3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_n if_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v separate_a assembly_n under_o distinct_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o different_a governor_n and_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o church_n and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o several_a sort_n of_o government_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o distinct_a governor_n distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o we_o may_v say_v that_o such_o congregation_n be_v but_o one_o church_n iii_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n by_o fix_a communion_n the_o dissenter_n understand_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o by_o occasional_a communion_n they_o mean_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o fix_v communion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a notion_n of_o communion_n for_o occasional_a communion_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o communion_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n can_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n as_o of_o a_o occasional_a membership_n since_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v equal_o fix_a and_o constant_a or_o equal_o occasional_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v true_a in_o one_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v we_o may_v live_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o particular_a bishop_n in_o a_o particular_a national_a church_n but_o yet_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n perform_v in_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o communicate_v whether_o in_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o usual_o live_v or_o in_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n where_o i_o be_o accidental_o present_a my_o communion_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abode_n be_v may_v be_v call_v fix_o communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o we_o be_v accidental_o present_a may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o schism_n because_o all_o these_o church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v sometime_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o sometime_o with_o a_o separate_a congregation_n because_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a for_o the_o establish_a church_n and_o the_o dissenter_n congregation_n be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o but_z separate_z church_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o three_o forego_v particular_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a business_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o all_o english_a man_n to_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o show_v first_o that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n second_o that_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v three_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i._o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n because_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o communion_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o member_n to_o communicate_v in_o religious_a office_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n i_o shall_v offer_v five_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 1._o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o since_o all_o society_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n therefore_o some_o duty_n and_o office_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n as_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.11_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o ministry_n authorise_a for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 2.42_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a prayer_n of_o church-member_n be_v acceptable_a yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n offer_v up_o by_o the_o minister_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n nay_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v celebrate_v but_o in_o actual_a communion_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n which_o consist_v in_o admit_v man_n to_o or_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n suppose_v that_o church-member_n be_v oblige_v to_o visible_a communion_n 5._o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n as_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n according_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o 21._o so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n before_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v yet_o we_o can_v preserve_v our_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n be_v worth_a nothing_o because_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o when_o it_o can_v be_v have_v we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o but_o then_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n now_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n as_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o division_n excuse_v from_o actual_a
communion_n with_o the_o church_n than_o church-communion_n never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n and_o to_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n and_o schism_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n these_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n during_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v and_o that_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o that_o every_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o fix_a communion_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o with_o none_o than_o they_o maintain_v communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v but_o if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o than_o they_o be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a party_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o 2d_o place_n that_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o be_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v constant_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v so_o that_o he_o can_v without_o sin_n communicate_v only_o occasional_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o communicate_v constant_o as_o be_v constant_o present_a there_o there_o can_v be_v two_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n one_o for_o constant_a and_o another_o for_o occasional_a communion_n without_o schism_n and_o therefore_o where_o my_o constant_a abode_n be_v there_o my_o constant_a communion_n must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sometime_o with_o the_o presbyterian_o because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o church-communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a and_o opposite_a church_n be_v to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o ourselves_o as_o those_o separate_a church_n be_v to_o each_o other_o and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o both_o those_o church_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n so_o that_o if_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o adultery_n or_o murder_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n nothing_o less_o than_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n but_o man_n may_v new_a model_n church_n as_o often_o as_o their_o fancy_n alter_v that_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n otherwise_o no_o church_n can_v be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n now_o that_o man_n that_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o since_o therefore_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n do_v thereby_o own_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o since_o he_o who_o separate_v from_o that_o establish_a church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o iii_o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v so_o plain_o prove_v than_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o continue_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n for_o since_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o own_v it_o lawful_a to_o join_v occasional_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v oblige_v to_o join_v constant_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n because_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o it_o occasional_o but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o establish_a church_n of_o england_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o he_o be_v great_o mistake_v it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o pastor_n of_o dissent_v congregation_n ought_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o article_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o that_o matter_n may_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o yet_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o purpose_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v lay-dissenters_a and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o join_v with_o our_o church_n because_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o constant_o and_o certain_o if_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n be_v true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o averse_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n who_o have_v often_o join_v with_o we_o and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v therefore_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o if_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n than_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v such_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n even_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v full_o prove_v for_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o to_o treat_v have_v join_v in_o our_o solemn_a office_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o can_v not_o lawful_o do_v if_o our_o church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o personal_a argument_n because_o i_o design_v to_o descend_v to_o particular_n and_o to_o show_v first_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o second_o that_o those_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a first_o then_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n appear_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a 24._o sober_a bayly_n dissuasive_a c._n 2._o p._n 21._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o see_v ball_n be_v friendly_a trial_n c._n 13._o p._n 306._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n to_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o nonconformist_n nay_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n undertake_v to_o 57_o to_o a_o grave_a and_o sober_a confut._n
and_o advancement_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n four_o the_o establish_n of_o contrary_a party_n by_o a_o toleration_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o perfect_a religion_n any_o more_o than_o the_o suffering_n of_o divers_a error_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o reform_v they_o one_o principle_n only_o can_v be_v true_a and_o a_o mixture_n of_o sacred_a and_o profane_a be_v the_o great_a impurity_n five_o many_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o improve_v christianity_n because_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o rule_n of_o discretion_n and_o rely_v not_o on_o god_n assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o good_a mean_n but_o depend_v whole_o upon_o immediate_a illumination_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o prudence_n six_o our_o church_n have_v already_o better_a mean_n to_o promote_v pure_a religion_n than_o any_o the_o dissenter_n have_v propose_v any_o church_n may_v be_v improve_v in_o small_a matter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o imprudent_a to_o change_v the_o present_a model_n for_o any_o that_o have_v yet_o be_v offer_v we_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_n to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n primitive_a discipline_n decency_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v we_o have_v as_o many_o true_o pious_a member_n as_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o such_o excellent_a writer_n and_o preacher_n as_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o whereas_o among_o the_o party_n the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o preacher_n be_v deliver_v solemn_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n i_o may_v add_v also_o that_o the_o dissenter_n doctrine_n of_o god_n secret_a decree_n their_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n their_o long_a unstudy_v effusion_n their_o leave_v the_o creed_n out_o of_o the_o directory_n for_o public_a worship_n their_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o the_o hat_n on_o their_o alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o give_v the_o holy_a element_n and_o their_o forbid_v the_o observation_n of_o festival_n be_v not_o so_o conducive_a to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o late_a time_n illegal_o remove_v by_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o alter_v a_o constitution_n but_o it_o be_v extreme_a difficult_a to_o make_v a_o true_a and_o last_a improvement_n to_o conclude_v since_o it_o appear_v that_o dissenter_n be_v not_o like_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n of_o establish_v themselves_o of_o root_a out_o popery_n and_o promote_a pure_a religion_n by_o overthrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o they_o ought_v both_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n to_o endeavour_v after_o union_n with_o it_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o i_o proceed_v to_o explain_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church-communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasinal_a communion_n i._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n in_o opposition_n to_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n for_o though_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o particular_a man_n yet_o those_o man_n be_v consider_v not_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_a into_o a_o regular_a society_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a end_n the_o jewish_a church_n have_v exact_a order_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o union_n and_o order_n of_o its_o part_n be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a which_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a be_v but_o one._n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n christ_n also_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n joh._n 10.16_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o have_v the_o same_o foundation_n the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o promise_n the_o same_o privilege_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o separate_a body_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o certain_o where_o everything_o be_v common_a there_o be_v one_o community_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a man_n though_o of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n have_v distinct_a essence_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o if_o no_o christian_a have_v any_o peculiar_a privilege_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n christian_n be_v call_v the_o choose_a or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a faith_n law_n rite_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v also_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n because_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n and_o the_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o themselves_o because_o they_o be_v one_o society_n but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o the_o union_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n of_o which_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n he_o have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o by_o authorise_v some_o person_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o such_o a_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o shall_v institute_v which_o form_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n so_o that_o to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o a_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church-member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church-covenant_n because_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o only_a covenant_n which_o christ_n have_v make_v and_o why_o then_o do_v the_o independent_o exact_v such_o a_o covenant_n of_o baptise_a person_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a person_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o this_o we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n if_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v necessary_a than_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n 6._o that_o if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o one_o covenant_n than_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o for_o those_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n
of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o though_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o man_n conveniency_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a part_n or_o congregation_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n so_o that_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a corporation_n but_o if_o he_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o corporation_n those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o corporation_n forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n thus_o have_v god_n grant_v a_o charter_n or_o covenant_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o this_o one_o church_n we_o forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o it_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o catholic_a church_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o ii_o by_o church-communion_n i_o mean_v church-society_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church-member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church-privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n it_o be_v true_a this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v pray_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o but_o strict_o speak_v those_o office_n be_v not_o communion_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o communion_n church-communion_n be_v church-union_n for_o as_o a_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v the_o natural_a action_n of_o a_o member_n so_o a_o man_n must_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n before_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o pray_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o in_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v perform_v those_o office_n yet_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o intruder_n such_o office_n be_v act_n of_o communion_n if_o perform_v by_o church-member_n but_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o by_o be_v a_o member_n a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o a_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o church-society_n viz._n obedience_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n join_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o that_o act_v otherwise_o renounce_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o observe_v 1._o that_o church-communion_n principal_o respect_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n because_o it_o admit_v we_o into_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o universal_a church_n 2._o that_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n such_o as_o pray_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n though_o it_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o christian_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v we_o as_o fellow-member_n pray_v to_o god_n the_o common_a father_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o common_a saviour_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o christian_n thus_o also_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_a communion_n 3._o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o i_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a that_o i_o may_v lawful_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n 4._o that_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n because_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v but_o one_o all_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o join_v with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o separate_a society_n be_v to_o renounce_v its_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n every_o particular_a church_n must_v have_v its_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n in_o the_o body_n have_v its_o proper_a place_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n with_o we_o distinct_a church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v so_o that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n it_o be_v true_a a_o nation_n may_v permit_v those_o foreigner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o to_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v and_o that_o without_o any_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o a_o bare_a variety_n of_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o now_o every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n for_o though_o all_o true_a church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o each_o church_n have_v a_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o allow_v foreigner_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v separate_a communion_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v so_o that_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o leave_v the_o church_n because_o they_o think_v it_o unsafe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o two_o church_n may_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o church_n which_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n shall_v still_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a society_n sound_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o
