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church_n communion_n external_a forsake_v 5,198 5 10.0415 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o 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local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o 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the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o 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the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n 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the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o 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their_o
own_o sphere_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v entrust_v of_o god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o eclesiastical_a affair_n and_o a_o great_a concern_v in_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o public_a assembly_n he_o be_v authorize_v of_o god_n to_o oversee_v the_o determination_n and_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n and_o may_v assume_v to_o himself_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a circumstantial_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o church_n edification_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n keep_v within_o the_o general_n rule_v prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o church-unity_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n word_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o subject_n to_o submit_v to_o what_o their_o governor_n have_v determine_v so_o far_o as_o their_o submission_n be_v allowable_a by_o the_o say_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o governor_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o their_o determination_n more_o especial_o their_o wisdom_n and_o care_n be_v much_o require_v in_o settle_v the_o right_a bound_n of_o unity_n in_o this_o regard_n the_o term_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o communion_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o declare_a will_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o term_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o which_o will_v shut_v out_o none_o who_o god_n have_v qualify_v for_o and_o call_v to_o the_o same_o the_o set_n of_o other_o boundary_n beside_o the_o iniquity_n thereof_o will_v inevitable_o cause_v division_n the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 28._o writing_n to_o the_o blieve_a gentile_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_o infer_v that_o the_o burden_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o that_o assembly_n be_v antecedent_o to_o their_o decree_n either_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o strict_a injunction_n especial_o a_o condition_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o privilege_n aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o necessity_n in_o it_o antecedent_n to_o its_o imposition_n symbolical_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n institute_v by_o man_n to_o signify_v grace_n or_o duty_n be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n for_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n thereof_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o divine_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o service_n will_v be_v undecent_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v institute_v or_o rigid_o urge_v in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o be_v and_o well_o be_v of_o any_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n may_v stand_v without_o they_o st._n paul_n resolve_v upon_o the_o case_n of_o use_v or_o refuse_v of_o meat_n and_o the_o observance_n or_o nonobservance_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o of_o eat_v of_o those_o meat_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n rom._n 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n 8._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 the_o command_n here_o give_v extend_v to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o act_n of_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o act_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o church_n governor_n and_o of_o high_a authority_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o use_v his_o own_o liberty_n in_o eat_v flesh_n much_o less_o will_v he_o impose_v in_o thing_n unnecessary_a to_o make_v his_o brother_n to_o offend_v in_o the_o case_n aforemention_v there_o be_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o despise_v censure_v or_o offend_v other_o than_o there_o can_v be_v for_o some_o imposition_n now_o in_o question_n among_o we_o viz._n on_o the_o one_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o partake_v in_o idolatry_n or_o of_o eat_v meat_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o of_o neglect_v day_n that_o god_n have_v command_v as_o they_o think_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o christian_a liberty_n and_o of_o restore_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o severe_a charge_n against_o censure_v despise_v or_o offend_v other_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o those_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o censure_v or_o despise_v one_o another_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n or_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o matter_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o church-unity_n evident_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n must_v always_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o may_v be_v require_v no_o further_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n the_o church_n true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n who_o be_v her_o true_a and_o live_a member_n and_o in_o their_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n in_o receive_v one_o another_o upon_o those_o term_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v comprise_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o follow_a unity_n one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o one_o ritual_a or_o set_a form_n of_o sacred_a office_n one_o policy_n or_o model_n of_o rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a and_o accidental_a in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o very_o various_a and_o alterable_a while_o the_o church_n abide_v the_o same_o chap._n iii_o of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v here_o i_o lay_v down_o general_a position_n about_o schism_n without_o make_v application_n thereof_o whether_o these_o position_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_a god_n word_n will_v show_v and_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v show_v schism_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o of_o that_o church-unity_n which_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o approve_v this_o definition_n i_o ground_n on_o the_o aforecited_a text_n mark_v they_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v separation_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a extent_n there_o may_v be_v a_o separation_n or_o secession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n for_o schism_n be_v always_o a_o sin_n but_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o duty_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n moreover_o there_o may_v be_v schism_n where_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n the_o violation_n of_o unity_n or_o the_o cause_v of_o division_n may_v be_v not_o only_o by_o withdraw_v but_o by_o any_o cause_v of_o other_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o undue_a cast_n or_o keep_v of_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o make_v of_o any_o breach_n in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o look_v back_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o rule_v and_o requisite_n of_o true_a church-unity_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o schism_n as_o holy_a love_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church-unity_n so_o that_o aversation_n and_o opposition_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o love_v be_v that_o which_o animate_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n root_n of_o it_o whosoever_o maintain_v love_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n therein_o and_o who_o dissent_v or_o withdraw_v from_o a_o church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o love_n in_o its_o extent_n be_v no_o schismatic_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_o the_o breach_n thereof_o lie_v primary_o in_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n spiritual_n much_o more_o in_o be_v opposite_a thereunto_o under_o the_o show_n of_o christianity_n also_o in_o the_o languish_a or_o lessen_v of_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o of_o the_o act_n of_o holy_a love_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v secondary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a in_o its_o external_a state_n and_o the_o first_o and_o
our_o head_n be_v by_o custom_n take_v for_o irreverence_n and_o incivility_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o offensive_a all_o matter_n of_o necessary_a decency_n be_v in_o their_o general_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v order_v by_o human_a prudence_n all_o natural_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n in_o prayer_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o sort_n we_o call_v they_o natural_a because_o nature_n itself_o teach_v to_o use_v they_o without_o any_o positive_a institution_n divine_a or_o human_a and_o a_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o use_v they_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o government_n and_o discretion_n for_o herein_o nature_n itself_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o variety_n and_o be_v in_o part_n determine_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a age_n and_o country_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o prostration_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o act_n of_o adoration_n in_o the_o wear_n of_o sackcloth_n and_o rent_v of_o clothes_n in_o time_n of_o great_a humiliation_n which_o in_o former_a age_n be_v suitable_a and_o that_o according_a to_o nature_n but_o not_o now_o adays_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o variation_n of_o custom_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n speak_v against_o wear_v of_o long_a hair_n as_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o there_o have_v be_v much_o controversy_n about_o such_o ceremony_n as_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a necessary_a decency_n and_o be_v no_o natural_a nor_o civil_a and_o customary_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n but_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n and_o of_o a_o mystical_a and_o mere_o institute_v signification_n and_o make_v visible_a state_v sign_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o immediate_a expression_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v not_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o yet_o more_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v design_v in_o their_o use_n for_o that_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n that_o belong_v to_o sacrament_n and_o make_v no_o less_o than_o the_o symbal_n of_o our_o christianity_n it_o lie_v not_o on_o i_o to_o determine_v on_o either_o side_n in_o this_o controversy_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n nor_o damage_n to_o be_v spare_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o least_o doubtful_a and_o unnecessary_a have_v turn_v to_o endless_a strife_n and_o scandal_n between_o those_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o church_n communion_n likewise_o it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n to_o reform_a christianity_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o that_o latitude_n in_o devise_a rite_n of_o worship_n that_o will_v acquit_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o superstition_n and_o which_o make_v way_n for_o the_o