n as_o false_a erroneous_a heretical_a and_o damnable_a in_o regard_n that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v common_o as_o much_o obnoxious_a to_o ill_a manage_n as_o civil_a and_o temporal_a it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v expedient_a and_o requisite_a for_o we_o to_o repair_v to_o such_o a_o judge_n who_o betwixt_o we_o and_o other_o may_v determine_v and_o decide_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n by_o a_o infallible_a sentence_n from_o which_o we_o can_v appeal_v and_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_v such_o full_a and_o absolute_a determination_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o as_o they_o declare_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n either_o himself_o alone_o or_o with_o assistance_n of_o a_o council_n of_o cardinal_n bishop_n and_o prelate_n depend_v on_o he_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a universal_a church_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o with_o all_o christian_a protestant_n can_v nor_o will_v submit_v to_o any_o other_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n have_v prescribe_v his_o will_n and_o decision_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o we_o only_o close_o and_o positive_o must_v adhere_v and_o stick_v unto_o for_o this_o volume_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o other_o book_n more_o or_o less_o than_o those_o that_o by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v write_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o left_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o from_o it_o be_v spread_v among_o all_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n and_o unfaithful_a heresy_n by_o god_n singular_a providence_n preserve_v and_o in_o their_o original_a tongue_n convey_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o divine_a power_n light_n virtue_n and_o operation_n all_o true_a believer_n feel_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o contain_v though_o not_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o theological_a question_n and_o controversy_n yet_o all_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a for_o every_o true_a christian_n salvation_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o church_n or_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n over_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v call_v pope_n cardinal_n bishop_n or_o divine_n and_o teacher_n or_o general_a counsel_n have_v not_o any_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o decide_v determine_v and_o wrest_v the_o doctrine_n to_o their_o arbitrary_a judgement_n and_o pleasure_n but_o only_o a_o ministerial_a function_n to_o teach_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whither_o and_o how_o they_o be_v decide_v in_o it_o neither_o to_o force_v their_o doubtful_a and_o undecided_a opinion_n upon_o any_o man_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la or_o excommunication_n unless_o he_o shall_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o any_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o plain_a declaration_n thereof_o or_o cry_v up_o his_o own_o erroneous_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n interpretation_n consequence_n and_o inference_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o disturbance_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o papist_n cast_v continual_o into_o the_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a protestant_n tooth_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o still_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v be_v themselves_o infallible_a judge_n by_o obstruct_v and_o impose_v their_o own_o particular_a exposition_n and_o inference_n on_o other_o the_o lutheran_n indeed_o especial_o which_o be_v call_v lutherani_fw-la rigidi_fw-la the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o be_v so_o strict_o addict_v formulae_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la that_o they_o bound_v not_o only_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o all_o other_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o opinion_n principal_o in_o the_o point_n of_o consubstantiation_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o its_o oral_a manducation_n by_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o public_a office_n and_o dignity_n as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v obstinate_o persist_v in_o their_o arrogant_a judge_v and_o condemn_v will_v have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o this_o charge_n the_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a reform_a church_n how_o that_o they_o only_o depend_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o on_o any_o man_n interpretation_n and_o opinion_n much_o less_o presume_v to_o impose_v they_o on_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n without_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o christian_a charity_n have_v be_v of_o late_a sufficient_o and_o punctual_o for_o the_o true_a and_o better_a information_n of_o they_o that_o be_v misinform_v exhibit_v in_o high_a dutch_a by_o d._n john_n bergius_n chaplain_n to_o his_o highness_n the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenbourg_n author_n of_o this_o treatise_n one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a divine_v germany_n at_o this_o present_a afford_v a_o primitive_a catholic_n christian_n and_o downright_a protestant_n in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o perspicuous_a way_n that_o even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o peruse_v great_a volume_n may_v palpable_o see_v and_o perceive_v the_o falsehood_n and_o slander_n that_o be_v lay_v at_o all_o christian_a protestant_n door_n and_o withal_o since_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n can_v hope_v for_o any_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n while_o the_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o the_o say_v papist_n and_o lutheran_n be_v not_o appease_v and_o mitigate_v he_o represent_v and_o declare_v to_o they_o a_o infallible_a apostolical_a direction_n and_o rule_n in_o general_n what_o and_o how_o far_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o roman-catholic_n and_o lutheran_n
adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n apostolic_a doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o principal_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n do_v not_o proper_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n maintain_v as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o only_o the_o by-doctrine_n and_o addition_n which_o they_o for_o their_o part_n have_v innovate_v and_o beside_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a christian_a doctrine_n will_v enforce_v upon_o we_o as_o necessary_a but_o we_o reject_v either_o as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o as_o unnecessary_a and_o doubtful_a for_o notwithstanding_o some_o new_a interpretation_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o some_o new_a opinion_n in_o some_o controversy_n may_v be_v find_v among_o our_o divine_n as_o they_o be_v very_o obvious_a and_o ordinary_a among_o the_o papist_n and_o lutheran-divines_a yet_o by_o such_o singular_a interpretation_n of_o some_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o new_a doctrine_n be_v introduce_v but_o ground_v upon_o more_o evident_a warrant_n or_o though_o one_o or_o other_o shall_v maintain_v some_o new_a opinion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o press_v by_o they_o or_o by_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o necessary_a doctrine_n but_o liberty_n be_v give_v therein_o for_o each_o one_o opinion_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v not_o approve_v of_o at_o all_o but_o rather_o reject_v and_o set_v by_o like_a as_o not_o only_o we_o but_o the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o every_o thing_n express_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o principal_a monument_n and_o writing_n of_o the_o father_n but_o in_o case_n one_o or_o some_o of_o we_o will_v cry_v up_o and_o urge_v their_o own_o singular_a opinion_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n with_o those_o we_o shall_v find_v even_o as_o much_o fault_n as_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o lutheran_n quidquid_fw-la ille_fw-la quamvis_fw-la sanctus_fw-la &_o doctus_fw-la quamvis_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quamvis_fw-la confessor_n &_o martyr_n praeter_fw-la omnes_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la contra_fw-la omnes_fw-la senserit_fw-la id_fw-la inter_fw-la proprias_fw-la &_o occultas_fw-la &_o privatas_fw-la opiniunculas_fw-la à _fw-la communis_fw-la publicae_fw-la as_o generalis_fw-la sententiae_fw-la authoritate_fw-la secretum_fw-la sit_fw-la vincent_n licin_n commonit_fw-la 2o._o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n by_o all_o this_o what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v declare_v every_o understanding_n and_o conscientious_a man_n may_v without_o partiality_n and_o passion_n judge_v and_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o lawful_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v we_o or_o our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n whereas_o we_o for_o our_o part_n prescribe_v not_o to_o other_o man_n any_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n except_o only_o what_o be_v so_o evident_o and_o express_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o themselves_o with_o we_o must_v receive_v for_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a or_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v receive_v and_o teach_v unanimous_o nor_o contrary_a wise_n do_v we_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n which_o be_v thus_o necessary_a though_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v each_o particular_a interpretation_n or_o inference_n which_o either_o of_o the_o different_a party_n account_v for_o necessary_a now_o if_o we_o may_v not_o just_o be_v judge_v or_o condemn_v for_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o all_o our_o church_n in_o general_a much_o less_o may_v we_o be_v judge_v then_o for_o some_o different_a and_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o expression_n which_o peradventure_o have_v be_v maintain_v by_o particular_a teacher_n and_o not_o general_o approve_v by_o all_o the_o church_n or_o by_o ourselves_o who_o be_v cry_v down_o for_o heretic_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o thy_o word_n and_o not_o by_o other_o man_n word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v matth._n 12._o v._n 37._o much_o less_o than_o for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o of_o we_o have_v ever_o maintain_v but_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n by_o dreadful_a slander_n or_o misconstruction_n and_o perversion_n of_o our_o word_n and_o meaning_n or_o by_o groundless_a vain_a scholastic_a consequence_n and_o illation_n as_o that_o we_o deny_v god_n truth_n omnipotency_n justice_n and_o mercy_n that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n a_o tyrant_n author_n of_o sin_n yea_o a_o devil_n and_o more_o such_o like_a unchristian_a inhuman_a and_o very_o diabolical_a calumny_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n commit_v to_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n and_o instead_o thereof_o we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o inclinable_a to_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n let_v we_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o what_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o james_n 4._o v._o 12._o and_o if_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v one_o another_o with_o word_n how_o much_o worse_o be_v it_o then_o when_o they_o from_o a_o verbal_a judge_a fall_n at_o length_n to_o a_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n or_o other_o violence_n against_o life_n good_n honour_n and_o dignity_n when_o they_o not_o only_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o if_o possible_o can_v be_v exclude_v from_o man_n society_n and_o extirpate_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n those_o who_o only_o profess_v christ_n and_o his_o word_n and_o will_v not_o hark_v and_o countenance_v humane_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n this_o be_v the_o bloodthirsty_a course_n of_o cain_n and_o caiaphas_n who_o god_n also_o in_o his_o due_a time_n will_v judge_v according_o the_o second_o part_n chap._n ix_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o this_o doctrine_n