good_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o evil._n we_o have_v not_o one_o doctrine_n or_o ceremony_n that_o be_v pure_o popish_a but_o we_o must_v part_v with_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o our_o religion_n if_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v sinful_a which_o the_o papist_n abuse_n and_o as_o for_o the_o papist_n themselves_z we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o countenance_n they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrong_v by_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v right_a chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v some_o think_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o real_a saint_n and_o therefore_o find_v many_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o separate_v from_o her_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o consist_v in_o their_o judgement_n of_o none_o but_o true_o unessayed_v person_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n be_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n apply_v to_o god_n church_n holiness_n in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_a 1._o inherent_a holiness_n and_o that_o can_v be_v in_o none_o proper_o but_o god_n angel_n and_o men._n in_o god_n originally_n as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v in_o who_o all_o excellency_n do_v possess_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n in_o angel_n and_o man_n by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o relative_n holiness_n found_v in_o a_o separation_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o common_a use_n and_o a_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o sabbath_n be_v holy_a and_o judea_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v holy_a and_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v a_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n thus_o the_o israelite_n even_o when_o very_o much_o corrupt_v be_v call_v god_n holy_a people_n deut._n 7.6_o and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n though_o there_o be_v strange_a immorality_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o well_o but_o do_v not_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o be_v real_o holy_a yes_o but_o then_o by_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v not_o the_o whole_a universal_a church_n but_o either_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v real_o holy_a in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o when_o the_o corrupt_a member_n shall_v be_v utter_o cut_v off_o neither_o be_v this_o to_o make_v two_o church_n but_o only_o to_o assign_v two_o different_a state_n of_o the_o same_o church_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n 1._o that_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o that_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n 3._o that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o first_o then_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n make_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o surety_n be_v enough_o to_o qualify_v a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o qualification_n prescribe_v by_o our_o lord_n go_v teach_v all_o nation_n that_o be_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 28.19_o now_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n act_v whilst_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n and_o baptise_a more_o than_o be_v sincere_a for_o of_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v baptise_a not_o above_o 120_o continue_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o 2._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o act_v afterward_o for_o st._n peter_n baptise_a about_o 3000_o in_o one_o day_n upon_o their_o profess_v the_o word_n act_v 2.41_o though_o all_o will_v not_o probable_o prove_v sincere_a and_o two_o of_o they_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v gross_a hypocrite_n st._n philip_n act_v 8.12_o baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n at_o samaria_n and_o and_o among_o they_o be_v simon_n magus_n who_o the_o holy_a deacon_n may_v just_o suspect_v for_o his_o former_a practice_n and_o who_o hypocrisy_n appear_v afterward_o such_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v demas_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o bare_a profession_n entitle_v they_o to_o that_o privilege_n 3._o christ_n foretell_v 15.1_o foretell_v matth._n 3.12_o and_o 13.24_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 15.1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a by_o compare_v it_o to_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n a_o net_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o fish_n a_o flour_n of_o corn_n and_o chaff_n etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n say_v 9.6_o say_v rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n and_o christ_n say_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v 4._o the_o many_o corrupt_a member_n 3._o member_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 6._o gal._n 3._o rev._n 3._o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n prove_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o admit_v mere_a formal_a professor_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o think_v it_o god_n will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o 5._o no_o other_o rule_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o the_o church_n be_v practicable_a since_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n can_v make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o man_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v short_a and_o fallible_a understanding_n second_o therefore_o every_o such_o member_n have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o the_o church_n till_o by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o privilege_n by_o external_n privilege_n i_o mean_v only_o a_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n be_v internal_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o the_o true_o good_a who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n now_o when_o a_o man_n by_o gross_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v forfeit_v the_o internal_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o external_n privilege_n also_o but_o till_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pass_v upon_o he_o we_o must_v not_o forsake_v the_o church_n ourselves_o to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o because_o till_o then_o his_o right_n to_o they_o remain_v inviolable_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n give_v man_n a_o right_a to_o god_n promise_n as_o far_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o condition_n if_o a_o bare_a federal_a holiness_n give_v man_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n than_o it_o give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o blessing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o relation_n not_o that_o unworthy_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o special_a reward_n of_o the_o true_o good_a but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n to_o partake_v of_o those_o external_n blessing_n which_o he_o in_o common_a bestow_v upon_o the_o whole_a family_n 2._o church-membership_n necessary_o imply_v church-communion_n or_o else_o it_o signify_v nothing_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o society_n if_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o it_o 3._o all_o the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n though_o i_o doubt_v many_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a liver_n and_o therefore_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n 4._o it_o appear_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a for_o they_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o that_o be_v in_o the_o cup_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o all_o be_v partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n 10.17_o and_o we_o read_v that_o they_o all_o the_o 3000_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o
in_o prayer_n act_v 2.42_o 5._o church-membership_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o church-communion_n for_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o hear_v god_n word_n due_o preach_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n join_v with_o those_o of_o other_o christian_n and_o our_o grace_n strengthen_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n nay_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_n administration_n and_o therefore_o 4.4_o therefore_o act_n 2.47_o eph._n 5.23_o and_o 4.4_o since_o god_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n since_o his_o ordinary_a method_n of_o save_a man_n be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n since_o chriâ—â—_n suffer_v for_o we_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o may_v â—e_v say_v that_o those_o who_o have_v only_o the_o form_n and_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n when_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 11.27_o 29._o and_o such_o man_n can_v have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v unworthy_a receiver_n but_o 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_n privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o for_o we_o do_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o such_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n who_o st._n paul_n charge_v with_o schism_n and_o division_n pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o they_o have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o receiver_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o unconverted_a condition_n and_o that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o convert_n but_o confirm_v ordinance_n i_o answer_v that_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n '_o tâ—s_v true_a that_o none_o but_o convert_v or_o baptise_a person_n must_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o take_v conversion_n for_o turn_v those_o who_o be_v already_o baptise_a to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o holiness_n than_o this_o be_v a_o convert_v ordinance_n for_o what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o holiness_n can_v be_v find_v than_o what_o the_o sacrament_n represent_v to_o we_o wherein_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o three_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o some_o corrupt_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o 1._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sin_n can_v be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eli_n son_n who_o arrive_v to_o such_o impudence_n in_o sin_v that_o they_o lie_v with_o the_o woman_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n yet_o do_v not_o elkanah_n and_o hannah_n refrain_v to_o come_v up_o to_o shilo_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o public_a worship_n nay_o they_o be_v say_v to_o transgress_v who_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o they_o refuse_v out_o of_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o man_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o 24._o in_o ahab_n time_n when_o almost_o all_o israel_n be_v idolater_n and_o halt_v betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n yet_o then_o do_v the_o prophet_n elijah_n summon_v all_o israel_n to_o appear_v on_o mount_n carmel_n and_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o offer_v a_o miraculous_a sacrifice_n neither_o do_v the_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v keep_v themselves_o upright_o and_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n absent_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o come_v and_o join_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n perform_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.39_o and_o 19.18_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o both_o prince_n and_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o debauch_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o prophet_n at_o any_o time_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a to_o separate_v or_o that_o they_o themselves_o set_v up_o any_o separate_a meeting_n but_o continue_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n many_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n and_o the_o 7_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v grow_v very_o scandalous_a yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o good_a man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o so_o to_o do_v 3._o from_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o rule_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n at_o that_o time_n have_v pervert_v the_o law_n corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v blind_a guide_n and_o hypocrite_n devour_v widow_n house_n and_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n matth._n 15.6_o 7_o 8._o how_o careful_a be_v he_o both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o precept_n to_o forbid_v and_o discountenance_v a_o separation_n upon_o that_o account_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n be_v seat_n say_v he_o all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o bid_v you_o observe_v that_o observe_v and_o do_v matth._n 23.2_o 3._o 4._o from_o the_o apostle_n express_a command_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o and_o great_a immorality_n that_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 11.18_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1.12_o 13._o and_o 3.3_o and_o 5.1_o and_o 11.18_o there_o be_v schism_n and_o contention_n among_o they_o strife_n and_o envy_n fornication_n and_o incest_n eat_v at_o the_o idol_n table_n and_o come_v not_o so_o sober_o as_o become_v they_o to_o the_o table_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o not_o command_v they_o to_o separate_v but_o approve_v their_o meeting_n together_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v it_o but_o 11.28_o but_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v what_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz._n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strise_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brethren_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridle_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o by_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o
sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-communion_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n that_o every_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a and_o therefore_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n be_v schismatic_n in_o do_v so_o and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n because_o though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o desire_v yet_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v it_o be_v true_a good_a man_n must_v frequent_o exhort_v and_o advise_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n they_o must_v reprove_v they_o with_o prudence_n affection_n and_o calmness_n they_o must_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o their_o reformation_n they_o must_v as_o much_o and_o as_o convenient_o as_o may_v be_v avoid_v their_o company_n especial_o all_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o if_o repeat_v admonition_n either_o private_a or_o before_o one_o or_o two_o more_o will_v not_o do_v then_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n that_o by_o it_o be_v more_o public_a reproof_n the_o scandalous_a member_n may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o by_o its_o just_a censure_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n these_o thing_n the_o holy_a scripture_n command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n practise_v according_o but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o private_a christian_n some_o scandalous_a member_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n they_o can_v injure_v those_o person_n that_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o sin_n pollute_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o he_o noah_n and_o lot_n be_v good_a even_o among_o the_o wicked_a nor_o do_v judas_n defile_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o passover_n the_o good_a and_o bad_a communicate_v together_o not_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o their_o common_a duty_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v sin_n but_o to_o communicate_v with_o a_o sinner_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o sinful_a can_v be_v a_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n but_o this_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n and_o show_v only_o that_o sin_n like_o leaven_n be_v of_o a_o very_a spread_a nature_n the_o people_n be_v as_o a_o lump_n and_o a_o wicked_a person_n be_v as_o leaven_n among_o they_o but_o though_o the_o leaven_n be_v apt_a to_o convey_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a lump_n yet_o only_o those_o part_n be_v actual_o leaven_v with_o it_o that_o take_v the_o leaven_n and_o so_o though_o the_o sinner_n by_o his_o bad_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o infect_v other_o yet_o those_o only_o be_v actual_o infect_v who_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o sin_n beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v their_o assembly_n but_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o take_v no_o leaven_n of_o they_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 1_o cor._n 5.7_o and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o joint_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n be_v as_o sovereign_a a_o antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n as_o the_o bare_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o power_n to_o convey_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v never_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v obtain_v pardon_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a uncleaness_n and_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v be_v make_v unclean_a i_o answer_v that_o those_o legal_a pollution_n do_v not_o defile_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o only_o those_o who_o the_o unclean_a person_n touch_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n appoint_v for_o any_o such_o pollution_n as_o come_v upon_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o 2._o though_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o not_o separate_v the_o clean_a from_o the_o unclean_a ezek._n 22.26_o yet_o they_o never_o teach_v that_o the_o whole_a communion_n be_v pollute_v because_o the_o unclean_a come_v into_o the_o congregation_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o priest_n duty_n as_o those_o that_o touch_v the_o unclean_a person_n be_v unclean_a so_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o wicked_a in_o their_o sin_n be_v pollute_v 3._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o unclean_a person_n that_o do_v not_o purify_v himself_o defile_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pollute_v the_o sanctuary_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o do_v so_o to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o other_o so_o do_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o but_o not_o of_o other_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n go_v up_o as_o a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o he_o the_o person_n that_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n come_v better_o prepare_v may_v do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o eternal_a comfort_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieving_a be_v nothing_o pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v tit._n 1.15_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 6.17_o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o my_o assertion_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o exhortation_n for_o the_o christian_a corinthian_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o heathen_n by_o who_o they_o be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n at_o which_o some_o of_o they_o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n but_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o go_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n who_o ignorance_n may_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o their_o example_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v at_o they_o even_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o must_v be_v think_v to_o eat_v in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o idol_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n we_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o idol-feast_n at_o all_o 2._o that_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o be_v to_o separate_v be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n and_o idolater_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n be_v present_a at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o pagan_a or_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n 3._o that_o the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v be_v the_o abominable_a practice_n use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v