oppress_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sink_n of_o religion_n under_o a_o luggage_n of_o unprofitable_a institution_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o command_v of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o to_o damn_v any_o thing_n as_o forbid_v by_o he_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v indifferent_a and_o to_o dread_v leave_v god_n shall_v not_o be_v please_v unless_o we_o do_v something_n which_o we_o need_v not_o do_v and_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v displease_v when_o we_o do_v something_n not_o forbid_v be_v no_o doubt_n the_o crime_n of_o superstition_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o less_o superstition_n to_o feign_v god_n to_o be_v please_v with_o man_n vain_a invention_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v or_o observe_v as_o divine_a precept_n and_o this_o also_o be_v to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v the_o great_a controler_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o usurper_n upon_o his_o authority_n they_o that_o fear_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v allow_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v or_o they_o that_o presume_v to_o add_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o better_n of_o his_o service_n and_o make_v the_o omission_n thereof_o as_o criminal_a as_o the_o neglect_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o more_o tolerable_a superstition_n to_o be_v over_o solicitous_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n than_o to_o be_v over-confident_a and_o vehement_a in_o the_o unwarrantable_a or_o questionable_a tradition_n of_o man_n human_a device_n multiply_v in_o god_n worship_n engender_v to_o much_o vanity_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o zealous_a observer_n of_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v the_o inward_a life_n of_o godliness_n as_o rank_a weed_n choke_v the_o corn_n and_o they_o be_v common_o make_v a_o cloak_n to_o real_a ungodliness_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v first_o introduce_v with_o pious_a intention_n yet_o they_o be_v common_o maintain_v and_o multiply_v to_o serve_v a_o carnal_a interest_n and_o they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o entertain_v and_o observe_v because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n to_o buy_v out_o the_o inward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o superficial_a bodily_a exercise_n but_o the_o depretiate_a of_o these_o device_n serve_v to_o pluck_v off_o the_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n make_v up_o of_o mere_a formality_n and_o to_o invigorate_v the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o excel_a glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministration_n wherewith_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a decency_n and_o comely_a ornament_n do_v well_o accord_n but_o excessive_a gaudiness_n pompous_a and_o theatrical_a show_n various_a gesticulation_n and_o affect_v posture_n be_v vanity_n too_o much_o detract_n from_o its_o dignity_n and_o spiritual_a majesty_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n appoint_v and_o furnish_v spiritual_a officer_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o kingdom_n some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n other_o ordinary_n and_o successive_o perpetual_a as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n wherefore_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n lie_v much_o in_o a_o right_a gospel_n ministry_n which_o be_v suitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o our_o lord_n design_n and_o the_o end_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ministry_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a dispense_n the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n which_o be_v vigorous_a and_o powerful_a apt_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o conscience_n and_o reach_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v solicitous_a and_o laborious_a travel_v in_o birth_n till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o the_o manchild_n the_o new_a creature_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v assiduous_a and_o instant_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n and_o comfort_n that_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v it_o may_v present_v every_o man_n perfect_a in_o christ_n which_o come_v with_o full_a scripture_n evidence_n and_o cogent_a reason_n with_o solid_a matter_n in_o stile_n and_o language_n not_o negligent_a much_o less_o undecent_a yet_o not_o too_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a but_o free_a vehement_a grave_a serious_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o work_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o tickle_v ear_n but_o to_o break_v open_a the_o heart_n which_o be_v exemplary_a in_o faith_n purity_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o final_o which_o be_v not_o mercenary_a but_o natural_o care_v for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o accommodate_v itself_o thereunto_o as_o its_o great_a charge_n and_o chief_a concern_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o great_a apostle_n doubtless_o much_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n be_v needful_a in_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a it_o be_v pre-supposed_n that_o he_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n which_o he_o be_v to_o impart_v to_o other_o in_o the_o first_o place_n his_o prudence_n will_v be_v concern_v for_o the_o judicious_a management_n of_o the_o dispensation_n commit_v to_o he_o a_o prudent_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v care_n to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o other_o but_o what_o be_v very_o intelligible_a to_o himself_o and_o whereof_o he_o can_v make_v good_a sense_n and_o render_v a_o reason_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o he_o do_v not_o
rash_a with_o their_o mouth_n and_o hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v unmeet_a they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v for_o their_o error_n moreover_o heighten_v affection_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n and_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n at_o a_o stand_n for_o want_v of_o word_n indeed_o astonish_a affection_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n may_v put_v one_o to_o such_o a_o stand_n but_o that_o rare_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o in_o a_o pubick_a performance_n but_o a_o calm_a admiration_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o seriousness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o address_n to_o he_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o further_a ap●expressions_n for_o the_o use_n of_o one_o constant_a form_n it_o have_v be_v plead_v that_o a_o stranger_n may_v thereby_o the_o better_a know_v how_o we_o worship_n god_n and_o that_o the_o people_n better_o understand_v and_o remember_v that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v continual_o use_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n variety_n and_o newness_n of_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o quicken_v the_o affection_n and_o perfect_a the_o understanding_n also_o especial_o of_o the_o attentive_a whenas_o under_o the_o constant_a rehearsal_n of_o one_o thing_n the_o faculty_n grow_v flat_a and_o dull_a beside_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o liberty_n and_o variety_n the_o prayer_n be_v ordinary_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a the_o vulgar_a apprehension_n and_o memory_n be_v help_v by_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o main_a substance_n and_o scope_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o understanding_n further_o edify_v by_o that_o which_o be_v new_a in_o the_o frame_n and_o method_n and_o particular_a matter_n and_o the_o people_n more_o particular_a variable_a concernment_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a accommodation_n and_o respect_n thereto_o as_o occasion_n vary_v and_o by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n a_o stranger_n may_v be_v sufficient_o ascertain_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o worship_n to_o be_v celebrate_v for_o a_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n govern_v its_o worship_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o &_o the_o same_o tenor_n thereof_o will_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o stint_a form_n yet_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o management_n and_o performance_n of_o this_o service_n be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o more_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a towards_o god_n more_o pious_a and_o blameless_a in_o their_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o be_v discern_v and_o serious_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o conciliate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n diverse_o affect_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o good_a of_o either_o way_n a_o prescribe_a form_n and_o a_o free_a prayer_n will_v do_v best_a together_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n include_v both_o teach_n and_o rule_v and_o imply_v the_o people_n subjection_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o leave_v it_o unfurnished_v of_o that_o mean_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o orderly_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o pluck_v up_o the_o fence_n thereof_o into_o a_o common_a or_o wilderness_n the_o power_n intrinsical_v to_o this_o office_n be_v not_o secular_a and_o coercive_a by_o temporal_a penalty_n but_o pure_o spiritual_a which_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o authority_n from_o he_o the_o chief_a pastor_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n to_o encourage_v they_o that_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o consolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o warn_v they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o if_o any_o continue_v obstinate_a therein_o to_o declare_v they_o unworthy_a of_o church-communion_n and_o christian_a converse_n and_o to_o require_v the_o faithful_a to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o reform_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o all_o society_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o and_o chief_a scope_n so_o be_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o the_o christian_a church_n look_v main_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o which_o end_v it_o be_v ordain_v and_o consequent_o its_o true_a interest_n lie_v in_o the_o conservation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o church_n interest_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o fix_v and_o level_v to_o a_o other_o mark_n appertain_v to_o a_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a state_n set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n and_o pretence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a society_n the_o church_n true_a and_o proper_a excellency_n lie_v not_o in_o worldly_a splendour_n opulency_n and_o power_n nor_o in_o outward_a rite_n and_o formal_a unity_n nor_o in_o the_o stability_n and_o amplitude_n of_o a_o mere_a external_a state_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a light_n and_o life_n in_o the_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o the_o security_n and_o advancement_n of_o this_o internal_a state_n and_o of_o the_o external_a state_n in_o order_n to_o the_o internal_a wherefore_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o to_o promote_v temporal_a glory_n and_o opinion_n and_o formality_n thereunto_o subservient_fw-fr but_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o and_o their_o sincere_a devotion_n godly_a unity_n sobriety_n righteousness_n brotherly-kindness_n and_o common_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v and_o cast_v out_o heresy_n superstition_n profaneness_n unrighteousness_n and_o all_o wicked_a error_n and_o practice_n that_o tend_v