the_o four_o objection_n against_o the_o aforesaid_a doctrine_n what_o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v concern_v the_o rash_a and_o unseasonable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n many_o will_v object_v that_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o use_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o and_o not_o only_o the_o old_a sect_n reject_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o also_o the_o modern_a roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o say_v lutheran_n who_o never_o as_o yet_o have_v be_v hear_v much_o less_o judge_v or_o condemn_v in_o any_o universal_a council_n or_o other_o legal_a ecclesiastical_a consistory_n and_o that_o nevertheless_o we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o not_o only_o with_o word_n but_o rather_o with_o deed_n in_o regard_n we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o church_n and_o congregation_n perform_v our_o divine_a service_n in_o our_o peculiar_a assembly_n apart_o or_o reform_v whole_a church_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o give_v thereby_o a_o great_a scandal_n unto_o other_o cause_v by_o such_o separation_n or_o reformation_n at_o least_o a_o schism_n division_n and_o discord_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o often_o cite_a place_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v faithful_o warn_v we_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n wherefore_o have_v hitherto_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a rule_n wherein_o and_o why_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o let_v we_o now_o go_v on_o and_o learn_v also_o by_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v and_z be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o also_o shall_v easy_o thereby_o discern_v which_o side_n of_o the_o modern_a dissent_v part_n transgress_v or_o exceed_v therein_o and_o which_o part_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o pernicious_a schism_n division_n and_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o great_a scandal_n and_o other_o distraction_n of_o the_o modern_a christian_a church_n from_o thence_o arise_v and_o withal_o whether_o and_o which_o part_n ought_v ii_o part_n ii_o or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o reform_v the_o other_o in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n 9_o chap._n 9_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o in_o the_o say_a place_n that_o we_o ought_v principal_o to_o judge_v this_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n where_o first_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o judge_v he_o speak_v of_o be_v refer_v rather_o to_o the_o matter_n to_o the_o work_n
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o
indifferent_a thing_n because_o of_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n if_o but_o they_o reciprocal_o permit_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o constrain_v to_o receive_v &_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o also_o contrariwise_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n esteem_v necessary_a because_o of_o god_n ordinance_n but_o they_o as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o for_o example_n the_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n we_o must_v then_o judge_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n thus_o far_o lest_o we_o omit_v and_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n against_o our_o conscience_n for_o their_o sake_n yet_o nevertheless_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o such_o necessity_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o judge_v their_o conscience_n nor_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n wherein_o we_o agree_v as_o yet_o together_o if_o they_o will_v but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n therein_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v against_o our_o conscience_n because_o of_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n iii_o morover_n concern_v such_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n where_o both_o side_n account_v their_o opinion_n for_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o godly_a &_o consequent_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n for_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o even_o for_o superstitious_a and_o damnable_a of_o those_o we_o ought_v and_o must_v judge_v so_o far_o that_o we_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o god_n truth_n since_o we_o have_v get_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avoid_v to_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o contrary_a error_n and_o abuse_n especial_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n lest_o we_o dangerous_o wound_v and_o offend_v our_o own_o conscience_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v not_o press_v such_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o which_o they_o for_o themselves_o hold_v necessary_a as_o necessary_a upon_o we_o against_o our_o conscience_n who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o at_o least_o will_v tolerate_v we_o among_o themselves_o as_o err_v and_o weak_a believe_a christian_n if_o also_o their_o religion_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o constitute_v that_o we_o can_v have_v a_o fellowship_n together_o for_o the_o other_o point_n wherein_o we_o yet_o agree_v without_o communion_n of_o any_o superstition_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n or_o deny_v of_o god_n truth_n and_o without_o scandal_n to_o other_o weak_a believer_n we_o will_v or_o shall_v then_o not_o utter_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o church_n in_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o of_o their_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o they_o have_v add_v unto_o it_o but_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o therein_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o judea_n who_o under_o the_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o juda_n forsake_v not_o quite_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v pollute_v with_o manifold_a idolatry_n but_o perform_v their_o godly_a exercise_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n yea_o after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n who_o although_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o defile_v with_o much_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n and_o although_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o their_o leaven_n yet_o neglect_v not_o with_o they_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o synogogue_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v be_v tolerate_v therein_o joh._n 18._o v._n 20._o act_n 3._o v._o 1._o &_o 5._o v._o 42._o &_o 13._o v._o 5._o &_o 21._o v._o 27_o 28._o but_o now_o at_o this_o present_a the_o difference_n and_o breach_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o a_o quite_o other_o case_n church_n why_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o that_o the_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v unavoidable_a especial_o for_o these_o reason_n follow_v first_o because_o the_o romish_a church_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n which_o on_o both_o side_n be_v receive_v for_o christian_a and_o catholic_a will_v not_o let_v the_o protestant_n enjoy_v their_o liberty_n in_o many_o such_o doctrine_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o unto_o salvation_n but_o enforce_v those_o upon_o they_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a because_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la upon_o excommunication_n and_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n hold_v not_o only_o not_o necessary_a but_o express_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o superstitious_a as_o for_o example_n the_o communion_n under_o one_o kind_a contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o adoration_n of_o image_n repugnant_a to_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o etc._n etc._n the_o prohibition_n for_o all_o priest_n to_o marry_v and_o commandment_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n at_o certain_a time_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4_o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o more_o such_o like_a point_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v specify_v before_o in_o the_o 4._o chap._n second_o because_o they_o have_v introduce_v some_o such_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n as_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n whereas_o they_o can_v show_v we_o any_o evident_a and_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n more_o certain_a and_o manifest_a ground_n from_o the_o undoubted_a write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v false_a erroneous_a and_o repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n and_o ordinance_n or_o to_o the_o very_a fundamental_a doctrine_n if_o not_o express_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o also_o absolute_o damnable_a in_o themselves_o especial_o to_o they_o who_o shall_v entertain_v they_o against_o their_o conscience_n for_o example_n that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v daily_o be_v form_v of_o bread_n by_o the_o masse-priest_n or_o transubstantiate_v offer_v again_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o adore_v under_o the_o shape_n of_o bread_n that_o we_o must_v deserve_v eternal_a life_n through_o our_o own_o condign_a merit_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o even_o be_v doubtful_a of_o our_o salvation_n that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n in_o stead_n of_o christ_n upon_o pain_n of_o their_o damnation_n and_o must_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o whatsoever_o he_o teach_v and_o ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a popish_a power_n and_o such_o like_a point_n which_o they_o for_o their_o part_n maintain_v not_o only_o as_o necessary_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o enforce_v they_o upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n as_o principal_a point_n of_o most_o necessary_a fundamental_a save_a doctrine_n three_o because_o their_o chief_a and_o daily_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o qualify_v that_o we_o can_v even_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o that_o which_o they_o retain_v with_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v thereby_o against_o our_o conscience_n make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a abuse_n especial_o in_o the_o mass_n four_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o will_v not_o tolerate_v we_o who_o can_v allow_v against_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o know_a word_n of_o god_n of_o their_o un-catholick_n by-doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n nor_o receive_v we_o either_o as_o true-beleever_n nor_o as_o err_v weak_a believe_a fellow_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o utter_o condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v we_o as_o unfaithful_a heretic_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n persecute_v we_o with_o banishment_n fire_n and_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_o manifest_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o they_o have_v solemn_o publish_v and_o authorize_v their_o un-christian_a sentence_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o can_v be_v recall_v and_o consequent_o no_o melioration_n or_o reconcilement_n and_o agreement_n on_o their_o side_n can_v be_v hope_v for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o stand_v to_o the_o say_a council_n by_o all_o which_o i_o conceive_v