a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n plea_n for_o separation_n or_o a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o london_n case_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o book_n be_v digest_v into_o one_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n cambridge_z print_v at_o the_o university_n press_n for_o alexander_n bosvile_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o dial_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1700._o imprimatur_fw-la gul._n dawes_n procan_n humf_n gower_z ss_z theol._n pro_fw-la d_o na_fw-fr margareta_n prof._n gul._n saywell_n coll._n jes_n praefect_n ja._n johnson_n coll._n sid._n s._n magist_n the_o preface_n that_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_o discourse_n which_o be_v late_o write_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o universal_a approbation_n that_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o discourse_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o only_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o abridgement_n the_o collection_n itself_o be_v large_a and_o dear_a it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o less_o bulk_n and_o small_a price_n that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v not_o either_o money_n to_o buy_v or_o time_n to_o peruse_v so_o big_a a_o volume_n may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o upon_o easy_a term_n this_o i_o presume_v will_v justify_v my_o design_n if_o i_o have_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o i_o have_v use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o avoid_v obscurity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o fault_n which_o be_v often_o charge_v upon_o abridgement_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v i_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v material_a though_o the_o number_n of_o these_o sheet_n be_v not_o the_o six_o part_n of_o those_o that_o contain_v the_o original_a for_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o collection_n do_v frequent_o glance_v and_o sometime_o discourse_v large_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_a so_o that_o by_o avoid_v repetition_n and_o blending_a all_o the_o substance_n together_o i_o have_v much_o lessen_v the_o expense_n of_o money_n and_o time_n this_o and_o some_o other_o advantage_n arise_v from_o the_o digestion_n into_o chapter_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v gain_v if_o i_o have_v make_v a_o distinct_a abridgement_n of_o every_o single_a discourse_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v fair_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o my_o author_n but_o if_o i_o have_v mistake_v or_o injure_v it_o in_o any_o particular_a i_o be_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o do_v hearty_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reader_n the_o 11_o the_o and_o 12_o the_o chapter_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v exact_a for_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o a._n bp._n of_o york_n own_o correction_n for_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o return_v his_o grace_n my_o humble_a thanks_o other_o part_n i_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o worthy_a person_n to_o who_o judgement_n i_o shall_v ever_o pay_v the_o great_a deference_n but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v myself_o for_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v no_o assistance_n in_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o correct_v i_o when_o he_o find_v occasion_n i_o have_v follow_v not_o only_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a very_a judicious_a person_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o a._n bishop_n tillotson_n discourse_n of_o frequent_a communion_n which_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o collection_n the_o quotation_n in_o the_o london_n edit_n 1698._o which_o i_o follow_v be_v very_o bad_o print_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o mistake_n of_o that_o nature_n have_v creep_v into_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o many_o of_o they_o appear_v false_a at_o first_o view_n and_o many_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o but_o some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v venture_v to_o correct_v god_n almighty_a grant_n that_o this_o weak_a endeavour_n may_v be_v of_o some_o service_n at_o least_o towards_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o division_n which_o have_v endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n coll._n in_o cambridge_n octob._n 2d_o 1699._o tho._n bennet_n a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o book_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o abridgement_n 1._o archbishop_z tennison_n argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 2._o archbishop_z sharp_n discourse_v concern_v conscience_n in_o two_o part_n 3._o bishop_n grove_n persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o bishop_n patrick_n discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n 5._o bishop_n fowler_n be_v resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o his_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n etc._n etc._n 7._o bishop_n williams_n case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 8._o his_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 9_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 10._o dr._n hooper_n church_n of_o england_n free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o popery_n 11._o dr._n sherlock_n resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 12._o his_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 13._o dr._n hicks_n case_n of_o infant-baptism_n 14._o dr._n freeman_n case_n of_o mixt-communion_n 15._o dr._n hascard_n discourse_n about_o edification_n 16._o dr._n calamy_n discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 17._o his_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 18._o dr._n scott_n case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 19_o dr._n claget_n answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n 20._o dr._n resbury_n case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 21._o dr._n cave_n serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n 22._o mr._n evans_n case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 15_o chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n pag._n 31_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n pag._n 48_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v pag._n 90_o chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n pag._n 103_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v pag._n 126_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v pag._n 135_o chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v pag._n 171_o chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v pag._n 194_o chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v pag._n 210_o chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v pag._n 228_o chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 249_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 277_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v pag._n 292_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n pag._n 309_o the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o overthrow_v a_o church_n be_v first_o to_o divide_v it_o and_o that_o our_o dissension_n be_v division_n proper_o so_o call_v how_o mortal_a these_o breach_n may_v at_o last_o prove_v any_o
circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o those_o circumstance_n that_o thing_n may_v tend_v to_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n in_o one_o country_n or_o age_n which_o in_o another_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o be_v cover_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o love-feast_n etc._n etc._n be_v once_o think_v decent_a but_o afterward_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n alter_v so_o that_o order_n decency_n and_o edification_n be_v changeable_a thing_n as_o circumstance_n vary_v only_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o the_o particular_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o authority_n to_o determine_v 2._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v use_v indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n thus_o he_o join_v in_o the_o synagogal_a worship_n john_n 18.20_o etc._n etc._n though_o if_o the_o place_n itself_o be_v at_o all_o prescribe_v the_o manner_n of_o that_o service_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v at_o thus_o he_o use_v the_o cup_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o passover_n though_o it_o be_v not_o institute_v luke_o 22.16_o the_o feast_n of_o dedication_n be_v a_o human_a institution_n yet_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o nay_o he_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a posture_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o they_o change_v to_o sit_v though_o god_n have_v prescribe_v stand_v the_o apostle_n also_o observe_v the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v of_o human_a institution_n act_v 3.1_o now_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v thus_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a in_o prescribe_v outward_a ceremony_n certain_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n not_o only_o comply_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o forbid_v but_o also_o have_v some_o ritual_a observation_n take_v up_o by_o themselves_o thus_o they_o 1._o they_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o wash_v the_o disciple_n foot_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o 14._o and_o tertull_n de_fw-fr orat._n cap._n 14._o use_v love-feast_n till_o they_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o prescription_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o rite_n lawful_a it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v civil_a observance_n and_o use_v as_o well_o out_o of_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o there_o need_v no_o institution_n for_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v without_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o justify_v most_o of_o our_o usage_n for_o a_o white_a garment_n be_v use_v in_o civil_a case_n as_o a_o sign_n of_o royalty_n and_o dignity_n etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o civil_a observance_n when_o use_v in_o religious_a worship_n either_o remain_v civil_a when_o so_o apply_v or_o be_v religious_a when_o so_o apply_v if_o it_o be_v civil_a then_o kneel_v in_o god_n worship_n be_v not_o religious_a because_o it_o be_v a_o posture_n use_v in_o civil_a matter_n if_o it_o be_v religious_a than_o a_o rite_n that_o be_v not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n to_o a_o religious_a end_n 3._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o caen._n that_o buxtorf_n exere_fw-la hist_o sâ—c_fw-la caen._n neither_o the_o wash_n of_o foot_n nor_o the_o holy_a kiss_n be_v use_v as_o civil_a rite_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v call_v by_o the_o father_n the_o seal_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o reconciliation_n 4._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n than_o any_o civil_a rite_n may_v be_v use_v in_o worship_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o ridiculous_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v be_v warrantable_a 5._o if_o a_o rite_n be_v civil_a make_v it_o lawful_a in_o worship_n then_o how_o can_v our_o adversary_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n except_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n for_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a rite_n which_o be_v not_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n feast_v and_o salutation_n be_v civil_a usage_n but_o divine_a worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v ancient_o use_v in_o worship_n than_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o introduce_v such_o custom_n 3._o if_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v not_o be_v lawful_o use_v in_o god_n worship_n than_o we_o can_v lawful_o join_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o church_n do_v in_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o require_v thus_o the_o 1._o the_o vid._n august_n epist_n 118_o 119._o basil_n de_fw-fr sp._n s._n cap._n 27._o ambros_n de_fw-fr sacram._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7._o &_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 1._o ancient_n observe_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n stand_v in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o a_o universal_a practice_n beside_o some_o church_n have_v peculiar_a custom_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n fast_v on_o saturday_n other_o indifferent_o on_o any_o day_n that_o of_o milan_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o that_o of_o rome_n do_v not_o thus_o in_o our_o day_n some_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v other_o standing_z etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v have_v a_o institution_n for_o every_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o must_v join_v in_o nothing_o which_o have_v it_o not_o than_o we_o can_v be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o indeed_o can_v i_o learn_v how_o a_o christian_a can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n perform_v any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o this_o principle_n be_v admit_v for_o true_a for_o habit_n and_o gesture_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n and_o god_n worship_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v unlawful_a for_o not_o be_v command_v than_o a_o man_n must_v sin_v every_o time_n he_o pray_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n nay_o those_o that_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o command_v do_v in_o their_o practice_n confute_v their_o opinion_n for_o where_o i_o pray_v be_v they_o command_v to_o sprinkle_v the_o child_n that_o be_v baptise_a or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n sit_v or_o to_o use_v conceive_v prayer_n or_o to_o touch_v and_o kiss_v the_o book_n in_o swear_v or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n nay_o where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v or_o that_o what_o be_v not_o command_v be_v forbid_v where_o be_v we_o tell_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o forbid_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v allow_v that_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n may_v be_v prescribe_v by_o authority_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o necessary_a circumstance_n such_o as_o gesture_n and_o habit_n be_v thus_o determine_v though_o they_o be_v not_o command_v certain_o the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a power_n do_v not_o make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o forbid_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v lawful_a before_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n sin_v because_o they_o offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o command_v they_o not_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 10.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o command_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a in_o divine_a worship_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o phrase_n not_o command_v be_v constant_o apply_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v the_o fire_n also_o be_v call_v strange_a which_o phrase_n when_o apply_v to_o matter_n of_o worship_n signify_v as_o much_o as_o forbid_v thus_o strange_a incense_n exod._n 30.9_o 24._o be_v such_o as_o be_v forbid_v because_o it_o be_v not_o right_o make_v strange_a vanity_n be_v but_o another_o word_n for_o strange_a god_n jer._n 8.19_o and_o thus_o the_o fire_n of_o these_o man_n be_v strange_a that_o be_v forbid_v fire_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o altar_n of_o which_o more_o be_v say_v than_o of_o the_o fire_n burn_v upon_o it_o leu._n 9.24_o &_o 6.12_o &_o 16.12_o it_o be_v light_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v to_o be_v always_o burn_a when_o atonement_n be_v to_o be_v
with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o stone_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o for_o so_o we_o 16._o we_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 1_o tim._n 1.4_o rom._n 14.19_o 1_o thess_n 5.11_o eph._n 4.12_o 16._o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o whatever_o may_v be_v urge_v the_o apostle_n conclude_v we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n etc._n etc._n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n sufficient_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o custom_n that_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o scrupulosity_n and_o niceness_n or_o a_o mere_a inclination_n to_o a_o contrary_a practice_n there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o establish_v and_o the_o very_a change_n of_o a_o custom_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o profit_n yet_o do_v disturb_v by_o its_o novelty_n say_v st._n austin_n epist_n 118._o infirmity_n in_o a_o church_n be_v better_a than_o confusion_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o worship_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o but_o the_o church_n the_o better_a for_o observe_v peace_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v far_o before_o nicety_n and_o certain_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o what_o god_n have_v conclude_v nothing_o in_o in_o a_o word_n what_o st._n austin_n and_o his_o mother_n receive_v from_o st._n ambrose_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o good_a manner_n it_o become_v a_o good_a and_o prudent_a christian_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o come_v if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o he_o epist_n 118_o &_o 86._o and_o if_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n must_v oblige_v a_o good_a man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o back_v by_o authority_n for_o then_o to_o stand_v in_o opposition_n be_v not_o only_o a_o offence_n but_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o contend_v whether_o we_o or_o our_o superior_n shall_v govern_v and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n but_o distraction_n it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o liberty_n leave_v to_o christian_n in_o thing_n undetermined_a in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n for_o instance_n what_o order_n can_v there_o be_v if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v long_o or_o short_a and_o the_o like_a to_o conclude_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v neither_o require_v nor_o forbid_v a_o action_n we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o performance_n or_o omission_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o we_o be_v restrain_v in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o be_v also_o restrain_v in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o gal._n 5.1_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o indifferent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n in_o it_o 2._o a_o restraint_n of_o our_o liberty_n or_o recede_v from_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o violation_n of_o it_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a person_n plead_v that_o the_o strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n by_o indulge_v that_o liberty_n which_o other_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v a_o man_n liberty_n more_o damage_v when_o restrain_v by_o superior_n than_o when_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o another_o conscience_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o superiour_n command_n restrain_v it_o perpetual_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o know_v his_o own_o liberty_n suppose_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v damnify_v though_o it_o be_v restrain_v for_o his_o whole_a life_n for_o say_v he_o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v 1_o cor._n 8.13_o and_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v he_o not_o think_v it_o consistent_a with_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n 3._o christian_n liberty_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o freedom_n from_o the_o restraint_n which_o the_o jewish_a law_n lay_v upon_o man_n this_o be_v that_o liberty_n which_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o and_o i_o think_v that_o in_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o judaisme_n but_o we_o must_v note_v that_o christian_a liberty_n consist_v not_o in_o our_o be_v free_v from_o the_o act_n of_o observe_v the_o jewish_a law_n but_o in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n do_v observe_v it_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o prudential_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v so_o not_o out_o of_o necessity_n but_o in_o condescension_n to_o their_o weak_a convert_v and_o if_o they_o can_v observe_v some_o judaical_a rite_n without_o infringe_v their_o christian_a liberty_n certain_o we_o may_v safe_o use_v a_o few_o indifferent_a ceremony_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o our_o establish_v church_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v those_o person_n who_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o that_o of_o a_o few_o harmless_a imposition_n be_v guilty_a of_o separation_n from_o she_o but_o because_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a objection_n against_o some_o particular_a thing_n impose_v by_o she_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o general_a but_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n which_o relate_v to_o single_a instance_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o next_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n be_v the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n this_o the_o dissenter_n judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a or_o at_o least_o not_o expedient_a and_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n endeavour_v to_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n 1._o by_o show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n 2._o by_o answer_v their_o objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o 3._o by_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o both_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n do_v warrant_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o dissenter_n indeed_o require_v we_o to_o produce_v some_o positive_a command_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v needless_a because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o thing_n not_o command_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n however_o for_o their_o full_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o that_o though_o no_o form_n be_v command_v yet_o form_n be_v as_o lawful_a as_o extempore_o prayer_n i._o then_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o holy_a scripture_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n command_v we_o to_o use_v none_o but_o form_n