to_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n as_o also_o to_o prevent_v and_o remedy_v the_o causeless_a tear_v and_o rent_v of_o church_n and_o those_o alienation_n and_o animosity_n among_o christian_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o will_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o management_n hereof_o to_o this_o right_a end_n be_v of_o far_o great_a consequence_n than_o any_o scrupulosity_n or_o preciseness_n about_o its_o external_a form_n and_o order_n nay_o if_o a_o external_a order_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v primitive_a and_o apostolical_a and_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o enforce_v corrupt_a doctrine_n scandalous_a and_o ensnare_a invention_n and_o imposition_n and_o in_o a_o ceremonial_a strictness_n to_o indulge_v real_a profaneness_n and_o discourage_v true_a godliness_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o carnal_a state_n under_o a_o spiritual_a name_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v and_o suppress_v the_o power_n thereof_o the_o right_a end_n of_o discipline_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o follow_v that_o its_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o encourage_v godliness_n and_o to_o disgrace_v open_a sin_n according_o be_v right_o manage_v it_o admonish_v the_o unruly_a cast_v out_o the_o obstinate_a and_o restore_v the_o penitent_a about_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v active_a watchful_a and_o vigorous_a what_o severity_n it_o have_v it_o exercise_v in_o correct_v real_a scandal_n and_o gross_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n and_o in_o maintain_v the_o church_n peace_n against_o those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o it_o care_v little_a for_o those_o matter_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n be_v unconcern_v much_o less_o do_v it_o seek_v to_o quench_v godly_a zeal_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n or_o to_o afflict_v peaceable_a and_o pious_a christian_n by_o any_o needless_a rigour_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o house_n be_v in_o use_n the_o solemnity_n express_v that_o holy_a exercise_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o it_o and_o that_o the_o household_n shall_v be_v
not_o last_v but_o by_o usual_a and_o easy_a change_n their_o weakness_n be_v discover_v to_o tie_v a_o people_n to_o certain_a little_a rule_n and_o method_n in_o church_n discipline_n that_o be_v general_o displease_v as_o the_o necessary_a term_n of_o church_n privilege_n when_o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n may_v be_v as_o well_o obtain_v without_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o needless_a trouble_n in_o do_v that_o with_o much_o ado_n which_o may_v be_v do_v with_o less_o and_o it_o may_v occasion_v a_o incurable_a breach_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o government_n narrow_a and_o uncertain_a boundary_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o arbitrary_a and_o rigid_a rule_n of_o admission_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o ample_a and_o fix_a church_n state_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o uphold_v and_o propagate_v true_a religion_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o large_a kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o encompass_v under_o its_o external_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o multitude_n that_o make_v profession_n though_o they_o may_v fa●…_n short_a of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o those_o thing_n tha●_n accompany_v salvation_n and_o it_o do_v not_o roo●_n or_o spread_v in_o any_o sort_n considerable_a in_o a_o region_n where_o the_o order_n of_o admission_n be_v set_v by_o the_o rigid_a and_o narrow_a principle_n of_o a_o small_a party_n and_o the_o general_a multitude_n lie_v open_a as_o wa●…_n ground_n for_o any_o to_o invade_v or_o occupy_v the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n come_v by_o the_o take_n in_o of_o kingdom_n and_o whole_a dominion_n within_o its_o compas●_n the_o external_a kingdom_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o wide_a than_o the_o internal_a it_o be_v like_o the_o draw_v net_n that_o gather_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o like_o a_o corn_n field_n wherein_o whea●…_n and_o tare_n grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n moreover_o the_o increase_n of_o profess_a christian_n make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o regenerate_a christian_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v general_o make_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n of_o people_n of_o a_o orthodox_n profession_n and_o few_o of_o they_o be_v turn_v immediate_o from_o infidelity_n popery_n or_o any_o heresy_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n among_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o deprave_v the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o mighty_o hinder_v its_o advance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n aberration_n be_v not_o the_o least_o if_o these_o folly_n be_v but_o heed_v by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n before_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o drunken_a with_o error_n it_o be_v in_o great_a part_n a_o antidote_n against_o this_o mischief_n for_o the_o well_o mind_a that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o of_o easy_a impression_n be_v lead_v aside_o chief_o for_o lack_v of_o attention_n and_o observation_n many_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n and_o many_o be_v passionate_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o a_o innate_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o common_a it_o behoove_v the_o guide_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n with_o sober_a principle_n and_o to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o any_o pragmatic_n fancy_n that_o feed_v on_o notion_n and_o novelty_n under_o a_o show_n of_o a_o more_o discern_a spirit_n in_o gospel_n mystery_n than_o other_o have_v such_o be_v vanity_n puff_v up_o will_v be_v start_a question_n and_o multiply_a slight_a exception_n against_o the_o receive_a truth_n and_o will_v please_v the_o itch_a ear_n and_o slight_a spirit_n of_o some_o pretender_n to_o godliness_n who_o will_v become_v their_o hasty_a proselyte_n and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o unravel_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o in_o the_o texture_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o repute_n of_o their_o good_a part_n and_o seem_a piety_n may_v stagger_v other_o of_o good_a intention_n but_o weak_a judgement_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o vainglorious_a teacher_n ambitious_a of_o lead_v party_n and_o by_o plausible_a endowment_n furnish_v for_o such_o design_n these_o to_o raise_v their_o own_o fame_n and_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o devote_a people_n will_v become_v absolute_a sect-master_n and_o those_o that_o close_o with_o they_o they_o hold_v with_o please_a device_n and_o serve_v their_o humour_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v themselves_o of_o they_o there_o be_v also_o in_o some_o person_n a_o right_a sectarian_n leaven_n which_o be_v evermore_o to_o follow_v peculiar_a opinion_n and_o some_o separate_a party_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o speak_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n or_o of_o such_o a_o party_n against_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatic_a spirit_n it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v a_o continual_a watch_n and_o ward_n but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o imprison_v the_o truth_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n to_o stifle_v godly_a zeal_n to_o detain_v a_o people_n in_o dead_a and_o dull_a principle_n that_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a life_n for_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v a_o frenzy_n by_o cause_v a_o lethargy_n or_o some_o other_o such_o like_a stupidity_n moreover_o a_o superstitious_a formal_a love_n and_o sensual_a way_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v this_o evil_a but_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o its_o rise_n and_o growth_n except_o in_o time_n of_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o silence_n as_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o popish_a darkness_n but_o whensoever_o the_o light_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o people_n see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o true_a reformation_n but_o persecute_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o then_o be_v many_o in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o this_o opposite_a extreme_a for_o they_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o both_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n and_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v not_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o solid_a truth_n and_o so_o they_o ●un_v hasty_o from_o superstition_n and_o externalness_n into_o delusion_n and_o wild_a fancy_n from_o the_o common_a dissoluteness_n and_o remissness_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n into_o a_o vain_a boast_n of_o perfection_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o proud_a man_n encroach_a upon_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o their_o false_a constrain_a unity_n into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n and_o from_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o persecute_v cruelty_n into_o a_o disorderly_a promiscuous_a and_o familistical_a love_n or_o indulgence_n towards_o all_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o church_n state_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o true_o apostolical_a be_v the_o sure_a remedy_n against_o sectarianism_n and_o phanaticism_n true_o so_o call_v when_o the_o church_n abandon_v romish_a tyranny_n and_o superstition_n and_o yet_o be_v settle_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o stable_a polity_n when_o the_o public_a order_n thorough_o promote_v the_o mean_n of_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o incourage_v real_a godliness_n it_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o just_o expect_v in_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o ministry_n more_o than_o a_o outward_a form_n even_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a light_n and_o life_n and_o power_n an●_n it_o prevent_v their_o wander_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o i●_n the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectary_n it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n that_o of_o the_o mo●…_n learned_a able_a and_o judicious_a person_n of_o orthodox_n profession_n there_o be_v many_o eminent_o pious_a who_o authority_n and_o reputation_n may_v b●…_n able_a to_o hold_v in_o those_o who_o affection_n an●…_n fancy_n be_v apt_a to_o outrun_v their_o judgement_n likewise_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o a●…_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n do_v so_o walk_v i●…_n the_o light_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n o●…_n stumble_v in_o they_o through_o notorious_a prid●…_n covetousness_n self-seeking_a inordinate_a sensuality_n or_o the_o vehement_a appearance_n of_o any_o gross_a evil_n for_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v common_o undo_v by_o offence_n and_o because_o seducer_n be_v very_o active_a and_o spare_v no_o cost_n nor_o travel_n but_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o old_a do_v compass_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n it_o behoove_v the_o pastor_n careful_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n careful_o to_o keep_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o huckster_n the_o
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a ●a●aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