each_o impartial_a and_o unpassionate_a man_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v papist_n how_o far_o we_o judge_v the_o papist_n first_o that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n not_o only_o aught_o but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v thus_o far_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v attribute_v unto_o ourselves_o or_o to_o our_o church_n any_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n over_o other_o church_n or_o person_n and_o their_o conscience_n or_o constitute_v our_o own_o spirit_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v charge_v we_o withal_o or_o that_o every_o idiot_n or_o ignorant_a may_v and_o can_v judge_v of_o theological_a controversy_n but_o only_o that_o we_o each_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n must_v judge_v and_o discern_v judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la as_o far_o as_o god_n through_o his_o spirit_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n what_o we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v consonant_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n truth_n or_o falsehood_n good_a or_o evil_n light_a or_o darkness_n and_o consequent_o what_o for_o to_o avoid_v our_o own_o damnation_n we_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o or_o not_o believe_v confess_v or_o deny_v or_o also_o set_v by_o as_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o in_o one_o word_n what_o we_o must_v do_v and_o avoid_v for_o our_o salvation_n which_o judge_v and_o determine_v no_o man_n let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a and_o of_o what_o religion_n soever_o can_v be_v hinder_v and_o refrain_v from_o because_o no_o man_n even_o among_o the_o papist_n themselves_z can_v or_o shall_v receive_v or_o reject_v any_o religion_n for_o himself_o but_o he_o judge_v partly_o of_o it_o and_o have_v his_o reason_n and_o ground_n why_o he_o do_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o though_o in_o his_o sentence_n and_o decision_n he_o may_v judge_v aright_o or_o wrong_n build_v upon_o good_a or_o evil_a ground_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o man_n which_o either_o will_v make_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v also_o always_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n catholic_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o modern_a ecclesiastical_a schism_n and_o separation_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o romish_a catholic_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o pet._n 3._o v._n 15.16_o second_o that_o also_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n from_o the_o romish_a be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o protestant_n but_o to_o the_o roman-catholic_n yet_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a romish_a church_n but_o principal_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o prelate_n who_o have_v their_o dominion_n over_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o those_o divine_n who_o advice_n and_o doctrine_n they_o follow_v yea_o that_o we_o be_v not_o those_o who_o separate_a and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o papist_n be_v they_o who_o first_o by_o un-catholick_n addition_n of_o new_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n apostolical_a church_n and_o withal_o reject_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o by_o their_o un-christian_a condemn_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o not_o only_o we_o but_o all_o other_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n viz._n the_o grecian_a russian_a armenian_a georgian_a aethiopian_a etc._n etc._n whereby_o nevertheless_o the_o romish_a church_n by_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o it_o have_v separate_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n like_o as_o in_o fromer_fw-ge time_n the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o be_v also_o become_v a_o right_n schismatical_a sectary_n church_n wherefore_o also_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n separate_v ourselves_o from_o it_o both_o for_o its_o uncatholicall_a superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n lest_o we_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o it_o and_o also_o for_o its_o un-christian_a tyrannical_a judge_v because_o we_o may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v among_o they_o but_o be_v utter_o reject_v by_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v remain_v unite_v with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o univerall_a christian_a faith_n and_o brotherly_a charity_n in_o christ_n whereunto_o we_o be_v so_o often_o and_o earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n revel_v 18._o v._n 4._o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2_o cor._n 6._o v._n 17._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 6._o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 21._o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 10._o v._n 14_o etc._n etc._n three_o that_o herein_o also_o we_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o this_o apostolic_a rule_n but_o therefore_o rather_o separate_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o may_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v the_o conscience_n and_o first_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o needs_o must_v be_v grievous_o offend_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n adhere_v to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n whereof_o not_o only_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o and_o superstitious_a whereby_o we_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n himself_o by_o reason_n we_o wilful_o forsake_v and_o deny_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v damnable_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v against_o conscience_n when_o they_o do_v err_v or_o yet_o doubt_v as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 14._o v._n 23._o how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o and_o evident_o warrant_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o second_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o such_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o who_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o very_a grievous_a offence_n if_o we_o dissemble_v against_o conscience_n will_v also_o by_o our_o example_n mislead_v they_o against_o conscience_n to_o the_o like_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n three_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o err_a themselves_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n as_o yet_o and_o who_o we_o will_v by_o our_o example_n confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o abuse_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o uncharitable_a excommunication_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n and_o therewith_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n whereas_o we_o shall_v rather_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o knowledge_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n and_o although_o we_o upon_o these_o most_o urgent_a and_o solid_a reason_n must_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o exterior_a congregation_n yet_o we_o be_v inseparate_a and_o undivided_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a christianity_n as_o have_v be_v say_v heretofore_o and_o remain_v with_o they_o as_o far_o unite_v both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n as_o much_o as_o we_o with_o safety_n of_o our_o conscience_n may_v discharge_v towards_o they_o or_o they_o will_v but_o accept_v of_o we_o four_o because_o not_o only_o particular_a man_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o whole_a congregation_n yea_o whole_a people_n and_o nation_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o reject_v of_o such_o erroneous_a popish_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n themselves_o that_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v good_a reason_n &_o have_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o reform_v themselves_o it_o do_v follow_v by_o all_o this_o without_o any_o contradiction_n that_o they_o have_v have_v good_a reason_n yea_o have_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o function_n to_o purge_v their_o church_n from_o such_o popish_a leaven_n and_o to_o reform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o romish_a church_n with_o their_o dependent_n will_v not_o condescend_v at_o all_o to_o such_o reformation_n but_o anathematise_v excommunicate_a oppose_v and_o destroy_v it_o to_o their_o utmost_a power_n see_v it_o can_v be_v maintain_v under_o any_o
deny_v or_o omit_v what_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v whereby_o we_o shall_v give_v yet_o a_o more_o dangerous_a offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o or_o not_o not_o only_o to_o do_v against_o erroneus_fw-la or_o weak_a but_o against_o true-beleeving_a conscience_n and_o withal_o against_o god_n command_v itself_o iu._n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o such_o false_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v be_v press_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o as_o sound_v and_o true_a but_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o true_a sound_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v command_v be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v not_o only_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o erroneous_a but_o even_o as_o heretical_a which_o also_o if_o we_o do_v confess_v or_o practise_v that_o and_o do_v deny_v or_o omit_v this_o against_o conscience_n will_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o common_a sin_n and_o offence_n to_o our_o and_o our_o neighbour_n conscience_n but_o also_o idolatry_n and_o a_o deny_v of_o god_n for_o since_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v way_n that_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a unto_o we_o as_o for_o example_n the_o mosaical_a distinction_n of_o meat_n or_o the_o circumcision_n which_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v as_o necessary_a impose_v on_o we_o lest_o we_o may_v seek_v our_o salvation_n without_o christ_n gal._n 5_o v._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o how_o much_o less_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o countenance_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o forbid_v whereby_o we_o will_v seek_v our_o salvation_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o christ_n and_o because_o of_o man_n tradition_n and_o doctrine_n make_v god_n commandment_n of_o none_o effect_v matth._n 15._o v._n 6._o church_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o may_v separate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o erroneous_a church_n v._o from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v further_o when_o we_o because_o of_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n enforce_v upon_o we_o as_o necessary_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v have_v knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v cry_v down_o for_o heretic_n condemn_v excommunicate_v shut_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o we_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o also_o be_v in_o conscience_n bind_v and_o constrain_v of_o necessity_n and_o force_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o and_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n thus_o proceed_v with_o we_o and_o not_o consequent_o those_o who_o of_o necessity_n as_o excommunicate_v and_o reject_a man_n must_v separate_v themselves_o but_o those_o which_o do_v reject_v and_o force_v they_o to_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o the_o unjust_a uncharitable_a judge_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o also_o of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o distraction_n depend_v from_o the_o same_o vi_o yea_o that_o no_o man_n who_o in_o his_o conscience_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o by_o such_o erroneous_a church_n or_o those_o that_o have_v charge_n over_o they_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v and_o condemn_v may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n remain_v in_o their_o outward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n first_o because_o he_o can_v but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o dissemble_v thereby_o against_o his_o own_o true_a believe_a conscience_n and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o will_v become_v to_o himself_o a_o heavy_a offence_n and_o stumble_a block_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n then_o because_o he_o will_v also_o by_o his_o example_n be_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o other_o true_a believer_n who_o together_o with_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o it_o yea_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v their_o excommunication_n and_o condemnation_n as_o much_o as_o do_v lie_v in_o his_o power_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n not_o only_o against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o against_o the_o christian_a brotherly_a charity_n three_o because_o he_o will_v also_o give_v a_o offence_n to_o the_o err_a party_n by_o confirm_v he_o both_o in_o such_o error_n and_o in_o the_o uncharitable_a excommunication_n and_o condemnation_n with_o his_o own_o example_n and_o assent_v