carth._n 3._o c._n 12._o council_n milev_n c._n 12._o justin_n novel_a 137._o pref._n &_o 1_o 2_o 6._o nazian_n orat._n in_o basil_n 20._o say_v st._n basil_n compose_v order_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o st._n basil_n himself_o epist_n 63._o recite_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o public_a service_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o monastical_a oratory_n of_o his_o institution_n say_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n hold_v about_o the_o year_n 364_o express_o provide_v that_o the_o same_o liturgy_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v always_o use_v both_o morning_n and_o evening_n can._n 18._o and_o this_o canon_n be_v take_v into_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o collection_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o general_n council_n of_o chalcedon_n in_o the_o year_n 451_o by_o which_o establishment_n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n so_o far_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o general_n council_n extend_v and_o then_o in_o the_o year_n 541_o these_o canon_n be_v make_v imperial_a law_n by_o justinian_n novel_a 131._o c._n 1._o see_v zonar_n and_o balsam_n on_o can_v 18._o see_v also_o smectym_n answ_n to_z the_o remonst_z p._n 7._o grand_fw-fr deb_fw-mi p._n 11._o and_o council_n laod._n c._n 15_o 19_o thus_o for_o near_o 600_o year_n after_o christ_n we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o from_o henceforth_o or_o a_o little_a after_o down_z to_z mr._n calvin_n time_n all_o be_v agree_v that_o no_o prayer_n but_o establish_a liturgy_n be_v use_v nay_o calvin_n who_o pray_v extempore_o after_o his_o lecture_n always_o use_v a_o form_n before_o pref._n ad_fw-la calv._n prael_n in_o min._n proph._n and_o he_o compose_v a_o form_n for_o the_o sunday-service_n which_o be_v afterward_o establish_v at_o geneva_n nay_o he_o say_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n i_o high_o approve_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o administration_n to_o vary_v from_o it_o ep._n 87._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o reform_a church_n but_o what_o have_v some_o public_a form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n ever_o call_v in_o question_n before_o nay_o mr._n ball_n dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n norton_n and_o mr._n tomb_n do_v 13._o do_v see_v ball_n be_v trial_n pref._n etc._n etc._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 8._o baxter_n cure_n of_o ch._n divis_n p._n 175._o owen_n work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n p._n 220.222_o 235._o norton_n answer_n to_o apollon_n c._n 13._o express_o own_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o this_o be_v say_v 255._o say_v clark_n life_n of_o 10_o divine_n p._n 255._o to_o be_v the_o tenant_n of_o all_o our_o dissent_v best_o and_o most_o judicious_a divine_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v say_v 67._o say_v bradshaw_n life_n in_o clark_n coll._n in_o fol._n p._n 67._o one_o that_o the_o flower_n of_o our_o own_o divine_n go_v on_o in_o this_o way_n when_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o if_o they_o have_v please_v in_o their_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n and_o we_o find_v mr._n hildersham_n prayer_n before_o sermon_n 1633·_fw-la sermon_n see_v his_o doctrine_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n anno_fw-la 1633·_fw-la print_v this_o be_v so_o universal_o and_o constant_o practise_v that_o mr._n clark_n 38._o clark_n collect._n of_o 10_o life_n 4_o to_o p._n 38._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o man_n who_o bring_v conceive_v prayer_n into_o use_n in_o those_o part_n where_o he_o live_v be_v mr._n sam._n cook_n who_o die_v but_o in_o the_o year_n 1649._o nay_o the_o chief_a dissent_v writer_n do_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o they_o also_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o form_n 5._o form_n see_v ball_n be_v tri_n l._n c._n 2._o rogers_n tr._n 223._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 307._o egerton_n practice_n of_o christianity_n c._n 11._o p._n 691._o edit_fw-la 5._o from_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o prayer_n and_o charge_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n with_o enthusiasm_n 1006._o enthusiasm_n grave_a confut_o epist_n to_o the_o reader_n contin_n morn_n exerc._n p._n 1006._o and_o novelty_n 1.16_o novelty_n priest_n serm._n on_o joh._n 1.16_o they_o grant_v also_o 1._o that_o form_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o that_o there_o be_v footstep_n of_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o mr._n tomb_n and_o other_o have_v show_v 13._o show_v theodulia_n p._n 221._o baxt._n cure_n p._n 176._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 128_o 129._o grave_a confut_o p._n 12_o 13._o and_o mr._n ainsworth_n that_o do_v otherwise_o argue_v against_o they_o do_v confess_v 12.8_o confess_v annot._n on_o ex._n 12.8_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v very_o ancient_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n of_o ancient_a time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o this_o 1400_o year_n at_o least_o if_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v their_o stint_a liturgy_n say_v mr._n ball_n 80._o ball_n trial_n p._n 96_o 106_o 111_o 138._o &_o p._n 80._o and_o 222._o and_o tombes's_fw-fr theodulia_n p._n 222._o they_o answer_v objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n 3._o that_o in_o the_o best_a reform_v nay_o in_o all_o reform_a church_n they_o be_v not_o only_o use_v and_o tolerate_v but_o also_o 234._o also_o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 108_o etc._n etc._n rogers_n treatise_n p._n 224._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 234._o useful_a and_o expedient_a 4._o that_o those_o among_o we_o to_o who_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n have_v be_v most_o burdensome_a have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n profess_v their_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n as_o mr._n ball_n assure_v we_o 12._o we_o trial_n p._n 96_o 106_o 12._o that_o they_o think_v it_o altogether_o unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o stint_a form_n and_o liturgy_n be_v not_o only_o frequent_o affirm_v by_o mr._n ball_n 13._o ball_n resp_n ad_fw-la apol._n c._n 13._o but_o little_o less_o even_a by_o mr._n norton_n 102._o norton_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 102._o who_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o embrace_v communion_n with_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n neither_o do_v it_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o a_o believer_n that_o he_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o then_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o all_o church_n so_o mr._n baxter_n 224._o baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 65._o see_v ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 131_o rogers_n tr._n p._n 224._o be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o pride_n to_o conclude_v that_o almost_o all_o christ_n be_v church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o these_o 13_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o to_o this_o day_n have_v offer_v such_o worship_n unto_o god_n as_o that_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o avoid_v it_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o catholic_a church_n on_o earth_n this_o day_n be_v below_o your_o communion_n for_o use_v form_n and_o that_o even_o calvin_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o cartwright_n hildersham_n and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v unworthy_a your_o communion_n as_o for_o pray_v extempore_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o england_n in_o opposition_n to_o our_o liturgy_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o year_n of_o q._n eliz._n to_o seduce_v the_o people_n from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o popery_n one_o friar_n come_v begin_v to_o pray_v extempore_o with_o such_o fervour_n that_o he_o delude_v many_o and_o be_v ample_o reward_v for_o it_o by_o the_o pope_n see_v fox_n and_o firebrand_n p._n 7_o etc._n etc._n after_o he_o tho._n heath_n do_v the_o same_o p._n 17._o see_v also_o vnreason_n of_o sep_v pref_o p._n 11_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o hope_v when_o the_o dissenter_n have_v well_o consider_v who_o they_o join_v with_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o advance_v by_o decry_v our_o liturgy_n and_o extol_v extempore_o prayer_n they_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o think_v better_o of_o form_n of_o prayer_n second_o i_o be_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o use_v of_o public_a form_n do_v deaden_a the_o devotion_n of_o prayer_n whereas_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v quicken_v devotion_n much_o more_o than_o extempore_o prayer_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n do_v fix_v the_o minister_n attention_n more_o than_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o his_o matter_n and_o word_n be_v ready_a before_o he_o he_o have_v
to_o be_v baptise_a but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o case_n i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o harmonious_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o undivided_a consent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a father_n be_v not_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o they_o let_v any_o modest_a person_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o famous_a saint_n and_o martyr_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v conspire_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mock-baptism_n and_o of_o make_v so_o many_o million_o of_o mock-christians_a or_o that_o a_o little_a sect_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o grievous_a error_n the_o brevity_n which_o i_o design_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o recite_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o cassander_n and_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-fr baptism_n disp_n 14._o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o dangerous_a practice_n as_o our_o adversary_n think_v infant-baptism_n to_o be_v which_o will_v in_o time_n unchurch_n it_o and_o that_o even_o while_o miracle_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o cyprian_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o those_o day_n do_v assure_v rigalt_n assure_v see_v irenaeus_n adu._n haer._n l._n 2._o c._n 56_o 57_o tertull._n apol._n and_o ad_fw-la scapul_n origen_n adv_o celsum_fw-la camb._n p._n 34_o 62_o 80_o 124_o 127_o 334_o 376._o cyprian_a ad_fw-la donat._n and_o ad_fw-la magn._n and_o ad_fw-la demetrian_n p._n 202._o edit_fw-la rigalt_n we_o that_o miracle_n be_v then_o not_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v the_o 687._o the_o see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n lib._n 2._o p._n 2._o id._n de_fw-fr baptis_n disp_n 13._o thes_n 18._o and_o disp_a 14._o â—hes_n 4._o cassand_n praef._n ad_fw-la duc._n jul._n p._n 670._o and_o teâ—â—im_n vet_z de_fw-fr bapt._n parv_v p._n 687._o pelagian_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o a_o innovation_n when_o the_o orthodox_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o they_o that_o infant_n be_v guilty_a of_o original_a sin_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v this_o that_o they_o practise_v it_o themselves_o and_o own_a it_o as_o necessary_a for_o child_n obtain_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o original_a sin_n 3._o if_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n how_o come_v all_o church_n bapt._n church_n see_v brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 20.23_o cassand_n expos_fw-la de_fw-fr auctor_fw-la consult_v bapt_n inf._n p._n 692._o osor_n l._n 3._o de_fw-la rebus_fw-la gest_n eman._n cit_fw-la a_o voss_n disp_n 14._o de_fw-fr bapt._n whatsoever_o though_o they_o hold_v no_o correspondence_n but_o be_v original_a plantation_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o practice_v it_o one_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v all_o church_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o harmless_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n or_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o religious_a fondness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o we_o do_v with_o bring_v they_o to_o prayer_n but_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o all_o not_o preserve_v one_o for_o a_o monument_n of_o apostolical_a purity_n fall_v into_o a_o practice_n which_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o that_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o prohibition_n from_o christ_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v baptise_v infant_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n 4._o will_v not_o the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o neglect_n of_o circumcision_n have_v be_v much_o more_o offend_v if_o the_o apostle_n have_v exclude_v their_o child_n from_o baptism_n as_o the_o child_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o refuse_v to_o initiate_v they_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v under_o the_o old_a wherefore_o since_o among_o their_o many_o complaint_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o child_n being_n exclude_v from_o baptism_n we_o may_v better_o argue_v that_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a their_o child_n than_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o express_a example_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o they_o do_v not_o baptise_v they_o iii_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o appoint_v infant-baptism_n now_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o lawful_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o command_v it_o because_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o requisite_a also_o for_o purgation_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n seem_v equal_o necessary_a because_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.5_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o child_n be_v capable_a of_o enter_v into_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v declare_v capable_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 10.14_o nay_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o child_n be_v baptise_a upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o their_o parent_n after_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o the_o apostle_n baptise_a whole_a household_n act_n 16.15_o 33._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o believer_n child_n make_v they_o candidate_n for_o baptism_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o it_o because_o the_o child_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v holy_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v other_o text_n psal_n 5.5_o rom._n 3.23_o 24._o joh._n 3.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 15.21_o 22._o and_o 5.14_o 15._o which_o have_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o ancient_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n necessary_a to_o wash_v away_o their_o original_a sin_n which_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a death_n see_v voss_n hist_o pelag._n p._n 1._o thes_n 6._o p._n 2._o l._n 2._o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v fair_o conclude_v from_o these_o text_n that_o infant-baptism_n be_v requisite_a but_o then_o these_o text_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v requisite_a because_o the_o church_n in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n practise_v infant-baptism_n as_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o baptism_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n so_o that_o a_o child_n die_v unbaptise_v through_o the_o carelessness_n or_o superstition_n of_o the_o parent_n or_o through_o their_o mistake_a belief_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o infant-baptism_n be_v infallible_o damn_v but_o i_o affirm_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o so_o high_o requisite_a as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v then_o certain_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n which_o injoin_v it_o iv_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o must_v proceed_v as_o i_o do_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_a since_o infant_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o baptism_n nor_o exclude_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n nay_o since_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o presume_v that_o christ_n at_o least_o allow_v they_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n therefore_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n make_v it_o the_o people_n duty_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v but_o far_o infant-baptism_n be_v high_o expedient_a also_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o the_o infant_n who_o be_v thereby_o solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o make_v member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n the_o church_n beside_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n be_v by_o baptism_n make_v the_o child_n