there_o be_v a_o real_a hazard_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o in_o hasty_a attempt_n of_o change_n thing_n may_v be_v carry_v on_o beyond_o the_o commendable_a end_n design_v even_o to_o its_o utter_a ruin_n for_o common_o man_n be_v not_o master_n of_o what_o they_o get_v in_o such_o precipitate_a way_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n a_o unhappy_a kind_n of_o controversy_n about_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n have_v be_v the_o calamity_n of_o our_o time_n the_o difference_n in_o these_o point_n have_v make_v a_o sad_a breach_n upon_o church_n unity_n and_o divide_v brethren_n of_o the_o same_o reform_a profession_n both_o in_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n in_o regard_v whereof_o some_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o a_o amicable_a condescension_n among_o brethren_n and_o for_o humble_a submission_n to_o superior_n be_v here_o propound_v for_o consideration_n but_o not_o as_o peremptory_a resolve_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n yet_o it_o become_v one_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o human_a weakness_n and_o of_o his_o own_o meaness_n to_o write_v modest_o in_o these_o point_n about_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o apprehension_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o particular_a christian_n and_o church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v our_o fellowship_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n so_o as_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v as_o well_o in_o religious_a worship_n as_o in_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n as_o there_o be_v one_o faith_n so_o one_o baptism_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n though_o we_o can_v at_o once_o local_o communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o external_a worship_n because_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n yet_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n we_o be_v so_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o and_o not_o unwarrantable_o withdraw_v from_o any_o and_o this_o be_v a_o virtual_a communicate_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a form_n thereof_o have_v much_o more_o obscurity_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v much_o more_o controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o in_o more_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a point_n humility_z charity_n and_o good_a discretion_n teach_v mutual_a forbearance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n all_o church_n member_n be_v not_o so_o concern_v as_o church_n guide_v and_o pastor_n be_v christ_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o so_o loose_a a_o posture_n as_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n of_o leave_v or_o choose_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n according_a to_o our_o own_o affection_n without_o regard_n to_o order_n a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a can_v subsist_v without_o rule_n of_o stable_a policy_n her_o censure_n and_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_a certain_a and_o uniform_a or_o of_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o proceed_v upon_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o of_o variable_a apprehension_n our_o arbitrary_a conjecture_n of_o a_o other_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o sacred_a privilege_n wherein_o no_o uniform_a judgement_n can_v be_v hold_v between_o several_a church_n nor_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n nor_o by_o the_o same_o person_n with_o himself_o at_o several_a time_n for_o man_n apprehension_n about_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o other_o be_v exceed_o different_a and_o inconstant_a but_o whether_o a_o person_n make_v a_o credible_a profession_n or_o be_v competent_o know_v or_o gross_o ignorant_a whether_o he_o be_v scandalous_a or_o walk_v orderly_o be_v capable_a of_o certain_a evidence_n and_o of_o constant_a regular_a proceed_n thereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o either_o to_o proceed_v with_o man_n according_a to_o our_o private_a hope_n and_o fear_n about_o their_o internal_a state_n or_o according_a to_o state_v rule_n and_o certain_a evidence_n be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o propagate_v true_a piety_n also_o whether_o person_n passable_a by_o such_o public_a rule_n can_v in_o ecclesiastical_a trial_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o to_o make_v a_o false_a profession_n whatsoever_o our_o private_a fear_n be_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o their_o profession_n be_v not_o prove_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o credible_a in_o that_o trial_n human_a law_n and_o public_a judgement_n presume_v they_o to_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o evict_v to_o be_v bad_a private_a familiarity_n be_v at_o every_o one_o choice_n but_o our_o church-communion_n be_v a_o public_a matter_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o public_a and_o common_a rule_n and_o not_o by_o private_a will_n if_o a_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o abstain_v from_o her_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o those_o unlawful_a term_n extend_v church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n have_v their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o manner_n yet_o the_o godly_a do_v not_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o those_o corruption_n nor_o be_v command_v so_o to_o do_v indeed_o they_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o separate_v from_o idolatrous_a heretical_a antichristian_a society_n yet_o in_o suggest_v this_o i_o do_v not_o encourage_v to_o a_o state_v communion_n in_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o other_o minister_n place_v in_o they_o than_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v who_o be_v unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a for_o the_o scripture_n bid_v we_o beware_v of_o blind_a guide_n and_o false_a prophet_n by_o continue_v in_o church-communion_n we_o partake_v not_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o redress_v nor_o be_v we_o make_v guilty_a by_o their_o leaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o infect_v we_o and_o profane_a person_n be_v no_o more_o countenance_v by_o our_o presence_n than_o those_o lewd_a priest_n the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v by_o the_o people_n come_v to_o sacrifice_n in_o communicate_v in_o holy_a thing_n we_o have_v internal_a communion_n only_o with_o the_o faithful_a and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a external_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o outward_a stand_n in_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n of_o discipline_n when_o a_o minister_n have_v do_v his_o part_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o unworthy_a in_o the_o dspense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o he_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n mere_o passive_a so_o that_o their_o unworthy_a participation_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o nor_o in_o such_o a_o administration_n be_v a_o practical_a lie_n or_o any_o falsehood_n utter_v for_o the_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o irrespective_o but_o conditional_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o application_n must_v be_v so_o understand_v if_o we_o have_v not_o power_n to_o separate_v a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o withdraw_a of_o ourselves_o from_o he_o be_v a_o excommunication_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o be_v hereby_o in_o part_n obtain_v when_o minister_n and_o people_n do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n without_o usurpation_n of_o further_a power_n than_o they_o have_v warrant_n for_o than_o all_o will_v be_v though_o not_o so_o well_o as_o it_o may_v yet_o as_o it_o can_v be_v at_o present_a of_o several_a mode_n and_o method_n of_o public_a action_n prudence_n make_v choice_n not_o always_o of_o what_o be_v simple_o best_a but_o of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o passable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o disorderly_a as_o to_o mar_v the_o substance_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o a_o administration_n in_o sacred_a adminstration_n we_o may_v yield_v without_o sin_n to_o other_o sinful_a weakness_n
lot_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o do_v not_o value_v the_o concern_v thereof_o above_o all_o his_o chief_a joy_n that_o be_v but_o of_o this_o world_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o a_o constrane_n love_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v excite_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o weak_a one_o to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v able_a on_o this_o important_a subject_n impartial_o search_v after_o their_o common_a good_a let_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o society_n one_o of_o who_o name_n be_v counsellor_n deliver_v his_o flock_n from_o all_o dangerous_a and_o disadvantageous_a error_n and_o from_o wander_v in_o break_a party_n by_o unstable_a and_o divide_a counsel_n and_o show_v they_o gracious_o the_o right_a way_n of_o maintain_v a_o consistency_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o gain_v upon_o the_o reconcilable_a part_n of_o man_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o prince_n and_o leader_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o banner_n be_v love_n let_v his_o people_n every_o where_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o good_a conversation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a have_v this_o principle_n deep_o imprint_v in_o they_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v chap._n i._n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o polity_n the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n which_o according_a to_o its_o primary_n and_o invisible_a state_n be_v a_o society_n of_o regenerate_a person_n who_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow_n member_n by_o a_o mystical_a union_n through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o adopt_v to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o according_a to_o its_o secondary_a and_o visible_a state_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o person_n profess_v christianity_n or_o regeration_n and_o external_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o symbal_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n which_o according_a to_o the_o invisible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o human_a judgement_n this_o church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n and_o one_o charter_n and_o system_n of_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o its_o member_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n this_o church_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n or_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o be_v limit_v by_o he_o in_o they_o all_o nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o make_v secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o one_o catholic_n church_n so_o also_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n pastor_n or_o pastor_n have_v authority_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n a_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n that_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o a_o sacred_a order_n in_o the_o gospel_n church_n that_o be_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v therein_o set_v forth_o as_o bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v and_o be_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o as_o less_o than_o bishop_n these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n be_v personal_o to_o superintend_v all_o their_o flock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n a_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o the_o former_a over_o the_o latter_a be_v after_o the_o scripture_n time_n ancient_o and_o general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o diversity_n of_o order_n or_o office_n essential_o different_a but_o