and_o by_o make_v himself_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o persecution_n vii_o moreover_o when_o such_o church_n or_o part_n of_o it_o although_o it_o do_v maintain_v such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n yet_o enforce_v it_o not_o upon_o '_o its_o fellow-member_n as_o necessary_a nor_o excommunicate_v or_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o but_o in_o such_o erroneous_a point_n of_o doctrine_n permit_v the_o true-beleever_n to_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n these_o then_o though_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o avoid_v and_o beware_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o of_o a_o abominable_a and_o pernicious_a leaven_n and_o to_o contradict_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n with_o christian_a charity_n and_o meekness_n yet_o in_o their_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o as_o yet_o utter_o to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o such_o a_o church_n lest_o by_o their_o separation_n a_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v to_o further_a schism_n and_o division_n which_o many_o time_n be_v more_o prejudicial_a and_o offensive_a than_o the_o error_n itself_o whereof_o we_o have_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n not_o only_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o true-beleeving_a israelites_n who_o live_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a time_n at_o bethel_n and_o during_o the_o baal-service_n in_o israel_n and_o yet_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n unto_o he_o but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n before_o and_o after_o his_o ascension_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o synagogue_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v be_v tolerate_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o leven_a of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n yea_o the_o lord_n rather_o exhort_v they_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leven_a mat._n 16._o v._n 6._o yet_o shall_v labour_v to_o do_v and_o to_o observe_v whatsoever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v bid_v they_o observe_v in_o moses_n seat_n out_o of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23._o v._n 1_o 2._o viii_o out_o of_o all_o this_o we_o infer_v yet_o further_o refomation_n when_o and_o how_o far_o we_o may_v undergo_v the_o refomation_n if_o not_o only_o private_a particular_a person_n but_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o they_o that_o have_v charge_n over_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o dangerous_a error_n and_o abuse_n which_o have_v peradventure_o take_v root_n in_o they_o whereby_o somewhat_o that_o be_v erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a be_v add_v or_o somewhat_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o necessary_a be_v diminish_v or_o pervert_v in_o the_o universal_a indubitable_a save_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n that_o then_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n yea_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o function_n to_o reform_v such_o dangerous_a abuse_n and_o error_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a undoubted_a apostolical_a church_n yea_o withal_o to_o exhort_v and_o animate_v out_o of_o god_n word_n other_o congregation_n unto_o like_a reformation_n lest_o they_o cast_v any_o further_o stumble_v block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o their_o own_o and_o their_o posterity_n way_n deut._n 13._o jos_n 22._o judg._n 6._o v._o 10._o 1_o sam._n 7._o 1_o chron._n 13._o &_o 15._o 2_o chron._n 15._o &_o 17._o &_o 29._o &_o 30._o &_o 31._o &_o 34._o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 5._o v._n 7._o &_o 11._o v._o 16._o gal._n 5._o v._n 1.10_o revel_v 2._o v._n 5.14_o 15.24_o &_o 3._o v._o 2_o 3._o yet_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o rash_o condemn_v other_o particular_a church_n which_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o error_n but_o rather_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o conserve_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a doctrine_n till_o they_o be_v likewise_o edify_v by_o their_o example_n and_o deliver_v from_o such_o dangerous_a error_n but_o if_o other_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o much_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o such_o
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v only_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n at_o least_o so_o long_o till_o god_n enlighten_v and_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n ought_v daily_o to_o search_v into_o whereby_o we_o do_v conclude_v further_a that_o we_o ought_v also_o not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o doctrine_n especial_o when_o the_o other_o may_v produce_v motive_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o such_o which_o be_v take_v not_o from_o natural_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o his_o understanding_n but_o also_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o must_v at_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v say_v whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o upon_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o general_o be_v altogether_o subject_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v their_o supreme_a head_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o church_n in_o italy_n spain_n and_o the_o great_a part_n in_o france_n germany_n and_o poland_n then_o the_o protestant_a evangelical_n lutheran_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v confessionem_fw-la agustanam_n &_o saxonicam_fw-la formulam_fw-la concordiae_fw-la as_o their_o symbolical_a and_o universal_a book_n of_o doctrine_n not_o that_o they_o ground_n principal_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o in_o germany_n especial_o in_o high_a and_o low_a saxony_n some_o church_n in_o swaben_n francony_a westphaly_n hessen_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o germany_n the_o church_n in_o denmark_n sweden_n and_o prussia_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n perceive_v betwixt_o they_o because_o some_o have_v not_o receive_v hitherto_o as_o yet_o the_o say_v formulam_fw-la saxonicam_fw-la and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v collect_v their_o own_o peculiar_a corpora_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la confession_n and_o book_n of_o doctrine_n three_o those_o evangelical_n christian_n protestant_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v and_o tie_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v luther_n calvin_n zuinglius_fw-la or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o book_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v name_v by_o any_o man_n name_n but_o have_v purge_v and_o reform_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n from_o the_o abuse_n of_o popery_n only_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v common_o call_v reform_v by_o some_o papist_n they_o be_v call_v biblist_n or_o scripture-man_n of_o which_o name_n they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a because_o they_o be_v ground_v on_o and_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o holy_a bible_n as_o the_o church_n in_o england_n scotland_n helvetia_n the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o low-countries_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o germany_n poland_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o have_v collect_v and_o frame_v also_o their_o peculiar_a confession_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n to_o bind_v other_o christian_n conscience_n even_o to_o their_o word_n but_o only_o to_o testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o uniformity_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o the_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n then_o secondary_o in_o the_o confutation_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o erroneous_a by-doctrine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o even_o unto_o death_n not_o only_o because_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o controvert_v point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o church_n i_o say_v their_o own_o doctrine_n which_o they_o themselves_o unanimous_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o especial_o because_o beside_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o with_o one_o consent_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o maintain_v or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o also_o do_v neither_o deny_v pervert_v or_o mutilate_v any_o part_n or_o article_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o introduce_v any_o other_o by-gospel_n or_o by-article_n or_o judge_n or_o condemn_v other_o for_o it_o whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
christianity_n yet_o do_v very_o much_o transgress_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o rule_n both_o of_o god_n truth_n and_o christian_a charity_n see_v they_o add_v many_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o therein_o as_o heretic_n which_o nevertheless_o in_o themselves_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o necessary_a yea_o false_a and_o not_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o be_v some_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n find_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v too_o too_o zealous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o undertake_v to_o judge_v other_o who_o will_v not_o altogether_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o unanimous_a doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v well_o know_v which_o of_o these_o three_o divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n judge_v the_o other_o or_o be_v judge_v by_o they_o aright_o or_o wrong_n i_o will_v first_o declare_v but_o brief_o and_o only_o as_o much_o as_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o information_n of_o the_o unlearned_a whether_o the_o other_o two_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o the_o lutheran_n have_v any_o sufficient_a and_o wellgrounded_n reason_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a church_n as_o heretical_a then_o shall_v i_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o show_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o apostolical_a direction_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o our_o church_n ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o other_o two_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o lutheran_n that_o the_o romish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o reform_a or_o lutherane_n church_n as_o far_o as_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o to_o be_v heretical_a we_o make_v it_o good_a by_o reason_v thus_o because_o they_o can_v accuse_v we_o or_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o our_o church_n either_o deny_v any_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_n apostolic_a catholic_a faith_n or_o do_v introduce_v and_o condescend_v to_o any_o false_a heretical_a point_n but_o they_o do_v condemn_v we_o mere_o for_o this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v some_o article_n of_o their_o modern_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o cry_v up_o for_o universal_a or_o catholical_a and_o yet_o either_o be_v not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o or_o false_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o we_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n although_o they_o charge_v and_o accuse_v we_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o new_a protestant_n calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n un-catholike_a false_a and_o partly_o heretical_a damnable_a blasphemous_a doctrine_n as_o that_o we_o make_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o do_v deny_v all_o freewill_n of_o man_n even_o after_o his_o regeneration_n that_o according_a to_o our_o doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a even_o to_o the_o believer_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o may_v be_v save_v and_o justify_v though_o we_o live_v never_o so_o sinful_o that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forgive_v though_o we_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o they_o that_o the_o justification_n be_v wrought_v mere_o by_o a_o external_a imputation_n without_o internal_a renovation_n and_o sanctification_n that_o repentance_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o new_a