of_o grace_n and_o receive_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n i_o can_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o baptism_n by_o the_o uncovenant_v mercy_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o less_o regardful_a of_o his_o sure_a ordinary_a and_o covenant_v mercy_n and_o the_o appoint_a mean_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v nay_o infant_n do_v by_o baptism_n acquire_v a_o present_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v assistance_n which_o they_o shall_v certain_o receive_v as_o soon_o and_o as_o fast_o as_o their_o natural_a incapacity_n remove_v now_o since_o these_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n and_o since_o infant_n be_v capable_a of_o they_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v they_o by_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n or_o stay_v for_o they_o till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v it_o better_o for_o a_o child_n that_o have_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v touch_v for_o it_o while_o he_o be_v a_o child_n or_o to_o wait_v till_o he_o be_v of_o sufficient_a age_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o benefit_n or_o be_v it_o best_o for_o a_o traitor_n be_v child_n to_o be_v present_o restore_v to_o his_o blood_n and_o estate_n and_o his_o prince_n favour_n or_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o mere_a capacity_n of_o be_v restore_v till_o he_o be_v a_o man_n i_o must_v add_v that_o baptism_n lay_v such_o a_o early_a pre-engagement_n upon_o child_n as_o without_o the_o high_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n they_o can_v afterward_o retract_v for_o there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o common_a ingenuity_n honour_n or_o conscience_n but_o will_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o obligation_n which_o he_o contract_v in_o his_o infancy_n when_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_o admit_v to_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n before_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o good_a or_o do_v any_o thing_n himself_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v high_o to_o be_v applaud_v for_o bring_v they_o under_o such_o a_o beneficial_a pre-engagement_n and_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n at_o such_o year_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o find_v out_o so_o many_o shift_n and_o excuse_n and_o make_v they_o regret_n to_o be_v baptise_a 2._o infant-baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a because_o it_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o wellbeing_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v those_o scandalous_a and_o shameful_a delay_n of_o baptism_n which_o grow_v person_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o these_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n since_o therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o command_v by_o the_o church_n but_o most_o expedient_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v conclude_v that_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o desire_v baptism_n for_o their_o child_n as_o there_o do_v upon_o grow_v person_n to_o desire_v it_o for_o themselves_o for_o what_o authority_n soever_o exact_v any_o thing_n concern_v child_n or_o person_n under_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n lay_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a obligation_n upon_o parent_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v for_o if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o general_a contagion_n the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v command_v that_o all_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v every_o morning_n take_v such_o a_o antidote_n that_o command_n will_v oblige_v parent_n to_o give_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v it_o themselves_o just_o so_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v intend_v for_o child_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v the_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v about_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o parent_n to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n concern_v all_o guardian_n etc._n etc._n to_o who_o care_n child_n be_v commit_v and_o if_o any_o ask_v at_o what_o time_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o baptism_n i_o answer_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o gospel_n indulge_v a_o discretional_a latitude_n but_o forbid_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n and_o all_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a delay_n thereof_o v._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o believer_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a and_o have_v ever_o be_v think_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a sin_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disow_a those_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n body_n who_o he_o own_v to_o be_v such_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o take_v off_o two_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o infant-communion_n may_v be_v practise_v as_o well_o as_o infant-baptism_n but_o i_o answer_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a evidence_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n because_o st._n cyprian_n be_v the_o first_o author_n which_o they_o can_v produce_v for_o it_o and_o then_o the_o author_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n and_o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n mention_v it_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o st._n austin_n in_o the_o five_o whereas_o for_o infant-baptism_n we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o father_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v of_o origen_n tertullian_n irenaeus_n st._n jerom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n 2._o there_o be_v not_o equal_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n but_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n institute_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o equal_a concurrence_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n for_o infant-communion_n it_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o john_n 6.53_o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o now_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o institute_v but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o nay_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o infant-communion_n be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n but_o in_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n full_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o still_o indies_n still_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o valid_a and_o lawful_a as_o that_o of_o grow_v person_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n can_v know_v what_o a_o covenant_n mean_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v though_o st._n peter_n say_v the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o objection_n be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o against_o infant-baptism_n 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o circumcise_a infant_n upon_o a_o implicit_a and_o imputative_a
of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a capacity_n either_o as_o governor_n and_o minister_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o dispense_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o as_o ordinary_a and_o lay-communicants_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o governor_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n their_o duty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v to_o take_v the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n to_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v it_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o divine_a use_n to_o which_o he_o design_v it_o to_o break_v and_o distribute_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n to_o take_v and_o bless_v the_o cup_n and_o give_v it_o to_o their_o fellow-christians_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o private_a man_n and_o in_o common_a with_o all_o believer_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v and_o receive_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o syllable_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o command_n be_v there_o in_o all_o the_o history_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v altogether_o silent_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v silence_n be_v a_o full_a and_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o kneel_v be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o express_a command_n of_o our_o lord_n because_o no_o gesture_n be_v ever_o command_v at_o all_o but_o the_o scotch_a minister_n assemble_v at_o perth_n affirm_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v this_o he_o do_v by_o those_o word_n command_v they_o to_o use_v that_o gesture_n which_o he_o use_v at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o take_v eat_z drink_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v at_o the_o institution_n which_o we_o will_v suppose_v at_o present_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o intend_v by_o these_o word_n do_v this_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o gesture_n only_o and_o not_o several_a other_o circumstance_n which_o he_o observe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o example_n if_o the_o word_n may_v be_v interpret_v thus_o do_v this_o that_o be_v sit_v as_o christ_n do_v why_o not_o thus_o also_o do_v this_o that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper-room_n in_o a_o private-house_n late_o at_o night_n or_o in_o the_o evening_n after_o a_o full_a supper_n in_o the_o company_n of_o twelve_o at_o most_o and_o they_o only_a man_n with_o their_o head_n cover_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n and_o with_o unleavened_a bread_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o circumstance_n in_o imitation_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o there_o do_v to_o sit_v 2._o even_o the_o two_o last_o of_o those_o circumstance_n be_v general_o allow_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o observe_v by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o gesture_n use_v by_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v and_o what_o it_o be_v be_v very_o disputable_a as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v what_o christ_n be_v not_o expresl_o say_v to_o do_v and_o not_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v he_o do_v 3._o it_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n that_o do_v this_o respect_v only_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n which_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o action_n that_o be_v specify_v by_o he_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o right_n and_o due_a celebration_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n for_o when_o it_o be_v say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o do_v this_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o sacramental_a action_n there_o mention_v and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o gesture_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o a_o word_n our_o lord_n institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o not_o in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o gesture_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o consequent_o do_v this_o be_v a_o general_a command_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n and_o rite_n as_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o this_o great_a end_n viz._n to_o signify_v and_o represent_v his_o death_n and_o that_o bloody_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n nay_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o dissenter_n prove_v that_o no_o particular_a gesture_n be_v command_v for_o there_o be_v many_o serious_a and_o sincere_a person_n among_o they_o who_o profess_v that_o be_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v use_v kneel_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o they_o think_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n i_o have_v already_o confute_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o grant_v they_o can_v use_v the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v be_v it_o not_o enjoin_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a they_o do_v thereby_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o any_o particular_a posture_n i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand_v the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustane_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuania_n and_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ausbourg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n injoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetic_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o 1583._o three_o 1._o at_o cracow_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1573._o 2._o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3._o wiadislaw_n 1583._o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_a gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_n moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a holl._n french_a harmon_n 4._o synod_n of_o holl._n do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o these_o article_n be_v so_o settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n
both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n arbitramur_fw-la viz._n vid._n art_n 34._o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect._n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n than_o any_o other_o gesture_n because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o as_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n of_o a_o command_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o any_o particular_a posture_n and_o if_o any_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o any_o other_o gesture_n but_o what_o be_v express_o command_v they_o must_v never_o receive_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o deviation_n from_o christ_n example_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a what_o gesture_n our_o saviour_n use_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o jew_n use_v variety_n of_o gesture_n at_o the_o passover_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o lord_n example_n can_v certain_o be_v know_v in_o this_o matter_n our_o church_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o deviation_n from_o it_o 2._o those_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o saviour_n comply_v with_o that_o passover-gesture_n which_o the_o jew_n then_o use_v though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v use_v at_o the_o institution_n in_o egypt_n and_o his_o compliance_n may_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o be_v scrupulous_a about_o gesture_n but_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o innocent_a and_o prevail_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v and_o if_o christian_n do_v walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o will_v great_o promote_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o so_o do_v procure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n to_o themselves_o with_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o suppose_v our_o lord_n do_v sit_v as_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v it_o yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 1._o because_o naked_a example_n without_o some_o rule_n or_o note_v add_v to_o they_o to_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n to_o have_v they_o constant_o follow_v have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o law_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n because_o no_o such_o note_n be_v to_o be_v find_v we_o be_v not_o tie_v in_o conscience_n to_o a_o strict_a imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n thus_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o defer_v our_o baptism_n till_o the_o age_n of_o 30_o year_n or_o not_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n till_o a_o little_a before_o death_n and_o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o follow_v his_o example_n in_o sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n any_o more_o than_o in_o those_o particular_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o thing_n only_o which_o he_o have_v command_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n indeed_o we_o must_v follow_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_a a_o example_n may_v help_v to_o interpret_v a_o law_n but_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v no_o law_n against_o a_o rule_n no_o example_n be_v a_o competent_a warrant_n and_o if_o the_o example_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n but_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n 3._o the_o bare_a example_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o we_o to_o go_v by_o because_o he_o be_v a_o extaordinary_a person_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v and_o many_o which_o we_o must_v not_o do_v he_o fast_v 40_o day_n and_o 40_o night_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pretend_v to_o they_o say_v indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o imitate_v christ_n and_o the_o commendable_a example_n of_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a they_o have_v special_a reason_n move_v they_o thereunto_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o but_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v inform_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o special_a reason_n and_o what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v our_o duty_n if_o a_o bare_a example_n without_o any_o rule_n oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o guide_v ourselves_o by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o example_n beside_o if_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v upon_o special_a reason_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o then_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v upon_o general_n and_o common_a reason_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v at_o all_o by_o any_o example_n and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v our_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reduce_v their_o example_n unless_o we_o find_v some_o general_a or_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v no_o warrant_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o when_o such_o reason_n do_v appear_v then_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n alone_o that_o oblige_v we_o but_o reason_n that_o approve_v the_o example_n