of_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o office_n the_o essential_a nature_n whereof_o be_v in_o both_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v a_o bishop_n not_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o church_n but_o of_o one_o state_v ecclesiastical_a society_n or_o single_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o immediate_a pastor_n and_o he_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o immediate_a pastor_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o delegate_n and_o substitute_n and_o he_o govern_v not_o alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o precedent_n though_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n have_v their_o different_a municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n yet_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o divine_a law_n and_o privilege_n diverse_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la from_o christ._n therefore_o each_o of_o they_o have_v the_o same_o power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v according_a to_o christ_n law_n sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o due_a and_o orderly_o call_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o god_n ordinance_n be_v a_o main_a end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o reason_n consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o communion_n and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o a_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o make_v up_o of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n and_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o both_o for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o several_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o this_o local_a partition_n of_o church_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a impediment_n thereof_o the_o partition_n must_v be_v make_v as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v no_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n can_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o warrant_v claim_v any_o assign_a circuit_n of_o ground_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o a_o prince_n claim_v certain_a territory_n as_o his_o propriety_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o no_o other_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n may_v without_o his_o licence_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o within_o that_o circuit_n it_o be_v not_o the_o conjunction_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n with_o the_o generality_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n that_o of_o itself_o declare_v the_o only_a rightful_a pastor_n or_o true_a church_n within_o this_o or_o that_o circuit_n for_o many_o cause_n may_v require_v and_o justify_v the_o be_v of_o other_o church_n therein_o see_v particular_a church_n be_v so_o many_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o each_o other_o help_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o joint_o and_o several_o and_o they_o have_v all_o a_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n lead_v they_o to_o association_n or_o combination_n great_a and_o lesser_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o orderly_a state_n that_o be_v requisite_a in_o all_o association_n do_v natural_o require_v some_o regular_a
chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o high_a violation_n thereof_o and_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o schism_n lie_v in_o deny_v or_o enormous_o violate_v the_o say_a essential_o or_o weighty_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v direct_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o of_o particular_a church_n only_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n but_o church_n yea_o a_o large_a combination_n of_o church_n bear_v the_o christian_a name_n may_v in_o their_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o other_o avow_a practice_n great_o violate_v the_o essential_o or_o very_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o enormous_a breach_n of_o unity_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o withdraw_v or_o depart_v from_o any_o the_o large_a combination_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n though_o for_o their_o amplitude_n they_o presume_v to_o 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exclude_v all_o person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o combination_n 2._o when_o a_o false_a catholic_n unity_n be_v devise_v or_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o devise_a unity_n of_o government_n for_o the_o catholic_n church_n under_o one_o terrene_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a assume_v a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o all_o christian_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n 3._o when_o there_o be_v a_o utter_a disow_v of_o most_o of_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v no_o true_a church_n state_n no_o not_o the_o essential_o thereof_o and_o a_o utter_a break_v off_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o according_o of_o schism_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o point_n of_o its_o church_n state_n there_o be_v these_o instance_n 1._o the_o renounce_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n although_o it_o be_v much_o corrupt_v much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a church_n though_o somewhat_o faulty_a 2._o a_o utter_a refuse_v of_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a church_n when_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n without_o our_o personal_a sin_n of_o commission_n or_o omission_n 3._o the_o cause_v of_o any_o division_n or_o distemper_n in_o the_o state_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o true_a church_n contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n to_o disow_v a_o corrupt_a frame_n of_o polity_n supervenient_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o combination_n of_o church_n like_o a_o leprosy_n in_o the_o body_n that_o do_v gross_o deprave_v they_o and_o in_o great_a part_n frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n the_o last_o and_o low_a point_n of_o external_a unity_n lie_v in_o the_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n and_o matter_n of_o mere_a order_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church-state_n the_o violation_n thereof_o be_v the_o least_o and_o low_a point_n of_o schism_n i_o mean_v in_o itself_o consider_v and_o not_o in_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o those_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n be_v allow_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o prudence_n and_o charity_n for_o peace_n and_o edification_n and_o according_o they_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o consequent_o it_o be_v one_o point_n of_o schism_n to_o make_v a_o division_n from_o or_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o accountal_a of_o accident_n form_n and_o order_n so_o determine_v according_a to_o god_n allowance_n but_o if_o any_o of_o the_o accidental_n be_v unlawful_a and_o the_o maintain_n or_o practise_v thereof_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n in_o that_o case_n for_o explicit_o and_o personal_o to_o own_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o in_o small_a point_n be_v evil_n in_o itself_o which_o must_v not_o be_v commit_v that_o good_a may_v come_v in_o this_o case_n not_o he_o that_o withdraw_v but_o he_o that_o impose_v cause_v the_o division_n and_o this_o hold_v of_o thing_n sinful_a either_o in_o themselves_o or_o by_o just_a consequence_n and_o herein_o he_o that_o be_v to_o act_v be_v to_o discern_v and_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n impose_v be_v such_o for_o god_n law_n suppose_v we_o rational_a creature_n able_a to_o discern_v its_o meaning_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o own_o action_n else_o the_o law_n be_v give_v we_o in_o vain_a submission_n and_o reverence_n towards_o superior_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o their_o determination_n or_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o to_o violate_v his_o own_o conscience_n person_n meek_a humble_a peaceable_a and_o thorough_o conscientious_a and_o of_o competent_a judgement_n may_v not_o be_v able_a by_o their_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n to_o see_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v declare_v contumacious_a see_v there_o be_v several_a point_n of_o unity_n the_o valuation_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n man_n judgement_n and_o estimation_n of_o unity_n and_o schism_n be_v very_o preposterous_a who_o lie_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o those_o point_n that_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n and_o raise_v thing_n of_o the_o low_a rank_n to_o the_o high_a in_o their_o valuation_n and_o set_v light_n by_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o high_a value_n as_o indeed_o they_o do_v who_o set_v light_n by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o divine_a institution_n where_o there_o be_v not_o also_o unanimity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n and_o human_a ceremony_n and_o they_o that_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o deal_v with_o minister_n according_o do_v therein_o little_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o church_n unity_n a_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o it_o when_o other_o bound_n thereof_o be_v set_v than_o this_o rule_n allow_v a_o instance_n hereof_o be_v the_o devise_v of_o other_o term_n of_o church-communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n than_o god_n have_v command_v or_o allow_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v make_v the_o term_n thereof_o also_o any_o cast_n or_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o ministry_n such_o as_o god_n word_n do_v not_o exclude_v from_o either_o but_o signify_v to_o be_v qualify_v and_o call_v thereunto_o god_n do_v not_o allow_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o imposer_n such_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n or_o ministerial_a station_n as_o be_v neither_o scriptural_a nor_o necessary_a to_o peace_n and_o edification_n nor_o be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n without_o which_o the_o service_n of_o god_n will_v be_v undecent_a nor_o be_v in_o any_o regard_n so_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o a_o great_a benefit_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a mischief_n and_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o urge_v such_o unscriptural_a and_o unnecessary_a thing_n unto_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o church_n such_o imposer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o breach_n that_o follow_v but_o a_o culpable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o they_o impose_v without_o and_o against_o christ_n warrant_n who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o church_n to_o be_v burden_v nor_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o servant_n entangle_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a nevertheless_o such_o unscriptural_a or_o