obedience_n and_o good_a work_n be_v quite_o unnecessary_a that_o we_o reject_v all_o fast_n all_o vow_n and_o church-discipline_n dignity_n order_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n annihilate_v the_o sacrament_n or_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v but_o naked_a bare_a sign_n blaspheme_n and_o despise_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o suchlike_a point_n against_o which_o our_o church_n have_v always_o solemn_o protest_v both_o in_o their_o confession_n and_o apology_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n but_o that_o all_o these_o be_v but_o mere_a slander_n detraction_n and_o misconstruction_n whereupon_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o with_o one_o accord_n that_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o hearken_v to_o any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o only_o adhere_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v principal_o ground_v upon_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o main_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o all_o sect_n and_o heresy_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o general_n christian_n synod_n of_o nicene_n ephesus_n chalcedone_n and_o constantinople_n who_o universal_a confession_n of_o faith_n they_o unanimous_o maintain_v of_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n itself_o confess_v in_o the_o last_o council_n of_o trent_n council_n trid._n sess_v 3._o to_o be_v the_o buckler_n and_o shield_n against_o all_o heresy_n the_o principle_n whereunto_o necessary_o he_o must_v agree_v that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n yea_o the_o solid_a and_o sole_a foundation_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v wherefore_o our_o church_n can_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o new_a heretical_a doctrine_n because_o though_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n shall_v defend_v any_o new_a opinion_n or_o exposition_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o it_o much_o less_o enforce_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o give_v way_n to_o be_v examine_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o now_o for_o all_o this_o the_o roman_a catholic_n persist_v to_o condemn_v our_o church_n as_o heretical_a because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v beside_o such_o ancient_a true_a catholic_a christian_n faith_n all_o their_o modern_a new-fangled_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v since_o add_v and_o invent_v in_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o other_o popish_a council_n of_o late_a time_n or_o in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n it_o behove_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v and_o show_v firm_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n protestant_n principal_a controversy_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n and_o evangelical_n protestant_n for_o example_n will_v they_o condemn_v we_o in_o our_o exterior_a service_n or_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n because_o we_o have_v no_o image_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o saint_n decease_v nor_o do_v adore_v they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v and_o call_v on_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n especial_o the_o virgin_n mary_n yea_o that_o we_o do_v not_o dig_v and_o take_v their_o bone_n or_o other_o relic_n out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o worship_n they_o nor_o pay_v vow_n or_o make_v pilgrimage_n to_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o buy_v or_o purchase_v the_o pope_n indulgency_n celebrate_v no_o mass_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a nor_o make_v any_o distinction_n of_o meat_n on_o certain_a day_n or_o a_o general_a weekly_a fast_a neither_o admit_v of_o any_o auricular_a confession_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o every_o particular_a sin_n that_o we_o do_v not_o administer_v the_o holy_a communion_n under_o one_o but_o both_o kind_n or_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n both_o to_o lay_v and_o clergyman_n nor_o celebrate_v any_o mass_n without_o communicant_n neither_o make_v use_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o ceremony_n which_o they_o against_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v forge_v for_o their_o sacrifice_n of_o mass_n especial_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o consecrate_a hostia_fw-la in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o great_a feast_n call_v corpus_n christi-day_n and_o the_o holy_a day_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o we_o perform_v our_o whole_a public_a service_n not_o in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o laic_n but_o in_o the_o know_a mother-tongue_n nor_o forbid_v to_o any_o layman_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n in_o his_o mother-tongue_n but_o exhort_v rather_o every_o one_o in_o general_n unto_o it_o that_o we_o tell_v not_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o bead_n by_o fifty_n and_o hundred_o use_v not_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o holy_a water_n nor_o wear_v about_o we_o agnus_n dei_fw-la or_o such_o like_a consecrate_a relic_n that_o we_o allow_v not_o of_o the_o order_n
mistake_n shall_v they_o judge_v we_o presumptuous_o in_o our_o misconstruction_n of_o their_o pretend_a understanding_n neither_o shall_v they_o bewray_v any_o malice_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o their_o contradiction_n but_o also_o that_o they_o together_o with_o we_o shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o all_o and_o diligent_o inquire_v further_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n into_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v yet_o or_o doubt_v of_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v already_o on_o both_o side_n attain_v mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o give_v no_o offence_n till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o we_o even_o what_o be_v remain_v phil._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o only_a way_n christian_n what_o be_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a mean_n to_o settle_v and_o maintain_v a_o true_a unity_n among_o all_o true_a christian_n whereby_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o spirit_n may_v be_v maintain_v among_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a christian_n for_o all_o those_o that_o now_o adays_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n on_o earth_n do_v agree_v therein_o to_o this_o very_a hour_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n whereof_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v original_o write_v in_o hebrew_n those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o oblige_v themselves_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o submit_v their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n unto_o it_o so_o that_o those_o that_o practise_v it_o not_o only_o with_o word_n but_o also_o with_o true_a and_o sincere_a heart_n may_v without_o any_o difficulty_n in_o all_o thing_n agree_v that_o be_v plain_o and_o express_o teach_v therein_o nay_o they_o be_v already_o unite_v therein_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v and_o to_o do_v unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v true_a fellow-member_n of_o the_o only_a apostolic_a catholic_a church_n if_o together_o with_o this_o universal_a christian_a faith_n they_o do_v but_o tolerate_v and_o receive_v one_o another_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n and_o other_o thing_n 5._o chap._n 5._o that_o be_v not_o so_o manifest_a in_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o may_v thorough_o and_o general_o agree_v beside_o this_o we_o know_v no_o other_o mean_n on_o earth_n that_o either_o god_n have_v give_v and_o ordain_v for_o we_o or_o may_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n wit_n whereby_o a_o true_a universal_a unity_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o maintain_v church_n the_o pretend_a supremacy_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v no_o fit_a mean_n for_o unity_n but_o rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n which_o the_o jesuit_n cry_v up_o for_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o catholic_a uniformity_n that_o same_o be_v rather_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o unity_n among_o all_o christian_n both_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o make_v impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n see_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o inexcusable_a withal_o that_o all_o church_n and_o all_o man_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v subject_v and_o submit_v in_o every_o thing_n their_o conscience_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o lord_n and_o master_n but_o jesus_n christ_n to_o one_o man_n solely_n who_o have_v no_o charge_n and_o warrant_v for_o the_o same_o from_o god_n which_o though_o they_o urge_v and_o press_v as_o the_o most_o necessary_a point_n to_o salvation_n and_o unity_n yet_o can_v not_o obtain_v it_o of_o some_o roman_a catholic_n themselves_z who_o extol_v the_o general_a counsel_n above_o the_o pope_n time_n neither_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o unity_n in_o these_o last_o time_n nor_o be_v concilia_fw-la vniversalia_fw-la in_o these_o last_o time_n the_o true_a mean_n for_o unity_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a impossibility_n in_o these_o last_o thousand_o year_n since_o the_o ancient_a roman_a empire_n destruction_n and_o division_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v be_v impossible_a till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o indict_v and_o gather_v any_o true_a universal_a council_n compose_v of_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o establish_v any_o other_o unity_n then_o by_o reiteration_n and_o renovation_n of_o that_o which_o with_o one_o accord_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o primitive_a universal_a christian_a church_n out_o of_o the_o evident_a and_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n on_o earth_n though_o its_o meeting_n at_o once_o in_o one_o place_n be_v possible_a can_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o itself_o such_o power_n to_o astrain_v and_o oblige_v its_o posterity_n to_o any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n further_o than_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o predecessor_n or_o rather_o by_o god_n himself_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o then_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o 9_o church_n nor_o the_o confession_n &_o formulae_fw-la of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o shall_v neither_o the_o protestant_n or_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o much_o less_o other_o disperse_a sect_n to_o and_o fro_o be_v able_a to_o establish_v a_o tolerable_a ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n either_o by_o their_o vehement_a disceptation_n and_o dispute_n or_o exhortation_n to_o peace_n or_o by_o colloquia_fw-la and_o conference_n or_o by_o national_a and_o provincial_a synod_n or_o per_fw-la synodales_n formulas_fw-la or_o any_o other_o mean_n as_o long_o as_o they_o insist_v and_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a interpretation_n consequence_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o will_v of_o necessity_n judge_v other_o thereby_o see_v chief_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v nor_o approve_v that_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v submit_v and_o agree_v unto_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o teacher_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o far_o more_o will_v thereby_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n about_o the_o interpretation_n and_o inference_n in_o make_v necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n thereof_o by_o endless_a altercation_n and_o dispute_n as_o woeful_a experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v increase_n and_o grow_v dangerous_a even_o to_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n for_o 7._o chap._n 7._o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o gal._n 5._o v._n 15._o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o christian_n yea_o whole_a church_n be_v in_o the_o east_n south_n and_o west_n which_o know_v nothing_o or_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n nor_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o augspourge_n or_o of_o other_o confession_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o europe_n much_o less_o of_o the_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la saxonicae_fw-la how_o be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v undergo_v to_o settle_v by_o such_o mean_n and_o writ_n a_o true_a unity_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o bind_v and_o oblige_v other_o church_n thereunto_o now_o notwithstanding_o we_o conceive_v also_o no_o hope_n to_o obtain_v a_o total_a and_o universal_a reconcilement_n of_o the_o modern_a unhappy_a difference_n and_o division_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o side_n among_o those_o that_o be_v incline_v and_o give_v to_o contradiction_n and_o contention_n because_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v division_n heresy_n and_o sect_n partly_o for_o punishment_n partly_o for_o trial_n 1_o cor._n 11._o v._n 19_o yet_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n unity_n in_o what_o manner_n &_o how_o far_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o unity_n but_o all_o pious_a and_o religious_a heart_n which_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n whereof_o yet_o a_o great_a number_n be_v to_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n