the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o be_v before_o note_v and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n say_v a_o 4._o a_o alex._n hales_n de_fw-fr missâ—_n p._n 2._o quest_n 10._o p._n 4._o popish_a author_n which_o our_o dissenter_n urge_v for_o sit_v viz._n because_o the_o apostle_n sit_v at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o every_o priest_n by_o the_o order_n of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v to_o partake_v stand_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o not_o kneel_v there_o nay_o if_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n then_o we_o must_v never_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o we_o must_v receive_v in_o some_o convenient_a posture_n such_o as_o kneel_v sit_v discumb_a stand_v and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v by_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unjust_a to_o say_v that_o our_o kneel_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o the_o outward_a element_n when_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o dissent_v writer_n mr._n tomb_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o it_o theod._n p._n 168._o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n bains_n christian_n lett._n 24._o and_o mr._n bayly_n disswas_n c._n 2_o 6._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n do_v not_o make_v sit_v necessary_a or_o forbid_v kneel_v and_z mr._n bains_n ibid._n grant_v that_o kneel_v be_v not_o idolatrous_a and_o mr._n cartwright_n who_o think_v it_o inconvenient_a yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a harmon_n on_o luke_n 22.14_o last_o mr._n baxter_n christian_n dir._n part_n 2._o p._n 111._o quest_n 3._o sect_n 40._o say_v for_o kneel_v i_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n yet_o to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v either_o some_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contradict_v but_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n of_o god_n for_o any_o gesture_n nor_o against_o any_o christ_n be_v example_n can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o oblige_v we_o more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o many_o circumstance_n that_o be_v confess_v not_o obligatory_a as_o that_o he_o deliver_v but_o to_o minister_n and_o but_o to_o a_o family_n to_o twelve_o and_o after_o supper_n and_o on_o a_o thursday_n night_n and_o in_o a_o upper-room_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o gesture_n be_v not_o such_o a_o sit_v as_o we_o and_o 2._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n it_o be_v mix_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o pardon_n from_o the_o king_n upon_o our_o knee_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v a_o seal_v pardon_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o ambassador_n upon_o our_o knee_n chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o agreement_n between_o your_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o can_v think_v communion_n with_o your_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o first_o reformer_n be_v indeed_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v very_o commendable_a and_o a_o good_a beginning_n but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o age_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o complete_a reformation_n they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o popish_a trash_n in_o the_o church_n hope_v by_o degree_n to_o reconcile_v the_o papist_n to_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v the_o breach_n too_o wide_o and_o too_o much_o prejudice_n or_o estrange_v they_o from_o it_o but_o we_o now_o live_v under_o better_a mean_n have_v great_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o a_o further_o and_o more_o perfect_a amendment_n be_v now_o necessary_a now_o i_o can_v but_o inward_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o love_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n who_o in_o their_o first_o separation_n from_o rome_n be_v not_o nice_a or_o scrupulous_a beyond_o the_o just_a reason_n of_o thing_n doubtless_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n enough_o as_o to_o all_o true_a zeal_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n when_o they_o seal_v the_o well-grounded_n offence_n they_o take_v at_o they_o with_o their_o warm_a blood_n and_o cheerful_o undergo_v all_o the_o hardship_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n signalise_v their_o profession_n with_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v intermix_v with_o rome_n in_o any_o usage_n of_o worship_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n of_o idolatry_n superstition_n or_o false_a religion_n at_o all_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o holy_a and_o wise_a man_n when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o reform_v whole_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_o jealous_a of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o be_v of_o superstition_n will_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o those_o fantastic_a antipathy_n as_o to_o abolish_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n mere_o because_o it_o have_v be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o papist_n if_o some_o other_o very_o substantial_a reason_n do_v not_o plead_v against_o it_o and_o very_o have_v they_o not_o always_o use_v these_o temperate_a and_o unbiased_a method_n of_o reformation_n they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v justify_v themselves_o to_o their_o adversary_n or_o the_o world_n or_o have_v make_v it_o so_o evident_a as_o by_o their_o wise_a management_n they_o do_v that_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v from_o the_o mere_a urgency_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o wantonness_n of_o change_n and_o innovation_n so_o that_o where_o any_o mean_v honest_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o of_o those_o do_v that_o dissent_n from_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o reason_n very_o well_o awake_v that_o the_o mere_a charge_n of_o popery_n upon_o any_o dispute_v point_n may_v not_o so_o prejudice_v they_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o thing_n as_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o mature_a consideration_n however_o that_o i_o may_v full_o answer_v this_o objection_n draw_v from_o our_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n 2._o that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v 3._o that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a i._o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o rome_n and_o utter_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n power_n but_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n and_o show_v the_o vast_a distance_n between_o they_o first_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o for_o 1._o she_o deny_v they_o all_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bind_v they_o all_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a but_o our_o church_n permit_v we_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o own_v herself_o to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o childish_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o a_o man_n will_v wonder_v how_o they_o can_v invent_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o their_o cruel_a penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a but_o our_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o plain_a easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n our_o sacrament_n be_v but_o two_o and_o consequent_o we_o be_v not_o burden_v with_o the_o superstitious_a foppery_n of_o the_o other_o five_o popish_a one_o in_o short_a our_o rite_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o
edification_n nor_o do_v our_o church_n impose_v they_o like_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o for_o our_o penance_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cruel_a like_o those_o of_o rome_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n purgatory_n subject_n they_o to_o fear_n and_o auricular_a confession_n to_o shame_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n expose_v they_o to_o great_a anxiety_n but_o our_o church_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o man_n but_o when_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o make_v satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v 4._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v licentious_a principle_n and_o practice_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v just_o charge_v with_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n for_o instance_n our_o church_n reject_v and_o utter_o abhor_v the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o image-worship_n invocation_n of_o saint_n transubstantiation_n pardon_n indulgence_n sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n deny_v the_o bible_n to_o the_o vulgar_a prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n rob_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v marriage_n to_o priest_n merit_n supererogation_n make_v simple_a fornication_n a_o mere_a venial_a sin_n damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o communion_n etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o church_n that_o more_o severe_o condemn_v all_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o immorality_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v three_o in_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o office_n to_o show_v this_o in_o all_o particular_n will_v be_v a_o tedious_a task_n therefore_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o office_n of_o infant-baptism_n by_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n before_o they_o go_v into_o the_o church_n after_o many_o preparatory_a prescription_n the_o priest_n be_v dress_v in_o a_o surplice_n and_o purple_a robe_n call_v the_o infant_n say_v what_o ask_v thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o godfather_n answer_v faith_n p._n what_o shall_v thou_o get_v by_o faith_n g._n eternal_a life_n p._n if_o thou_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o priest_n blow_v three_o gentle_a puff_n upon_o the_o infant_n be_v face_n and_o say_v go_v out_o of_o he_o o_o unclean_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n then_o cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n and_o breast_n he_o say_v receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v always_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o a_o long_a prayer_n the_o priest_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n come_v the_o idle_a and_o profane_a form_n of_o the_o benediction_n of_o salt_n viz._n i_o conjure_v thou_o o_o creature_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n with_o many_o cross_n then_o he_o put_v a_o little_a salt_n into_o the_o infant_n be_v mouth_n say_v take_v thou_o the_o salt_n of_o wisdom_n and_o add_v most_o impious_o be_v it_o thy_o propitiation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n after_o the_o pax_n tecum_fw-la he_o pray_v that_o this_o infant_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o most_o woeful_o be-called_a then_o the_o priest_n cross_v the_o infant_n be_v forehead_n say_v and_o this_o sign_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o infant_n be_v head_n and_o put_v up_o a_o very_a good_a prayer_n then_o he_o put_v part_n of_o his_o robe_n upon_o the_o infant_n and_o bring_v he_o within_o the_o church_n say_v enter_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o follow_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o the_o paternoster_n then_o the_o devil_n be_v conjure_v again_o and_o the_o priest_n take_v spittle_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therewith_o touch_v the_o infant_n be_v ear_n and_o nostril_n say_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o conjure_v the_o devil_n again_o say_v be_v pack_v o_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o ask_v the_o infant_n whether_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o holy_a oil_n and_o anoint_v the_o infant_n with_o it_o in_o his_o breast_n and_o betwixt_o his_o shoulder_n he_o say_v i_o anoint_v thou_o etc._n etc._n then_o he_o put_v off_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o put_v on_o another_o of_o white_a colour_n and_o have_v ask_v four_o more_o question_n and_o receive_v the_o answer_n he_o pour_v water_n thrice_o upon_o the_o child_n head_n as_o he_o recite_v over_o it_o our_o saviour_n form_n of_o baptism_n then_o dip_v his_o thumb_n in_o the_o chrism_n or_o holy_a ointment_n he_o anoint_v the_o infant_n upon_o the_o crown_n of_o his_o head_n in_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o cross_n and_o pray_v o_o god_n omnipotent_a etc._n etc._n afterward_o he_o take_v a_o white_a linen_n cloth_n and_o put_v it_o on_o the_o child_n head_n say_v take_v the_o white_a garment_n etc._n etc._n last_o he_o put_v into_o the_o child_n or_o his_o godfather_n hand_n a_o light_a candle_n say_v receive_v the_o burn_a lamp_n etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a there_o be_v divers_a other_o add_v in_o the_o pastoral_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v read_v our_o office_n of_o baptism_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o these_o two_o office_n be_v our_o litany_n indeed_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o dissenter_n as_o savour_v of_o popish_a superstition_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a if_o a_o man_n compare_v it_o with_o the_o popish_a one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o the_o brevity_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o in_o this_o discourse_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o abide_v any_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n four_o in_o the_o book_n they_o receive_v for_o canonical_a for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v all_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v only_o those_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o all_o protestant_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v true_a she_o read_v some_o part_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o instruction_n of_o manner_n but_o she_o do_v not_o establish_v any_o doctrine_n by_o they_o five_o and_o last_o in_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o find_v their_o whole_a religion_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n find_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o her_o own_o infallibility_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o of_o her_o own_o doctrine_n on_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o her_o council_n which_o she_o will_v have_v to_o be_v no_o less_o inspire_v than_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n build_v her_o whole_a religion_n upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n she_o reverence_n ancient_a general_a council_n but_o do_v not_o think_v they_o infallible_a and_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o church_n claim_v in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n by_o require_v subscription_n to_o 39_o article_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o she_o mean_v no_o more_o authority_n than_o to_o oblige_v her_o member_n to_o outward_a submission_n when_o her_o decision_n do_v not_o contradict_v any_o essential_o of_o faith_n or_o manner_n but_o not_o a_o authority_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o infallible_o true_a and_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o any_o church_n it_o be_v true_a she_o think_v it_o convenient_a that_o none_o shall_v receive_v order_n be_v admit_v to_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v they_o not_o all_o as_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o many_o as_o inferior_a truth_n and_o she_o require_v subscription_n as_o a_o test_n of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v all_o person_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o her_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o as_o to_o the_o motive_n which_o our_o church_n propose_v for_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v they_o
jew_n be_v command_v to_o destroy_v idol_n and_o the_o appurtenance_n of_o they_o deut._n 7.25_o 26._o be_v 20.22_o because_o they_o be_v so_o prodigious_o incline_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o sure_o the_o dissenter_n will_v not_o say_v we_o must_v destroy_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstitious_a use_n for_o than_o we_o must_v destroy_v our_o bell_n and_o font_n and_o churches_n therefore_o as_o mr._n calvin_n upon_o the_o second_o commandment_n say_v we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_n whether_o we_o may_v lawful_o use_v those_o temple_n font_n and_o other_o material_n which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o abuse_v to_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a use_n i_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o remove_v such_o thing_n as_o seem_v to_o nourish_v idolatry_n upon_o supposition_n that_o we_o ourselves_o in_o oppose_v too_o evident_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v not_o too_o superstitious_a it_o be_v equal_o superstitious_a to_o condemn_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o unholy_a and_o to_o command_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o hezekiah_n break_v in_o piece_n the_o brazen_a serpent_n because_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n burn_v incense_n to_o it_o 2_o king_n 18.4_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v notorious_o defile_v in_o idolatrous_a or_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n aught_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o much_o less_o that_o the_o not_o abolish_n some_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n that_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v not_o only_o defile_v but_o a_o idol_n itself_o and_o that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v destroy_v nay_o it_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n to_o those_o day_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v burn_v incense_n unto_o it_o and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o their_o be_v reclaim_v while_o the_o idol_n stand_v and_o moreover_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v cease_v for_o which_o it_o be_v first_o erect_v now_o without_o doubt_n governor_n ought_v to_o take_v away_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o the_o people_n be_v incline_v to_o abuse_v they_o again_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o our_o rite_n have_v be_v or_o be_v any_o temptation_n to_o idolatry_n or_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o popery_n have_v hezekiah_n suffer_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n still_o to_o stand_v no_o doubt_n private_a person_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v public_a reformation_n may_v lawful_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n express_v by_o it_o to_o their_o forefather_n notwithstanding_o that_o many_o have_v former_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o it_o and_o do_v so_o at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o much_o more_o may_v they_o have_v lawful_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatry_n nor_o do_v we_o read_v of_o any_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n while_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v permit_v to_o stand_v as_o woeful_o abuse_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n 2._o if_o example_n be_v a_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v we_o find_v by_o hezekiah_n practice_n in_o other_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o abolish_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o idolatry_n if_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v a_o immediate_a snare_n at_o that_o time_n for_o as_o to_o the_o temple_n which_o solomon_n have_v erect_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n 1_o king_n 11.7_o hezekiah_n do_v not_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o destroy_v they_o as_o be_v in_o his_o time_n forlorn_a and_o neglect_v thing_n of_o which_o no_o bad_a use_n be_v then_o make_v although_o indeed_o king_n josiah_n afterward_o probable_o upon_o the_o increase_n of_o idolatry_n and_o renew_v use_n of_o those_o place_n find_v it_o expedient_a to_o lay_v they_o whole_o waste_v 2_o king_n 23.13_o let_v not_o any_o say_v superstitione_n say_v de_fw-fr vitand_n superstitione_n calvin_n think_v i_o so_o austere_a or_o bind_v up_o as_o to_o forbid_v a_o christian_a without_o any_o exception_n to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o any_o ceremony_n or_o observance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o evil_a and_o open_o vicious_a iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a this_o i_o shall_v evince_v in_o the_o chief_a particular_n which_o our_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o first_o then_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o shall_v we_o allow_v the_o pope_n so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a by_o his_o use_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n have_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o they_o nay_o pol._n nay_o bez._n episcop_n du_fw-fr moul._n past_n off_o calv._n inst_z lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o sect._n 2._o &_o epist_n ad_fw-la reg._n pol._n beza_n p._n du_fw-fr moulin_n and_o calvin_n grant_v that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o the_o dissenter_n will_v defend_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n while_o they_o contend_v that_o episcopacy_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o how_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o episcopacy_n can_v defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o communicate_v with_o any_o christian_a church_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o point_n only_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o chillingworth_n institution_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n p._n 244_o etc._n etc._n second_o our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v culpable_a that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a for_o herein_o we_o symbolize_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o papist_n nay_o if_o the_o heathen_n use_v set_v form_n because_o it_o be_v the_o fit_a way_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n must_v we_o be_v forbid_v to_o use_v they_o because_o they_o do_v well_o be_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v worse_o three_o our_o liturgy_n in_o particular_a do_v not_o so_o much_o symbolize_v with_o the_o roman_a service_n as_o to_o cause_v a_o separation_n for_o though_o some_o collect_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a for_o then_o the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o psalm_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n beside_o and_o the_o creed_n also_o must_v never_o be_v use_v i_o know_v it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o necessary_a use_n must_v be_v retain_v by_o we_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n retain_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o form_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o that_o in_o those_o we_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o from_o that_o church_n as_o we_o can_v but_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o this_o for_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o in_o come_v too_o near_o they_o lie_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o not_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v well_o no_o man_n can_v show_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mass-book_n but_o which_o be_v use_v also_o by_o the_o church_n before_o romanism_n have_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o be_v once_o use_v by_o good_a christian_n as_o to_o be_v run_v down_o because_o they_o have_v be_v since_o use_v by_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a men._n if_o any_o man_n will_v set_v himself_o to_o expose_v the_o mass-book_n he_o will_v i_o suppose_v lay_v hold_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o just_a