unnecessary_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a nor_o of_o mischievous_a consequence_n may_v be_v of_o god_n allow_v as_o to_o the_o submitter_n thereupon_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n who_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unnecessary_a thing_n yet_o lawful_a as_o to_o their_o use_n though_o wrongful_o urge_v upon_o they_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o their_o ministerial_a station_n where_o thing_n be_v well_o settle_v as_o to_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o church_n order_n and_o when_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o require_v to_o justify_v the_o impose_v of_o such_o unnecessary_n here_o i_o speak_v of_o contumacious_a refuser_n who_o will_v rather_o make_v a_o breach_n than_o yield_v but_o refuser_n out_o of_o conscience_n believe_v or_o with_o appearance_n of_o reason_n suspect_v the_o say_v lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v either_o accquit_v from_o schism_n or_o guilty_a but_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o much_o less_o culpable_a than_o the_o imposer_n who_o may_v well_o forbear_v to_o impose_v be_v it_o here_o note_a that_o when_o superior_n sin_n in_o command_v a_o thing_n exempt_a from_o their_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v the_o subject_n duty_n to_o observe_v the_o thing_n command_v in_o this_o case_n the_o say_a observance_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o that_o can_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o ruler_n authority_n to_o command_v but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n equity_n and_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v good_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o to_o the_o earthly_a ruler_n yet_o to_o god_n who_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v peace_n and_o maintain_v unity_n in_o all_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n to_o act_v against_o conscience_n rational_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n rom._n 14._o 5._o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n v_o 14._o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a ver_fw-la 23._o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o command_n of_o ruler_n be_v no_o good_a security_n for_o act_v against_o a_o rational_a doubt_a conscience_n when_o i_o be_o in_o doubt_n touch_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v i_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o be_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n by_o comply_v with_o ruler_n for_o though_o in_o general_a obedience_n to_o ruler_n be_v a_o certain_a duty_n yet_o in_o the_o particular_a doubt_a case_n i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o my_o compliance_n be_v right_a and_o warrantable_a obedience_n and_o not_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n be_v it_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o ruler_n in_o thing_n that_o have_v god_n allowance_n so_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v their_o command_n in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v moreover_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o act_v against_o my_o own_o conscience_n which_o as_o be_v the_o discerner_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v i_o be_v of_o right_a the_o immediate_a director_n of_o my_o action_n indeed_o my_o conscience_n can_v alter_v god_n law_n or_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o act_v in_o disconformity_n to_o its_o direction_n see_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v always_o in_o conjunction_n with_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n be_v always_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr it_o follow_v that_o when_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o advance_v but_o hinder_v sound_a faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n than_o a_o false_a unity_n be_v set_v up_o and_o the_o true_a unity_n be_v abandon_v and_o division_n and_o offence_n be_v cause_v and_o it_o be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o duty_n not_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o unity_n of_o external_a order_n so_o set_v and_o urge_v as_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n or_o notable_a detriment_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church_n order_n the_o mean_n be_v good_a in_o reference_n to_o their_o end_n and_o must_v never_o be_v use_v in_o a_o way_n destructive_a to_o it_o of_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o say_a end_n there_o be_v these_o follow_a instance_n here_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a without_o intendment_n of_o particular_a application_n to_o any_o church_n now_o in_o be_v which_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v 1._o when_o a_o church_n or_o church_n a_o congregation_n or_o congregation_n have_v a_o establishment_n of_o external_a polity_n and_o a_o ordain_a ministry_n and_o a_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o be_v destitute_a of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v qualify_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o be_v burden_v with_o such_o as_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o who_o be_v either_o unable_a to_o teach_v or_o teach_v corrupt_o either_o teach_v corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o abuse_v mishandle_v and_o misapply_v sound_a doctrine_n to_o encourage_v the_o ungodly_a and_o discourage_v the_o godly_a 2._o where_o there_o be_v some_o minister_n able_a and_o apt_a to_o teach_v and_o due_o qualify_v but_o their_o number_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a proportionable_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v multitude_n that_o can_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o ministry_n so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o more_o place_v among_o they_o than_o those_o few_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n none_o 3._o where_o sincere_a christian_n or_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o a_o establish_a church_n by_o wrong_a sentence_n or_o be_v debar_v from_o its_o communion_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v they_o or_o unnecessary_a term_n which_o be_v to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n 4._o when_o minister_n who_o christ_n have_v furnish_v and_o call_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o public_a station_n by_o unlawful_a term_n enjoin_v or_o by_o term_n unnecessary_a and_o to_o they_o unlawful_a by_o real_a doubt_n of_o conscience_n and_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o authorize_v ruler_n to_o enjoin_v as_o term_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n upon_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v i_o inquire_v whether_o the_o say_v minister_n and_o people_n may_v not_o draw_v together_o into_o new_a congregation_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o determination_n of_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n to_o true_a visible_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v to_o multitude_n of_o they_o against_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o most_o important_a privilege_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o right_n yea_o suppose_v their_o conscience_n be_v culpable_o weak_a in_o scruple_v thing_n impose_v yet_o they_o may_v suffer_v wrong_a by_o such_o a_o excess_n of_o punishment_n as_o so_o great_a a_o deprivation_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o such_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v also_o consider_v whether_o such_o injure_a as_o christian_n be_v wrongful_o exclude_v from_o god_n ordinance_n and_o such_o neglect_a soul_n as_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v lawful_o be_v desert_v by_o christ_n minister_n shall_v not_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n endeavour_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o such_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigourousness_n or_o negligence_n of_o other_o if_o it_o be_v say_v we_o may_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o break_v the_o law_n of_o unity_n for_o such_o respect_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o a_o good_a work_n and_o a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o here_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o unity_n that_o be_v of_o god_n make_v or_o allow_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o save_a soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o precious_a than_o uniformity_n in_o external_a accidental_a order_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v unwarrantable_o enjoin_v and_o attend_v with_o such_o evil_a consequent_n if_o within_o any_o local_a bound_n assign_v for_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o any_o ecclesiastic_a the_o people_n be_v leave_v destitude_v of_o competent_a provision_n for_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v no_o intrusion_n or_o breach_n of_o unity_n if_o a_o other_o pastor_n perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n within_o
those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o divers_a church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n of_o ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v be_v suppose_v can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n by_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o may_v comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatic_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opposer_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n or_o disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n love_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v of_o the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o these_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o his_o complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v the_o contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o as_o a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o ask_v by_o the_o emperor_n why_o
he_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n he_o recite_v for_o himself_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o decius_n and_o the_o exquisite_a observation_n of_o a_o certain_a severe_a canon_n that_o they_o who_o after_o baptism_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n but_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o expect_v the_o hope_n of_o remission_n not_o from_o the_o priest_n but_o from_o god_n who_o have_v power_n to_o forgive_v by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o novatian_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o salvability_n of_o the_o lapse_v or_o other_o that_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o sacerdotal_a absolution_n and_o church-communion_n and_o thus_o they_o make_v a_o very_a unwarrantable_a separation_n ground_v upon_o a_o unjust_a rigour_n of_o very_a bad_a consequence_n nevertheless_o their_o error_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ensnare_v in_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o great_a detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o its_o tendency_n to_o prevent_v the_o lapse_n of_o christian_n into_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o resolve_v for_o martyrdom_n and_o by_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o any_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a time_n they_o be_v report_v to_o have_v have_v among_o they_o man_n eminent_o pious_a and_o some_o famous_a for_o miracle_n they_o unmovable_o adhere_v to_o the_o homousian_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o orthodox_n suffer_v dreadful_a persecution_n they_o have_v some_o bishop_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o be_v consult_v with_o by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o that_o with_o good_a success_n for_o support_v of_o the_o common_a faith_n against_o the_o arrian_n and_o such_o like_a heretic_n under_o a_o certain_a persecution_n wherein_o they_o be_v companion_n of_o the_o self_n same_o suffering_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n and_o novatian_o have_v prayer_n together_o in_o the_o novation_n church_n and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v almost_o unite_v if_o the_o novation_n have_v not_o utter_o refuse_v that_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o their_o old_a institute_n yet_o they_o bear_v such_o good_a will_n one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o will_v die_v one_o for_o another_o these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v report_v of_o they_o by_o socrates_n who_o some_o indeed_o suspect_v to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o they_o yet_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o give_v they_o their_o due_n upon_o evident_a proof_n and_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v report_v sosoman_n thus_o testify_v of_o they_o l._n 2._o c._n 30._o that_o when_o other_o sect_n expire_v