and_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n so_o that_o they_o can_v direct_o be_v account_v unfaithful_a heathen_n or_o damn_a heretic_n but_o hold_v yet_o for_o weak_a believer_n and_o err_a christian_n then_o the_o say_a reformation_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v put_v on_o against_o their_o will_n before_o they_o be_v bitter_a inform_v especial_o the_o error_n be_v such_o which_o have_v not_o be_v reject_v or_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n nevertheless_o lest_o the_o true_a believer_n out_o of_o want_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o offend_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o have_v good_a reason_n yea_o be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o avoid_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o acknowledge_v dangerous_a error_n and_o abuse_n yet_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o separate_v themselves_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n from_o the_o err_a congregation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o it_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o schism_n or_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o unity_n till_o god_n may_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o err_a party_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n but_o when_o the_o true-beleever_n themselves_o be_v not_o tolerate_v by_o the_o err_a party_n as_o it_o happen_v oftentimes_o but_o excommunicate_v or_o condemn_v because_o of_o the_o reject_v of_o their_o error_n then_o they_o have_v not_o only_o very_o good_a reason_n but_o in_o some_o regard_n be_v compel_v to_o settle_v separately_z their_o assembly_n and_o religion_n and_o consequent_o a_o particular_a reformation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v quite_o to_o omit_v and_o set_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n aside_o for_o the_o err_a party_n sake_n which_o they_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n if_o not_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n yet_o from_o the_o use_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n where_o again_o not_o those_o that_o be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o separate_v themselves_o but_o these_o that_o reject_v subject_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v undertake_v the_o reformation_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o excommunicate_v those_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o schism_n especial_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v no_o way_n be_v restrain_v or_o blame_v if_o they_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o like_a error_n and_o abuse_n though_o their_o subject_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o any_o reformation_n yet_o at_o least_o do_v reform_v the_o say_v error_n for_o their_o family_n and_o fellow-beleever_n without_o compulsion_n of_o the_o other_o like_a as_o joshua_n denounce_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n though_o they_o shall_v forsake_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v other_o god_n yet_o he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v he_o jos_n 24._o v._n 15_o 16._o and_o like_v as_o some_o godly_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o david_n himself_o though_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v the_o people_n from_o sacrifice_v in_o high_a place_n yet_o they_o for_o their_o own_o person_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o depart_v and_o turn_v aside_o from_o his_o house_n and_o ordinance_n 1_o reg._n 3._o vers_fw-la 2._o 1_o reg._n 15._o vers_fw-la 14._o &_o 22._o vers_fw-la 43_o 2_o chron._n 20._o v._o 33._o for_o if_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o reason_n and_o equity_n that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v compel_v the_o true-beleeving_a or_o err_a subject_n against_o their_o conscience_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a will_v it_o then_o be_v that_o subject_n religion_n subject_n the_o author_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o prince_n elector_n of_o brandenboug_n case_n with_o his_o lutheran_n subject_n who_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v he_o &_o his_o reform_a attendant_n from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o religion_n though_o true-beleever_n shall_v stop_v and_o restrain_v the_o magistrate_n and_o their_o dependent_n from_o their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o under_o their_o protection_n and_o in_o their_o error_n enjoy_v and_o all_o this_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o such_o difference_n and_o dissension_n of_o the_o church_n which_o concern_v partly_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o but_o the_o condemn_a and_o separation_n be_v so_o much_o more_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o when_o the_o difference_n and_o dispute_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n or_o from_o any_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o by-point_n in_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n though_o the_o error_n and_o abuse_n in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a lest_o a_o little_a leaven_n may_v at_o length_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n where_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o err_v which_o in_o their_o error_n nevertheless_o conserve_v the_o bond_n of_o charity_n in_o unity_n be_v not_o only_o tolerate_v as_o brethren_n but_o also_o account_v for_o better_a christian_n then_o those_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o err_v in_o the_o controvert_v doctrine_n yet_o procure_v thereby_o a_o schism_n and_o division_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o unseasonable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v who_o although_o they_o keep_v on_o both_o side_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o overthrow_n therewith_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o requisite_a whereof_o we_o read_v in_o the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a history_n about_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n 250._o a_o very_a memorable_a example_n of_o cyprian_a and_o his_o follower_n on_o one_o side_n and_o of_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o dependent_n on_o the_o other_o side_n whereas_o though_o cyprian_a together_o with_o the_o bishop_n in_o africa_n err_v in_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o heretic_n be_v convert_v shall_v be_v rebaptise_v yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o by_o such_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o his_o condemn_v other_o who_o defend_v the_o contrary_a but_o inviolable_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a unity_n servatur_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la patient_fw-la &_o firmiter_fw-la charitas_fw-la animi_fw-la collegii_fw-la honour_n vinculum_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o concordia_fw-la sacerdotii_fw-la epist_n 73._o he_o be_v therefore_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v then_o stephen_n who_o though_o he_o do_v not_o err_v in_o the_o doctrine_n yet_o condemn_v cyprian_a and_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n sharp_o reprove_v for_o such_o unchristian_a judge_n and_o unnecessary_a separation_n tu_fw-la stephano_n haereticis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la pejor_fw-la â—s_n &_o light_n &_o dissensiones_fw-la quantas_fw-la parasti_fw-la per_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la totius_fw-la mundi_fw-la peceatum_fw-la verò_fw-la quà m_fw-la magnum_fw-la tibi_fw-la exaggerasti_fw-la quando_fw-la te_fw-la à _fw-la tot_fw-la gregibus_fw-la scidisti_fw-la excidisti_fw-la enim_fw-la te_fw-la ipsum_fw-la noli_fw-la te_fw-la fallere_fw-la siquidem_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la verè_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la qui_fw-la se_fw-la à _fw-la communione_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la apostatam_fw-la fecerit_fw-la dum_fw-la enim_fw-la putas_fw-la omnes_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la abstinerâ—_n posse_fw-la solum_fw-la te_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la abstinuisti_fw-la non_fw-la pudet_fw-la stephanum_n propter_fw-la haereticos_fw-la asserendos_fw-la fraternitatem_fw-la scindere_fw-la insuper_fw-la &_o cyprianum_n pseudo-christum_a &_o pseudo-apostolum_a &_o dolosum_fw-la operatorem_fw-la dicere_fw-la qui_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o se_fw-la esse_fw-la conscius_fw-la praevenit_fw-la ut_fw-la alteri_fw-la ea_fw-la per_fw-la mâ—ndacium_fw-la objiceret_fw-la qua_fw-la ipse_fw-la ex_fw-la merito_fw-la audire_fw-la deberet_fw-la apud_fw-la cypr._n epist_n 75._o otherwise_o this_o say_a cyprian_a notwithstanding_o such_o error_n have_v be_v always_o account_v for_o a_o godly_a teacher_n and_o martyr_n in_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n but_o when_o afterward_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n not_o only_o follow_v he_o in_o such_o error_n but_o also_o condemn_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o other_o true-beleeving_a church_n they_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v reject_v as_o pernicious_a schismatic_n because_o they_o follow_v cyprian_a in_o his_o error_n 10._o chap._n 10._o but_o not_o in_o his_o charity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n and_o cause_v thereby_o a_o most_o scandalous_a breach_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o augustin_n and_o optatus_n milevitanus_fw-la against_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v sufficient_o discern_v whether_o or_o how_o far_o man_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o which_o to_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v with_o more_o ground_n and_o example_n in_o each_o point_n