with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o their_o company_n must_v they_o abstain_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o which_o they_o be_v command_v because_o evil_a man_n who_o till_o they_o repent_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v there_o rude_o intrude_v themselves_o as_o for_o st._n john_n word_n revel_v 18.4_o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n they_o be_v a_o command_n to_o all_o christian_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o idolater_n and_o according_a to_o most_o interpreter_n those_o in_o particular_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o text_n do_v not_o afford_v the_o dissenter_n the_o least_o plea_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o who_o be_v reform_v from_o popery_n and_o retain_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o what_o it_o retain_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o have_v nothing_o now_o to_o add_v but_o that_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o 242._o utter_o see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235_o 242._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacred_a desert_n p._n 97._o cawdrey_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o burroughs_n gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 242._o disclaim_v this_o plea_n of_o mixt-communion_n mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donastical_a and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsly_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v think_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o agree_v in_o and_o endeavour_v 5._o endeavour_v see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 31_o 32_o 44_o 242_o 246._o vindicat_fw-la of_o presb._n gou._n p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 47._o firmin_n separ_fw-la exam._n p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reâ—or_a p._n 71._o tombes's_fw-fr theod._n p._n 74._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n a_o 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 8_o 9_o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53_o 55._o burroughs_n gospel-worsh_a serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 250_o 211._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la blake'_v vindic._n p._n 235._o cotton_n inf._n bapt._n p._n 102._o cartwright_n on_o proverb_n edwards's_fw-fr apol._n baxter_n christian_n direct_v p._n 707._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 16._o bains_n on_o the_o ephes_n c._n 1._o v._n 1._o p._n 5._o to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n nay_o they_o answer_v a_o objection_n draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v and_o tell_v we_o first_o that_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o exclude_v such_o a_o one_o from_o church-communion_n it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o a_o private_a person_n but_o you_o be_v not_o command_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n if_o they_o exclude_v he_o not_o so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n second_o that_o it_o concern_v not_o religious_a but_o civil_a communion_n and_o that_o not_o all_o civil_a society_n or_o commerce_n but_o familiar_a also_o for_o which_o they_o produce_v several_a reason_n 1._o they_o argue_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o eat_a bread_n which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o partake_v of_o or_o to_o be_v shut_v from_o the_o table_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o familiarity_n break_v off_o so_o mr._n ball_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o eat_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v allow_v to_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a but_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v only_o allow_v to_o be_v with_o a_o heathen_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o civil_a eat_n which_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v with_o a_o brother_n so_o mr._n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n 454._o etc._n see_v baxter_n defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 27._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 200._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 75_o 122_o 126._o brinsly_n arraignment_n p._n 40_o 45_o 48._o tombes_n theodul_n p._n 128_o 167_o 210._o grave_a confut._n part_n 1._o p._n 17_o 18._o &_o part_v 4._o p._n 57_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 219_o 226_o 333_o 246._o cartwright_n def._n of_o the_o admon_n p._n 98_o 99_o 106._o goodwin_n on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 487_o 488._o blake'_v vindic._n c._n 31._o p._n 236_o 238._o gillisp_n nihil_fw-la respondet_fw-la p._n 33._o knutton_n query_n throughton_n apol._n p._n 65._o baxter_n cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o owen_n evangel_n love_n c._n 3._o p._n 77._o brian_n dwelling_n with_o god_n sermon_n 6._o p._n 301._o firmin_n separate_a exam._n p._n 28._o collins_n provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 144_o 151._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o and_o as_o for_o other_o objection_n mr._n baxter_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a if_o you_o mark_v all_o the_o text_n in_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v command_v in_o such_o case_n beside_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o infidel_n and_o idolatrous_a world_n or_o antichristian_a and_o heretical_a confederacy_n and_o no-churche_n be_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n 1._o either_o that_o the_o church_n cast_v out_o the_o impenitent_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o 2._o that_o private_a man_n avoid_v all_o private_a familiarity_n with_o they_o but_o that_o the_o private_a member_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o such_o person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o show_v i_o one_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o if_o you_o can_v to_o conclude_v this_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n prove_v nothing_o but_o a_o supercilious_a arrogance_n and_o a_o great_a want_n of_o charity_n in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o what_o care_v they_o may_v take_v in_o their_o new_a way_n of_o discipline_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o our_o church_n have_v give_v the_o minister_n a_o power_n of_o reject_v scandalous_a sinner_n communion_n sinner_n see_v rubr._n after_o the_o communion_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v for_o the_o close_a hypocrite_n will_v escape_v the_o narrow_a search_n every_o man_n be_v charge_v to_o examine_v himself_o and_o not_o another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o all_o will_v do_v so_o for_o he_o that_o inquire_v serious_o into_o his_o own_o sin_n will_v find_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a but_o he_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a and_o censorious_a which_o will_v make_v he_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o any_o of_o those_o fault_n which_o he_o so_o scornful_o condemn_v in_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o esteem_v himself_o and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n pollute_v by_o their_o company_n chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v well_o but_o though_o our_o communion_n be_v not_o sinful_a yet_o they_o can_v find_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o
better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o first_o what_o pure_a ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n but_o he_o who_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o he_o like_v best_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_n the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n second_o the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n justify_v separation_n for_o this_o edification_n must_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o particular_a christian_n now_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o many_o text_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 10._o and_o 8.1_o and_o 14.5_o 12._o eph._n 2.21_o and_o 4.12_o 13_o 15_o 16._o matth._n 21.42_o act_n 4.11_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o 12_o 19_o and_o 13.10_o now_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o as_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v also_o speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v edification_n because_o it_o be_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v particular_a christian_n one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o firm_a close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o and_o if_o the_o spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4.4_o than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n st._n judas_n v._o 19_o seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a edification_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o common_a building_n but_o those_o who_o keep_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n build_v up_o themselves_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o separate_v but_o i_o shall_v examine_v this_o pretence_n at_o large_a and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o particular_a christian_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n because_o he_o think_v he_o can_v edify_v better_o among_o the_o dissenter_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o four_o argument_n 1._o because_o better_a edification_n can_v be_v have_v in_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o our_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o fit_a our_o constitution_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n second_o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n first_o then_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v fit_a to_o edify_v soul_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v four_o thing_n 1._o our_o creed_n contain_v all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o nice_a and_o obscure_a matter_n in_o they_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n think_v needful_a that_o be_v all_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o this_o faith_n will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n the_o church_n lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n when_o firm_o believe_v do_v plain_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n good_a she_o declare_v that_o without_o preparatory_a virtue_n the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o show_v unless_o obedience_n follow_v such_o a_o faith_n she_o lay_v down_o as_o fundamental_a to_o salvation_n as_o produce_v excellent_a virtue_n and_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_v no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n her_o festival_n commemorate_v the_o virtue_n and_o recommend_v the_o example_n of_o excellent_a men._n her_o ceremony_n be_v decent_a her_o prayer_n be_v for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o force_v and_o her_o homily_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o piety_n which_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o she_o tell_v sinner_n plain_o that_o unless_o they_o repent_v they_o must_v perish_v and_o say_v that_o plain_a virtue_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o certain_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o several_a relation_n so_o exact_o 3._o she_o be_v fit_o constitute_v to_o excite_v true_a devotion_n because_o she_o give_v we_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o by_o describe_v his_o attribute_n and_o our_o want_n her_o prayer_n be_v grave_a and_o of_o a_o due_a length_n and_o she_o have_v proper_a prayer_n for_o most_o particular_a occasion_n she_o have_v office_n to_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o confirm_v our_o obedience_n the_o office_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n baptism_n and_o burial_n be_v extreme_o good_a in_o their_o kind_n bring_v but_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o all_o these_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o will_v make_v the_o church_n a_o choir_n of_o angel_n 4._o her_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v such_o that_o she_o make_v religion_n neither_o slovenly_a nor_o too_o gay_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v judge_v all_o her_o ceremony_n to_o be_v decent_a and_o useful_a and_o they_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o fit_a to_o make_v our_o service_n comely_a and_o true_o whilst_o we_o have_v body_n these_o outward_a help_n be_v very_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a her_o government_n be_v so_o well_o temper_v that_o her_o member_n may_v not_o be_v dissolute_a nor_o her_o ruler_n insolent_a and_o if_o all_o vice_n be_v not_o chastise_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o unnecessary_a division_n have_v stop_v her_o discipline_n upon_o offender_n her_o government_n be_v apostolical_a primitive_a and_o universal_a none_o of_o her_o part_n or_o office_n give_v just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o revolt_v from_o she_o but_o consider_v all_o thing_n she_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o 14.3_o therefore_o heb._n 6.1_o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o rom._n 15.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o edification_n be_v go_v on_o to_o perfection_n or_o grow_v in_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v to_o make_v plain_a the_o great_a thing_n in_o religion_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o church_n second_o that_o our_o constitution_n be_v well_o manage_v for_o edification_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n but_o strict_o command_v under_o great_a temporal_a penalty_n to_o direct_v their_o flock_n to_o preserve_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o substantial_a devotion_n which_o will_v to_o the_o purpose_n edify_v man_n soul_n and_o effectual_o save_v they_o 2._o that_o these_o command_n be_v obey_v by_o our_o pastor_n for_o this_o we_o appeal_v to_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o our_o communion_n who_o have_v honesty_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v find_v it_o true_a and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v and_o want_v sincerity_n and_o knowledge_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n be_v uncharitable_a our_o protestant_a neighbour_n have_v commend_v our_o government_n condemn_v the_o separation_n magnify_v our_o pastor_n and_o wish_v they_o be_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o translate_v many_o of_o our_o man_n work_n to_o edify_v their_o people_n dissenter_n
this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o edify_v by_o the_o most_o fluent_a and_o popular_a tongue_n or_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o pathetical_a expression_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v have_v answer_v the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o our_o communion_n i_o be_o now_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n as_o separate_v from_o we_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o we_o such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o way_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o these_o excuse_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n who_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o think_v to_o cover_v it_o by_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
which_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o action_n be_v this_o measure_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n and_o conscience_n be_v no_o far_o safe_a than_o as_o it_o follow_v that_o rule_n now_o this_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o conscience_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o that_o thing_n only_o be_v indifferent_a which_o his_o law_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n i_o mean_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n whether_o declare_v by_o nature_n or_o revelation_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v write_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o man_n be_v natural_o convince_v of_o some_o thing_n be_v eternal_o good_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n other_o be_v eternal_o evil_a and_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sin_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o gentile_n have_v this_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o revelation_n too_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o god_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o declare_v its_o precept_n more_o certain_o and_o accurate_o with_o great_a strength_n and_o great_a reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o before_o by_o this_o also_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n and_o add_v some_o positive_a law_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n to_o be_v baptise_a and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n thus_o than_o the_o natural_a and_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n of_o conscience_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a and_o general_a head_n of_o it_o but_o also_o the_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o these_o head_n and_o by_o the_o reveal_v law_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n but_o also_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o those_o command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v by_o direct_a inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n command_v or_o forbid_v be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o it_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o yet_o by_o inference_n or_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o we_o may_v do_v it_o or_o let_v it_o alone_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n iii_o in_o the_o three_o place_n i_o must_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n for_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n by_o virtue_n of_o and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v in_o four_o proposition_n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n law_n command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o men._n for_o all_o society_n be_v found_v in_o this_o principal_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v obey_v our_o governor_n in_o all_o honest_a and_o just_a thing_n otherwise_o no_o state_n city_n or_o family_n can_v subsist_v happy_o and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n command_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v human_a law_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n second_o human_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o any_o virtue_n in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n law_n who_o have_v command_v we_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o scripture_n to_o obey_v our_o superior_n conscience_n be_v our_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a but_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v man_n because_o therein_o we_o obey_v god_n three_o human_a law_n do_v no_o far_o bind_v the_o conscience_n than_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o when_o man_n command_v any_o thing_n sinful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o man_n power_n to_o alter_v his_o law_n or_o impose_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o they_o four_o though_o human_a law_n general_o speak_v bound_v the_o conscience_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o human_a law_n though_o consistent_a with_o god_n law_n do_v at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o case_n oblige_v every_o man_n conscience_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o it_o so_o as_o that_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o transgress_v it_o for_o than_o who_o can_v be_v innocent_a but_o first_o where_o the_o public_a or_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v suffer_v damage_n or_o inconvenience_n by_o our_o not_o observe_v the_o law_n or_o second_o where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o not_o obey_v it_o argue_v contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o set_v a_o ill_a example_n there_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o human_a law_n be_v sinful_a and_o not_o in_o other_o case_n so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o case_n in_o which_o a_o man_n may_v transgress_v a_o pure_o human_a law_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sinner_n before_o god_n provide_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o contempt_n of_o authority_n or_o ill_a example_n in_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o make_v it_o a_o sin_n for_o this_o i_o insist_v upon_o that_o god_n law_n and_o the_o public_a good_a require_v that_o authority_n be_v hold_v sacred_a and_o therefore_o when_o governor_n insist_v upon_o a_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v trifle_v or_o inconvenient_a yet_o we_o must_v not_o even_o seem_v to_o contest_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o to_o affront_v their_o authority_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o by_o our_o example_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o the_o public_a than_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o inconvenient_a law_n can_v easy_o be_v iv_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n and_o here_o i_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v so_o long_o as_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o nothing_o sinful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v human_a law_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v obey_v in_o church-matter_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v man_n to_o make_v law_n about_o religion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o far_o i_o earnest_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v well_o consider_v by_o dissenter_n that_o we_o be_v all_o real_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o preserve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n but_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o therefore_o whoever_o break_v this_o unity_n do_v real_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n which_o be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o and_o so_o high_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n those_o therefore_o who_o think_v they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o come_v to_o church_n than_o to_o obey_v any_o common_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v great_o mistake_v because_o they_o break_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o though_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v human_a institution_n yet_o the_o public_a worship_n itself_o under_o public_a lawful_a governor_n be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o no_o man_n can_v renounce_v it_o without_o sin_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o human_a law_n a_o divine_a law_n clothe_v with_o circumstance_n of_o man_n appointment_n create_v another_o kind_n of_o obligation_n than_o a_o law_n that_o command_v a_o thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o must_v obey_v because_o it_o be_v