the_o novatian_o because_o they_o have_v good_a man_n for_o the_o leader_n of_o their_o way_n and_o because_o they_o defend_v the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v very_o numerous_a from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o continue_v and_o suffer_v not_o much_o damage_n by_o constantine_n law_n for_o suppress_v of_o sect_n and_o acesius_n their_o bishop_n be_v much_o favour_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n great_o advantage_v his_o church_n also_o l._n 4._o c._n 19_o he_o report_v the_o great_a amity_n that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o catholic_n in_o a_o time_n of_o common_a persecution_n whether_o the_o case_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o uniformity_n now_o require_v be_v in_o point_n of_o schism_n of_o the_o same_o or_o like_a reason_n with_o the_o above_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o dissent_v not_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o external_a order_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n of_o these_o some_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o church-order_n desire_v to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o legal_a church_n or_o ministry_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n therein_o perform_v other_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o constitution_n of_o parochial_a church_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o establish_v form_n of_o worship_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o freedom_n of_o communicate_v and_o administer_a therein_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o some_o bar_n that_o lie_v against_o they_o and_o which_o they_o think_v may_v well_o be_v remove_v thereupon_o they_o seek_v a_o accommodation_n and_o union_n by_o a_o sufficient_a comprehensiveness_n in_o the_o public_a constitution_n and_o withal_o a_o reasonable_a indulgence_n towards_o those_o brethren_n who_o for_o the_o straightness_n of_o their_o judgement_n can_v be_v comprehend_v neither_o party_n of_o the_o dissenter_n here_o describe_v can_v be_v charge_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o donatistical_n fury_n before_o express_v if_o austin_n seek_v the_o suppression_n of_o that_o sect_n by_o the_o secular_a power_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o horrible_a outrage_n commit_v by_o they_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v for_o a_o precedent_n as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o some_o for_o the_o suppression_n of_o man_n sober_a and_o peaceable_a and_o sound_v in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n nor_o can_v either_o party_n of_o we_o be_v charge_v with_o that_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o confine_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o party_n or_o the_o disannul_n and_o utter_a denounce_v of_o all_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o dissatisfaction_n like_o they_o which_o begin_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o a_o particular_a bishop_n and_o be_v maintain_v by_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o condemn_v he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o another_o manner_n of_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o our_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o those_o dissenter_n who_o principle_n bind_v they_o up_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sever_a society_n seem_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o be_v as_o the_o novatian_o who_o will_v not_o admit_v a_o reunion_n with_o the_o other_o church_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v for_o they_o that_o reason_n have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o indulgence_n to_o conscientious_a people_n who_o be_v entangle_v by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o principle_n touch_v church-order_n beside_o they_o do_v not_o stand_v off_o upon_o so_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a a_o point_n as_o the_o novatian_o do_v viz._n the_o utter_a repel_v of_o the_o lapse_v though_o penitent_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o have_v ordinary_o communion_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o congregation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n way_n and_o occasional_o in_o the_o sacrament_n with_o those_o congregation_n where_o they_o apprehend_v a_o care_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n nor_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o the_o establish_v order_n but_o that_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o those_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o their_o lively_a preach_v and_o a_o great_a care_n of_o true_a and_o real_a church-discipline_n may_v do_v much_o to_o their_o recovery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v upon_o as_o good_a term_n under_o the_o present_a government_n as_o the_o novatian_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o time_n church_n history_n report_v that_o they_o be_v cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o arrian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o they_o have_v great_a indulgence_n under_o orthodox_n emperor_n and_o with_o many_o catholic_n bishop_n and_o patriarch_n who_o prudent_a and_o moderate_a government_n do_v best_a provide_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o church_n but_o those_o orthodox_n bishop_n who_o take_v from_o they_o their_o church_n and_o estate_n be_v chief_o either_o such_o as_o take_v to_o themselves_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o rule_v imperious_o and_o with_o violence_n or_o such_o as_o with_o their_o zeal_n have_v more_o of_o wrath_n and_o rashness_n than_o of_o meekness_n and_o prudence_n this_o can_v be_v easy_o prove_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n if_o need_n be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o nonconformist_n for_o part_v of_o they_o and_o upon_o good_a experiment_n make_v they_o may_v be_v find_v the_o great_a part_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n but_o desire_v a_o union_n it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o
as_o studious_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o concord_n as_o any_o other_o and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o latitude_n of_o judgement_n with_o other_o in_o some_o point_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o right_a catholic_n spirit_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o protestant_n reformation_n and_o dread_v the_o weaken_n and_o shatter_v of_o it_o by_o needless_a division_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o conscience_n will_v allow_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o injunction_n of_o ruler_n but_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o the_o injunction_n of_o some_o term_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o present_a judgement_n they_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o but_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o dissemble_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n touch_v church-government_n they_o admit_v the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n yea_o or_o of_o cyprian_a bishop_n usher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n be_v by_o some_o of_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n ecclesiastical_a supremacy_n according_a to_o the_o oath_n in_o that_o case_n require_v his_o majesty_n in_o his_o gracious_a declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n give_v a_o testimony_n concern_v the_o minister_n that_o attend_v he_o in_o holland_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o our_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n we_o find_v they_o person_n full_a of_o affection_n to_o we_o and_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o neither_o enemy_n as_o they_o have_v be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v to_o episcopacy_n or_o liturgy_n but_o modest_o to_o desire_v such_o alteration_n in_o either_o as_o without_o shake_a foundation_n may_v best_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o engage_v that_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a sedition_n or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n those_o point_n of_o conformity_n wherein_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v be_v but_o some_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o external_a mode_n and_o the_o declaration_n and_o subscription_n import_v a_o allowance_n of_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o they_o think_v that_o these_o point_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o consequent_n but_o they_o be_v very_o dispensable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n shall_v see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o crave_n that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o say_v be_v that_o reasonable_a man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o reasonable_a concession_n and_o if_o subject_n know_v not_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o ask_v governor_n know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o give_v by_o grant_v the_o desire_a relaxation_n the_o church_n will_v not_o as_o some_o allege_v be_v self-condemned_n as_o confess_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o injunction_n or_o as_o justify_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissenter_n for_o it_o can_v signify_v from_o she_o no_o more_o than_o either_o her_o indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a or_o her_o moderation_n in_o thing_n less_o necessary_a and_o more_o controvert_v which_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o her_o reproach_n but_o to_o her_o great_a justification_n i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o object_n against_o any_o relaxation_n after_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o desire_v not_o our_o conformity_n but_o our_o perpetual_a exclusion_n such_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o due_a season_n and_o i_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o those_o that_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o politic_a consideration_n respect_v a_o particular_a interest_n too_o narrow_a for_o a_o adequate_a foundation_n of_o church-peace_n and_o christian-concord_n but_o my_o scope_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o high_a power_n and_o church_n guide_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o breach_n according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n i_o have_v make_v particular_a observation_n of_o those_o too_o most_o remarkable_a party_n which_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n the_o other_o schism_n that_o i_o find_v of_o any_o remark_n in_o those_o time_n be_v raise_v sometime_o by_o person_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o crime_n and_o thereupon_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o as_o be_v that_o of_o meletius_n a_o bishop_n in_o egypt_n who_o be_v dispose_v for_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n sometime_o by_o offence_n unjust_o take_v at_o some_o suppose_a faultiness_n in_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v that_o of_o a_o orthodox_n party_n in_o antioch_n against_o another_o meletius_n a_o orthodox_n and_o right_n worthy_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n only_o because_o he_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o arrian_n sometime_o by_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o people_n for_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o or_o their_o pastor_n and_o outrage_n commit_v by_o their_o opposite_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o johannites_n at_o constantinople_n upon_o the_o banishment_n of_o chrysostom_n and_o sometime_o by_o mere_a animosity_n and_o humour_n of_o discontentment_n as_o be_v that_o of_o lucifer_n a_o bishop_n in_o sardinia_n who_o separate_v from_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o vertellis_fw-la and_o other_o because_o they_o dislike_v his_o rash_a act_n