point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v ereoneous_a and_o false_a and_o if_o not_o direct_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n nevertheless_o if_o but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n yet_o of_o such_o consequence_n account_v their_o own_o opinion_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v not_o impose_v they_o or_o they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v therein_o our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o also_o will_v leave_v to_o our_o freedom_n such_o ceremony_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v hold_v as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o consequent_o will_v tolerate_v and_o receive_v we_o and_o our_o teacher_n as_o true_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n though_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a opinion_n as_o some_o peaceable_a divine_n among_o they_o paulus_n eberus_n david_n chytraeus_n christopherus_n donaver_n nicolaus_n hemmingius_n and_o principal_o philippus_n melanchton_n beside_o many_o other_o of_o his_o follower_n yea_o whole_a congregation_n and_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o poland_n and_o great_a duchy_n of_o lithuania_n a_o great_a while_n since_o have_v declare_v themselves_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o yea_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o shall_v be_v schismatic_n indeed_o if_o we_o of_o our_o own_o accord_n shall_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o of_o such_o different_a opinion_n and_o ceremony_n of_o who_o we_o yet_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o for_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_a point_n they_o retain_v with_o we_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o christ_n save_a doctrine_n and_o be_v exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o a_o public_a and_o manifest_a idolatry_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n have_v our_o church_n and_o divine_n at_o all_o time_n most_o faithful_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o seek_v to_o procure_v and_o settle_v a_o christian_a reconcilement_n and_o unity_n as_o former_o in_o luther_n time_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o marpurg_n an._n 1529_o in_o the_o concordia_fw-la at_o wittenberg_n anno_fw-la 1536._o and_o in_o late_a year_n the_o palatine_a and_o other_o in_o their_o declaration_n for_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o also_o be_v reassume_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o leiprig_n anno_fw-la 1631._o as_o likewise_o at_o those_o present_a time_n many_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n who_o opinion_n and_o assistance_n therein_o as_o that_o reverend_a and_o worthy_a man_n mr._n john_n duray_n have_v solicit_v with_o a_o singular_a industry_n and_o zeal_n to_o a_o peaceable_a unity_n and_o reconcilement_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o wish_v &_o advise_v in_o their_o public_a write_n such_o a_o unanimity_n &_o uniformity_n among_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n whence_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v not_o incline_v to_o judge_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o lutheran_n or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o which_o have_v last_v already_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n again_o it_o be_v know_v and_o manifest_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o lutheran_n on_o their_o part_n will_v hearken_v and_o condescend_v not_o only_o to_o no_o absolute_a agreement_n and_o reconcilement_n but_o also_o to_o no_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a toleration_n or_o moderation_n in_o this_o unhappy_a ecclesiastical_a difference_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o divine_n upom_n who_o also_o many_o layman_n depend_v especial_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n and_o defend_v their_o zeal_n maintain_v their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n not_o only_o as_o agreeable_a with_o scripture_n but_o impose_v they_o also_o as_o necessary_a ground_n and_o principal_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o which_o man_n may_v not_o be_v count_v true_a christian_n nor_o be_v save_v and_o so_o in_o some_o manner_n falsify_v therewith_o the_o groundwork_n itself_o by_o their_o own_o additional_a opinion_n which_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o by-ground_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o effectual_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o themselves_o call_v adiaphora_fw-it free_z indifferent_a thing_n nor_o consequent_o receive_v we_o or_o our_o teacher_n as_o fellow-christians_a unless_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v with_o they_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o carnal_a eat_n thereof_o in_o the_o bread_n and_o other_o such_o like_a point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o their_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la much_o less_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o ministry_n but_o most_o vehement_o condemn_v we_o as_o the_o worst_a heretic_n who_o do_v ovorthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n exclude_v we_o from_o civil_a society_n from_o dignity_n and_o office_n from_o senate_n from_o privilege_n of_o the_o city_n from_o marriage_n and_o from_o honourable_a burial_n moreover_o they_o yet_o daily_o and_o most_o spiteful_o pervert_v calumniate_v and_o slander_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o continual_o and_o most_o unjust_o without_o the_o least_o ground_n against_o our_o own_o so_o often_o reiterated_a declaration_n charge_v it_o with_o dreadful_a and_o abominable_a blasphemy_n which_o neither_o luther_n himself_o nor_o other_o his_o ancient_a follower_n ever_o do_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v pretend_v so_o much_o more_o cause_n for_o to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o divine_v what_o be_v most_o reprovable_a in_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a lutheran_n most_o reprovable_a and_o damnable_a not_o simple_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o they_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o therefore_o so_o uncharitable_o and_o un-christian_a like_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o lutheran_n why_o the_o reform_a must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n whereby_o also_o every_o one_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o we_o therefore_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n constrain_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religion_n from_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n tolerate_v we_o nor_o receive_v we_o as_o christian_n lest_o we_o profess_v and_o addict_v ourselves_o against_o conscience_n to_o such_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_a faith_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n of_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o it_o wherewith_o we_o will_v give_v a_o dangerous_a scandal_n and_o offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o fellow_n christian_n as_o well_o to_o the_o true-beleever_n who_o with_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v by_o our_o example_n proceed_v against_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o err_a that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o example_n in_o their_o error_n and_o here_o again_o we_o be_v not_o those_o that_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o they_o be_v those_o that_o separate_a and_o reject_v we_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v but_o because_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n interpretation_n inference_n formaâ—ls_n and_o expression_n whereby_o they_o put_v a_o very_a dangerous_a stumble_a block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o our_o and_o their_o own_o way_n yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o though_o they_o proceed_v not_o against_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a charity_n especial_o whereas_o also_o the_o christian_a unity_n or_o brotherly_a toleration_n which_o have_v be_v of_o our_o side_n offer_v to_o they_o at_o several_a time_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o in_o writring_n not_o only_o hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o refuse_v by_o they_o but_o also_o by_o many_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o worst_a revile_v slander_v so_o that_o the_o most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o grow_v thereby_o more_o dangerous_a &_o lamentable_a which_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v yet_o with_o a_o christian_a patience_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a judge_n and_o therefore_o not_o omit_v to_o seek_v and_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o they_o that_o be_v peaceable_o affect_v church_n some_o lutheran_n divine_n be_v
in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o which_o treatise_n have_v be_v so_o happy_a to_o peruse_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o my_o worthy_a friend_n and_o countryman_n master_n jaspar_n godeman_n who_o i_o always_o in_o his_o frequent_a conversation_n perceive_v a_o singular_a wellwisher_n to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n i_o have_v immediate_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o translation_n thereof_o much_o animate_v and_o encourage_v by_o his_o and_o divers_a other_o good_a advice_n accompany_v with_o these_o two_o pregnant_a motive_n the_o one_o that_o this_o subject_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a of_o all_o theological_a controversy_n and_o question_n that_o now_o adays_o be_v in_o agitation_n and_o may_v much_o conduce_v if_o not_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o universal_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v always_o earnest_o desire_v of_o man_n true_o zealous_a and_o christian_n so_o that_o learned_a calvin_n offer_v his_o service_n therein_o to_o that_o worthy_a man_n doctor_n cranmer_n say_v it_o will_v not_o grieve_v he_o to_o sail_v over_o ten_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n yet_o prove_v a_o work_n of_o insuperable_a difficulty_n and_o altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n eye_n at_o least_o to_o promote_v the_o christian_a agreement_n and_o reconciliation_n or_o mitigation_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o all_o kingdom_n principality_n and_o free-state_n that_o have_v abandon_v the_o superstition_n and_o pernicious_a leaven_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o not_o only_o the_o protestant_a church_n and_o divine_n in_o germany_n have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n several_a conference_n at_o marpurg_n wittenberg_n and_o of_o late_a at_o leipzig_n but_o also_o at_o these_o present_a time_n that_o famous_a and_o reverend_a divine_a master_n john_n durey_n first_o stir_v up_o by_o that_o excellent_a instrument_n master_n james_n godeman_n father_n of_o the_o worthy_a gentleman_n aforemention_v one_o of_o his_o majesty_n the_o king_n of_o sweden_n privy_a counsellor_n and_o precedent_n of_o his_o court_n of_o appellation_n in_o the_o precinct_n of_o prussia_n and_o then_o second_v with_o hearty_a wish_n tnd_v prayer_n of_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a divine_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n have_v these_o fifteen_o year_n to_o my_o knowledge_n employ_v his_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n and_o singular_a industry_n in_o germany_n sweden_n denmark_n and_o low-countries_n and_o not_o without_o hopeful_a success_n have_v at_o length_n prevail_v so_o much_o with_o the_o lutheran_n especial_o in_o sweden_n that_o they_o not_o only_o have_v give_v over_o their_o slander_n and_o calumniation_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o also_o be_v content_v to_o be_v call_v evangelical_n protestant_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o the_o name_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v till_o god_n reveal_v unto_o they_o what_o be_v remain_v the_o other_o motive_n be_v that_o also_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o these_o tempestuous_a and_o turbulent_a time_n which_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o england_n at_o this_o present_a groan_v and_o labour_v under_o and_o which_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o inquire_v into_o do_v proceed_v original_o from_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o uncharitableness_n and_o acrimony_n in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o reverend_a sir_n it_o will_v be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a whereby_o be_v peradventure_o carry_v away_o with_o rashness_n and_o vehemency_n as_o natural_o all_o man_n be_v incline_v and_o prone_a unto_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o as_o unfaithful_a that_o err_v rather_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o mere_a ignorance_n than_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n much_o good_a he_o may_v here_o learn_v and_o be_v advise_v how_o to_o moderate_v and_o temperate_a his_o passion_n and_o affection_n with_o more_o charity_n and_o peaceablenesse_n and_o steadfast_o maintain_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o substance_n viz._n the_o universal_a christian_a save_v faith_n and_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n unto_o salvation_n lest_o in_o rash_o presumptuous_o and_o rigorous_o condemn_v other_o he_o may_v be_v inexcusable_a and_o condemn_v himself_o and_o contrariwise_o be_v either_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o or_o false_o and_o contumelious_o judge_v slander_v revile_v excommunicate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o true_a orthodoxal_a doctrine_n faith_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o incompetent_a judge_n on_o earth_n he_o may_v know_v without_o believe_v and_o obey_v their_o