of_o ordain_v paulinus_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o tend_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o schism_n there_o begin_v touch_v all_o the_o say_a party_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o they_o do_v not_o plead_v that_o any_o opinion_n or_o form_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v reluctate_v nor_o do_v they_o desire_v other_o forbearance_n towards_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o they_o but_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o other_o in_o that_o which_o they_o suppose_v faulty_a but_o do_v nither_o choose_v whole_o to_o abandon_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o care_n for_o accommodation_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dissenter_n of_o these_o time_n for_o they_o importune_v a_o accommodation_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o establish_v order_n and_o for_o peace_n sake_n be_v willing_a to_o bear_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o in_o that_o which_o themselves_o dislike_v or_o doubt_v of_o but_o they_o can_v obtain_v a_o dispensation_n from_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o dispensable_a point_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n but_o be_v force_v to_o abide_v in_o a_o sever_a state_n unless_o they_o will_v profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o practice_n what_o they_o allow_v not_o now_o because_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n be_v much_o insist_v on_o i_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o ancient_a time_n of_o christianity_n man_n yea_o many_o hundred_o of_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n by_o sound_a faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o also_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o industry_n and_o offer_v all_o reasonable_a security_n for_o their_o submissive_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n be_v or_o will_v have_v be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n to_o some_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n or_o lawfulness_n whereof_o the_o dissenter_n be_v whole_o dissatisfy_v and_o which_o the_o imposer_n judge_v to_o be_v but_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o i_o further_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v self-condemned_n in_o conform_v to_o some_o injunction_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o in_o desert_v the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v dedicate_v than_o for_o superior_n either_o by_o some_o relaxation_n to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o conform_v or_o to_o bear_v with_o their_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n while_o some_o of_o their_o injunction_n confine_v they_o to_o that_o state_n chap._n v._n of_o make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o something_o more_o of_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o
unity_n the_o confuse_a noise_n about_o schism_n and_o the_o unjust_a imputation_n thereof_o that_o be_v common_o make_v have_v great_o disorder_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o some_o have_v be_v thereby_o sway_v to_o a_o absolute_a compliance_n with_o the_o most_o numerous_a or_o the_o most_o prevail_a party_n other_o discern_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o name_n but_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v something_o true_o so_o call_v have_v make_v light_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v indeed_o of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n i_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o this_o disquisition_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o earnest_a care_n of_o keep_v myself_o from_o the_o real_a guilt_n thereof_o and_o what_o be_v here_o write_v i_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o grave_n and_o just_a examination_n errare_fw-la possum_fw-la haereticus_fw-la schismaticus_fw-la esse_fw-la nolo_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a to_o error_n as_o other_o be_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o no_o wilful_a schismatic_a it_o be_v common_o give_v to_o man_n to_o pass_v a_o severe_a judgement_n upon_o every_o dissent_n from_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o order_n whereupon_o as_o that_o have_v have_v the_o character_n of_o schism_n stamp_v upon_o it_o which_o be_v not_o such_o indeed_o so_o that_o which_o be_v schism_n in_o a_o low_a and_o tolerable_a degree_n have_v be_v aggravate_v to_o the_o high_a and_o prosecute_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o make_v a_o equal_a judgement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o person_n or_o party_n the_o degree_n of_o the_o schism_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v our_o saviour_n teach_v that_o revile_v language_n contemptuous_a word_n and_o rash_a anger_n be_v breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n yet_o in_o degree_n of_o guilt_n they_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o the_o act_n of_o wilful_a murder_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o delinquency_n here_o treat_v of_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n of_o degree_n as_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o noncompliance_n in_o some_o lawful_a thing_n by_o they_o hold_v unlawful_a yet_o seek_v union_n will_v glad_o embrace_v a_o reasonable_a accommodation_n be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o upon_o choice_n and_o wilful_o sever_v themselves_o because_o they_o love_v to_o be_v sever_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o conformity_n of_o other_o and_o will_v glad_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o yet_o through_o misguide_a zeal_n be_v approver_n of_o such_o unnecessary_a imposition_n as_o hinder_v the_o conform_v of_o many_o be_v much_o different_a from_o they_o who_o design_v the_o extrusion_n of_o other_o contrive_v the_o intangle_a of_o they_o by_o needless_a rigour_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v to_o express_v the_o great_a disparity_n of_o case_n in_o point_n of_o schism_n all_o which_o may_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o estimate_n that_o we_o be_v to_o make_v thereof_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o honest_a mind_n that_o by_o mistake_n be_v draw_v into_o division_n and_o those_o that_o out_o of_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o evil_a design_n do_v wilful_o cause_v division_n in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a error_n and_o passion_n we_o shall_v not_o judge_v too_o severe_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o judge_v there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o schismatical_a animosity_n and_o perversness_n into_o which_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n such_o person_n have_v fall_v as_o be_v otherwise_o worthy_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n cyril_n with_o the_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o ephesine_fw-la council_n too_o rash_o depose_v john_n of_o antioch_n and_o his_o party_n of_o bishop_n upon_o a_o quarrel_n that_o arise_v between_o they_o and_o john_n with_o his_o adherent_n return_v to_o antioch_n do_v more_o rash_o depose_v cyril_n and_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o both_o party_n be_v orthodox_n and_o in_o the_o issue_n join_v in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o nestorius_n but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o disorderly_a and_o injurious_a proceed_n of_o so_o venerable_a a_o person_n as_o epiphanius_n against_o so_o worthy_a a_o person_n as_o chrysostom_n to_o which_o he_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o that_o incendiary_n theophilus_n of_o alexandria_n the_o say_v epiphanius_n go_v to_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o city_n hold_v a_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n and_o when_o he_o have_v enter_v the_o city_n in_o a_o public_a church_n he_o read_v the_o decree_n make_v by_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o origen_n book_n and_o excommunicate_v dioscurus_n and_o his_o brethren_n call_v the_o long_a monk_n worthy_a and_o orthodox_n man_n persecute_v by_o the_o anthromorphites_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v without_o and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o chrysostom_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o he_o i_o may_v further_a instance_n in_o the_o long_o continue_a division_n between_o paulinus_n and_o meletius_n with_o their_o party_n at_o antioch_n though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n likewise_o in_o the_o long_o continue_a separation_n make_v from_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o follower_n of_o chrysostom_n after_o his_o banishment_n because_o they_o be_v exasperate_v by_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o their_o worthy_a patriarch_n these_o weakness_n in_o good_a man_n of_o old_a time_n i_o observe_v not_o to_o dishonour_v they_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o warn_v to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o less_o censorious_a towards_o one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o disorder_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v discord_n among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v unreasonable_a opposition_n unwarrantable_a imposition_n and_o all_o causeless_a exasperation_n true_a holiness_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o true_a unity_n for_o by_o it_o the_o faithful_a cleave_v to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o receive_v one_o another_o on_o those_o term_n on_o which_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o all_o and_o by_o it_o they_o be_v turn_v from_o that_o divide_v selfishness_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o several_a or_o opposite_a way_n according_a to_o their_o several_a or_o opposite_a end_n let_v not_o a_o carnal_a worldly_a interest_n in_o a_o church_n state_n be_v set_v up_o against_o holiness_n and_o unity_n let_v the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v seek_v in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o mystical_a let_v no_o one_o party_n be_v lift_v up_o against_o the_o common_a peace_n of_o sound_a believer_n and_o let_v not_o any_o part_n of_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o christ_n family_n be_v eject_v or_o harass_v upon_o the_o instigation_n of_o other_o but_o let_v the_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n carry_v it_o equal_o and_o so_o gratify_v one_o part_n in_o their_o desire_a order_n that_o the_o other_o part_n be_v not_o oppress_v let_v not_o they_o be_v still_o vex_v who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o tolerable_a term_n with_o their_o brethren_n in_o church-governor_n let_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o power_n of_o do_v hurt_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o the_o necessary_a end_n of_o government_n let_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n commend_v itself_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n let_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o be_v turn_v the_o right_a way_n and_o its_o vigour_n be_v put_v forth_o not_o about_o little_a formality_n but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n zeal_n in_o substantial_o and_o charitable_a forbearance_n in_o circumstantial_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a indeed_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o snare_n of_o division_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o let_v controvert_v unnecessary_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n discord_n will_v be_v inevitable_a where_o the_o term_n of_o concord_n remain_v a_o difficulty_n insuperable_a the_o conscientious_a that_o be_v willing_a to_o bid_v high_a for_o peace_n can_v resign_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o humility_n and_o soberness_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n out_o of_o reverence_n to_o their_o superior_n they_o can_v help_v themselves_o