word_n and_o offend_v thereby_o both_o his_o own_o and_o other_o true_a believe_a or_o err_a conscience_n how_o to_o appeal_v first_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n or_o to_o any_o legal_a and_o impartial_a ecclesiastical_a convocation_n synod_n or_o consistory_n or_o if_o he_o can_v be_v hear_v there_o to_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o heaven_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v judge_v those_o judge_n themselves_o and_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n against_o all_o heresy_n schism_n and_o division_n and_o establish_v a_o universal_a harmony_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o now_o these_o two_o motive_n have_v induce_v i_o to_o this_o slender_a endeavour_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o other_o interest_n or_o respect_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n and_o unity_n among_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n lest_o the_o wellwisher_n and_o furtherer_n thereof_o may_v not_o be_v too_o long_o debar_v from_o the_o lustre_n and_o use_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o jewel_n i_o think_v fit_a and_o expedient_a to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o patronage_n as_o be_v suitable_a and_o adequate_a to_o your_o zeal_n and_o piety_n rely_v herein_o upon_o sir_n edwin_n sandys_n judgement_n deliver_v in_o his_o book_n call_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n pag._n 173._o where_o he_o write_v thus_o the_o end_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o evangelical_n protestant_n church_n will_v be_v that_o their_o enemy_n shall_v laugh_v when_o themselves_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o weep_v unless_o the_o graciousnesse_n of_o god_n stir_v up_o some_o worthy_a prince_n of_o renown_n and_o reputation_n on_o both_o side_n to_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n industry_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o unite_n these_o faction_n or_o at_o least_o for_o reconcile_n and_o compose_v those_o difference_n in_o some_o tolerable_a sort_n a_o work_n of_o immortal_a fame_n and_o desert_n and_o worthy_a of_o none_o but_o they_o of_o who_o this_o wicked_a base_a world_n be_v not_o worthy_a and_o hope_v that_o this_o weak_a attempt_n of_o my_o labour_n though_o some_o of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n will_v perhaps_o either_o careless_o or_o censorious_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o as_o favourable_o accept_v by_o you_o as_o it_o be_v affectionate_o and_o hearty_o tender_v by_o reverend_a sir_n your_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n philip_n freher_n london_n the_o 23th_o of_o march_n 1646._o the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o twelve_o chapter_n i._o of_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o general_n ii_o wherein_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n iii_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n iv_o that_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a v._o that_o the_o lutheran_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_v the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v heretical_a vi_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a question_n in_o this_o present_a difference_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a unity_n vii_o that_o even_o these_o be_v the_o safe_a mean_n to_o restrain_v all_o erroneous_a sect_n viii_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n no_o new_a doctrine_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v teach_v ix_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v or_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v other_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_a protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n xi_o whether_o or_o how_o
far_o the_o reform_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o lutheran_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o xii_o whether_o or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o person_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n imprimatur_fw-la joseph_n caryl_n a_o apostolical_a direction_n what_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o not_o to_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n doctrine_n and_o religion_n rom_n 14._o verse_n 13._o let_v we_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o of_o judge_v in_o general_n the_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v unto_o our_o neighbour_n charity_n which_o be_v the_o true_a work_n of_o charity_n if_o we_o desire_v that_o god_n may_v show_v mercy_n unto_o we_o do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o those_o work_n of_o charity_n specify_v in_o matth._n 25._o to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o to_o comfort_n and_o relieve_v our_o neighbour_n especial_o such_o as_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n in_o all_o corporal_a and_o temporal_a necessity_n these_o be_v the_o most_o notorious_a work_n wherein_o christian_n charity_n be_v external_o manifest_v above_o all_o other_o insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v account_v evident_a mark_n and_o fruit_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 17_o speak_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n but_o we_o must_v also_o principal_o show_v ourselves_o charitable_a and_o compassionate_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n in_o his_o sin_n and_o not_o only_o in_o those_o sin_n he_o commit_v against_o we_o to_o forgive_v he_o willing_o and_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o difficult_a work_n of_o charity_n without_o which_o no_o sacrifice_n nor_o alm_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o whereof_o we_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n daily_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o trespass_n against_o god_n and_o man_n not_o to_o judge_v he_o rash_o much_o less_o condemn_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n do_v teach_v we_o matth._n 1.7_o and_o luke_n 6.37_o where_o he_o comprehend_v all_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n in_o these_o four_o word_n judge_v not_o condemn_v not_o forgive_v give_v for_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o in_o his_o sin_n especial_o in_o such_o which_o proceed_v from_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n but_o rather_o excuse_v he_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n second_o we_o ought_v not_o sudden_o to_o condemn_v he_o in_o such_o offence_n which_o be_v commit_v more_o out_o of_o a_o inexcusable_a malice_n then_o weakness_n but_o rather_o use_v all_o our_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o convert_v he_o and_o save_v his_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o damnation_n three_o we_o ought_v to_o forgive_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n those_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v against_o we_o four_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o give_v to_o he_o and_o supply_v willing_o all_o his_o want_n and_o thus_o we_o shall_v fulfil_v all_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o say_a chapter_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v we_o by_o three_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a motive_n 1._o by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_z whem_o we_o be_v his_o child_n must_v conform_v ourselves_o especial_o in_o love_n and_o compassion_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a 2._o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o proportionable_a remuneration_n if_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v nor_o condemn_v god_n will_v not_o judge_v nor_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o forgive_v god_n will_v forgive_v we_o also_o if_o we_o give_v and_o willing_o assist_v other_o god_n will_v forgive_v and_o relieve_v we_o also_o and_o not_o spare_o but_o liberal_o and_o abundant_o final_o in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o we_o meet_v withal_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v unto_o we_o again_o 3._o by_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o fault_n and_o weakness_n which_o he_o set_v out_o by_o three_o similitude_n of_o one_o blind_a person_n lead_v another_o which_o be_v likewise_o blind_a of_o a_o master_n who_o will_v have_v his_o disciple_n more_o learned_a and_o perfect_a then_o himself_o of_o a_o physician_n or_o oculist_n who_o will_v pull_v out_o the_o mote_n of_o another_o man_n eye_n when_o he_o himself_o have_v a_o beam_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n lest_o we_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v other_o in_o their_o way_n or_o to_o hate_v and_o forsake_v other_o when_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o be_v many_o time_n blind_a and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o good_a master_n and_o guide_v nor_o to_o upbraid_v other_o with_o their_o indiscretion_n and_o imperfection_n when_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n indiscreet_a and_o imperfect_a master_n neither_o to_o find_v so_o great_a fault_n with_o other_o man_n mote_n in_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o undertake_v so_o bold_o the_o pull_v out_o when_o many_o time_n by_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o mote_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o ourselves_o thrust_v into_o our_o own_o eye_n a_o strong_a and_o great_a beam_n of_o hypocrisy_n spiritual_a pride_n presumption_n and_o self-love_n without_o perceive_v it_o at_o all_o not_o what_o sort_n of_o judge_v be_v prohibit_v and_o what_o not_o nevertheless_o this_o sort_n of_o judge_v which_o the_o lord_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v or_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o all_o judge_n in_o general_n be_v prohibit_v and_o unlawful_a for_o he_o do_v not_o thereby_o prohibit_v the_o jurisdiction_n and_o judicature_n whereby_o the_o magistrate_n do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v delinquent_n in_o god_n stead_n and_o whereby_o the_o church_n or_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n stead_n do_v judge_v scandalous_a member_n nor_o the_o judge_n of_o conscience_n whereby_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o judge_v and_o discern_v aright_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n good_a from_o evil_n truth_n from_o falsehood_n justice_n from_o injustice_n that_o he_o may_v know_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o eschew_v such_o manner_n of_o judge_v be_v not_o only_o not_o prohibit_v but_o often_o command_v joh._n 7.24_o judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o 13._o do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o but_o they_o that_o be_v without_o god_n judge_v 1_o cor._n 10.15_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v 1_o joh._n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o christ_n meaning_n be_v to_o prohibit_v thereby_o all_o presumptuous_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o love_v and_o charity_n or_o to_o justice_n and_o truth_n when_o we_o presume_v to_o be_v our_o neighbour_n judge_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o when_o we_o judge_v he_o either_o by_o his_o affliction_n tribulation_n and_o suffering_n like_v as_o job_n be_v judge_v by_o his_o friend_n and_o david_n oftentimes_o especial_o in_o psal_n 41_o cry_v out_o against_o such_o judge_n of_o his_o enemy_n or_o false_a friend_n or_o by_o his_o word_n and_o work_n when_o we_o either_o make_v the_o worst_a construction_n or_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o evil_a mean_v speak_v and_o do_v whereas_o we_o may_v have_v extract_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o and_o excuse_v it_o or_o when_o we_o exasperate_v too_o much_o the_o defect_n and_o fault_n proceed_v out_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o so_o make_v huge_a and_o vast_a beam_n of_o the_o least_o mote_n or_o censure_n upon_o false_a and_o ill_o ground_v slander_n and_o calumny_n that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a yet_o if_o not_o altogether_o forge_v whether_o it_o be_v thus_o speak_v do_v and_o mean_v 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o heart_n mind_n and_o intention_n against_o his_o own_o word_n and_o work_n mere_o out_o of_o a_o malicious_a suspicion_n to_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o other_o or_o when_o we_o will_v needs_o judge_v he_o in_o matter_n though_o certain_a and_o evil_a enough_o yet_o with_o little_a or_o no_o respect_n either_o to_o he_o or_o our_o