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o whatever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
their_o separation_n upon_o these_o account_n that_o they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n they_o except_v against_o be_v real_o forbid_v by_o god_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o then_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n nay_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v forbid_v which_o be_v not_o real_o forbid_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o think_v so_o they_o can_v act_v against_o their_o mistake_a conscience_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v require_v nothing_o that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o their_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o answer_v the_o particular_a objection_n against_o our_o establishment_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v already_o in_o the_o several_a forego_v chapter_n the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o be_v this_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o justify_v his_o break_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o my_o false_a persuasion_n will_v not_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o just_a cause_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o ask_v this_o question_n when_o st._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v in_o duty_n to_o persecute_v christian_n be_v his_o persecution_n sinful_a or_o no_o yes_o sure_o for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o therefore_o a_o man_n think_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o lawful_a will_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n for_o do_v that_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o dissenter_n to_o consider_v well_o before_z they_o separate_z for_o schism_n be_v a_o cry_a sin_n and_o as_o vehement_o speak_v against_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o father_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o let_v dissenter_n look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o their_o false_a persuasion_n that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o make_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n this_o matter_n will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v suppose_v a_o papist_n that_o hearty_o believe_v popery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n do_v in_o obedience_n to_o it_o worship_v image_n and_o the_o host_n this_o person_n will_v certain_o abhor_v these_o practice_n do_v he_o think_v they_o to_o be_v idolatrous_a but_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v all_o charge_n such_o papist_n with_o idolatry_n though_o they_o disclaim_v it_o and_o profess_v they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o such_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v so_o let_v his_o opinion_n be_v what_o it_o will_n for_o a_o man_n be_v false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o causeless_a separation_n be_v as_o proper_o schism_n as_o worship_v a_o creature_n be_v idolatry_n and_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o schismatic_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o separate_v as_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n who_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o worship_v a_o creature_n a_o man_n mistake_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o will_v more_o or_o less_o excuse_v he_o before_o god_n in_o both_o instance_n but_o it_o can_v change_v the_o nature_n either_o of_o schism_n or_o idolatry_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o i_o answer_v he_o be_v to_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o rectify_v his_o mistake_n and_o then_o he_o may_v do_v his_o duty_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n now_o the_o only_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o lay_v aside_o pride_n passion_n interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o endeavour_v serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o understand_v his_o duty_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n advise_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n practise_v all_o undoubted_a duty_n and_o beg_v god_n assistance_n for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o this_o and_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o first_o we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n for_o than_o i_o be_o persuade_v our_o scandalous_a division_n will_v present_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o alas_o we_o fear_v they_o have_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v sure_o they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o for_o the_o text_n they_o produce_v be_v such_o as_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o examine_v they_o can_v scarce_o have_v be_v wrest_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n nay_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v think_v better_o of_o our_o way_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a to_o declare_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v inconvenient_a yet_o a_o lay-person_n may_v lawful_o join_v with_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o join_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n in_o short_a most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n and_o scarce_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n show_v we_o a_o man_n that_o have_v no_o end_n to_o serve_v by_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o way_n be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v he_o thither_o that_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n to_o understand_v it_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o church-division_n be_v modest_a humble_a and_o docible_a and_o believe_v that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v that_o think_v his_o governor_n may_v be_v wise_a than_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o opinion_n that_o he_o have_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v against_o authority_n a_o man_n that_o where_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n seem_v to_o thwart_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n endeavour_n to_o be_v true_o inform_v and_o to_o that_o end_n beg_v god_n assistance_n and_o use_v the_o best_a help_n and_o guide_v he_o can_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n and_o be_v bias_v neither_o way_n i_o say_v show_v we_o such_o a_o man_n and_o we_o ready_o grant_v he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o but_o then_o we_o must_v add_v that_o we_o believe_v such_o a_o man_n will_v soon_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o conform_v second_o if_o a_o man_n have_v real_o do_v his_o best_a to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v though_o his_o separation_n be_v material_o a_o schism_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o all_o those_o that_o commit_v schism_n be_v not_o equal_o guilty_a of_o it_o those_o that_o separate_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n
be_v horrible_o and_o inexcusable_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v through_o such_o mistake_n as_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a be_v very_o unblamable_a and_o be_v bind_v as_o they_o love_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v more_o care_n of_o inform_v their_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o sin_n but_o when_o god_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o a_o man_n do_v his_o best_a and_o have_v not_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o understanding_n better_o then_o though_o the_o man_n commit_v schism_n yet_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v of_o man_n by_o their_o inward_a sincerity_n will_v impute_v it_o to_o his_o ignorance_n and_o forgive_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n especial_o if_o this_o innocent_o mistake_v man_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o follow_a point_n first_o that_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o ready_a to_o receive_v conviction_n second_o that_o he_o separate_v no_o more_o than_o he_o needs_o must_v but_o comply_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n where_o he_o be_v satisfy_v he_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n three_o that_o where_o he_o can_v comply_v he_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n neither_o exclaim_n at_o his_o governor_n or_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o use_v illegal_a mean_n to_o get_v more_o liberty_n but_o live_v as_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n four_o that_o he_o do_v not_o censure_v those_o of_o another_o persuasion_n but_o show_v himself_o a_o good_a neighbour_n and_o friendly_a to_o they_o whoe're_o observe_v these_o thing_n though_o he_o dissent_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o censure_v he_o as_o a_o ill_a man_n ill_o subject_a or_o ill_a christian_a but_o then_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v no_o more_o justify_v or_o lessen_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v a_o delude_a dissenter_n or_o a_o delude_a papist_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o innocence_n or_o excusableness_n of_o some_o man_n mistake_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o nevertheless_o it_o infinite_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o have_v a_o care_n how_o he_o be_v engage_v either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v show_v how_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v himself_o aright_o before_o he_o disobey_v his_o governor_n or_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o something_o in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n yet_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n and_o therefore_o every_o dissenter_n ought_v present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n for_o fear_v he_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n let_v he_o not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o frivolous_a pretence_n for_o though_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n yet_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o certain_o as_o for_o heresy_n or_o drunkenness_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a father_n think_v so_o what_o if_o the_o point_n of_o conformity_n be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n who_o make_v they_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v have_v be_v well_o please_v if_o these_o controversy_n have_v never_o be_v we_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_a and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v our_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o that_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o own_o salvation_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o to_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n above_o their_o capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o since_o they_o have_v understanding_n enough_o to_o find_v fault_n and_o separate_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v honesty_n enough_o to_o seek_v satisfaction_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o mischief_n of_o separation_n we_o be_v bind_v especial_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v disobey_v his_o superior_n without_o sin_n unless_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n he_o find_v their_o command_n inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n answer_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o who_o fear_n they_o shall_v sin_v in_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v from_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n be_v a_o duty_n no_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n settle_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o god_n command_v it_o much_o less_o will_v his_o bare_a doubt_n excuse_v he_o but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o i_o shall_v particular_o examine_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o give_v a_o account_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n second_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o three_o of_o the_o power_n that_o human_a law_n have_v over_o it_o four_o of_o its_o authority_n i._n e._n whether_o at_o all_o or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o it_o i._o in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o shall_v treat_v 1._o of_o doubt_v in_o general_n 2._o of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o doubt_v and_o the_o scrupulous_a conscience_n first_o then_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o doubt_n when_o he_o can_v determine_v whether_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v consider_v be_v so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o he_o think_v the_o question_n probable_a on_o both_o side_n but_o can_v fix_v upon_o either_o so_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v like_o a_o balance_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o equal_a weight_n in_o both_o scale_n neither_o scale_n come_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v lean_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v doubtful_a still_o just_o as_o one_o scale_n may_v have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o other_o while_o yet_o that_o weight_n be_v not_o able_a to_o carry_v it_o perfect_o down_o but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o evidence_n on_o one_o side_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v determine_v itself_o than_o the_o man_n doubt_v no_o long_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o balance_n be_v say_v to_o be_v fix_v when_o there_o be_v weight_n enough_o to_o carry_v it_o down_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n have_v not_o always_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o persuasion_n sometime_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o he_o entire_o assent_v without_o the_o least_o doubtfulness_n this_o be_v assurance_n or_o full_a persuasion_n at_o other_o time_n the_o evidence_n may_v gain_v a_o assent_n but_o not_o such_o as_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_n this_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v call_v opinion_n or_o probable_a persuasion_n so_o a_o great_a or_o less_o weight_n carry_v down_o the_o scale_n with_o great_a or_o less_o force_v and_o briskness_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o mind_n be_v determine_v the_o balance_n be_v turn_v and_o the_o doubt_n be_v end_v though_o perhaps_o the_o man_n be_v not_o perfect_o free_a from_o all_o scruple_n about_o that_o thing_n second_o then_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o such_o doubt_n as_o affect_v the_o conscience_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v to_o consider_v but_o every_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o conscience_n as_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v affect_v with_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o action_n so_o his_o doubt_n do_v not_o affect_v his_o conscience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o concern_v his_o own_o action_n and_o as_o his_o conscience_n be_v not_o affect_v with_o his_o own_o action_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o
whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sort_n though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o a_o man_n have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n hold_v only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v forbear_v the_o action_n without_o danger_n of_o sin_v though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v sin_v in_o conform_v so_o there_o be_v certain_o danger_n of_o sin_v in_o not_o conform_v nor_o be_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o separate_v in_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n than_o of_o a_o double_a one_o for_o the_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o constant_a disobedience_n to_o his_o superior_n which_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n must_v needs_o be_v gross_o and_o criminal_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o his_o be_v satisfy_v about_o such_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o nay_o further_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obey_v our_o superior_n or_o no_o though_o the_o case_n be_v real_o that_o of_o a_o single_a doubt_n though_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o conform_v than_o to_o separate_a notwithstanding_o for_o though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o hold_v unless_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o therefore_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v obtain_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o over-rule_v the_o doubt_n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o law_n and_o certain_o if_o weighty_a consideration_n ought_v to_o overbalance_n a_o single_a doubt_n in_o any_o case_n then_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o many_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n that_o attend_v separation_n aught_o to_o prevail_v in_o this_o of_o we_o and_o oblige_v man_n to_o conform_v and_o i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_a dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o doubt_v both_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v and_o also_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o we_o i_o say_v first_o if_o the_o probability_n appear_v pretty_a equal_a on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v authority_n as_o i_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n second_o if_o they_o think_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o conform_v than_o that_o they_o ought_v then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o separation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o conform_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o prop._n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n p._n 256_o 257._o now_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v between_o we_o and_o our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o be_v not_o direct_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o consequence_n those_o consequence_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o though_o such_o usage_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a till_o our_o day_n and_o even_o now_o these_o consequence_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o superior_n no_o not_o by_o as_o great_a and_o good_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o far_o great_a number_n and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o able_a as_o any_o do_v plain_o own_v our_o injunction_n to_o be_v innocent_a at_o least_o if_o not_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o governor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o our_o communion_n lawful_a then_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o in_o break_v the_o law_n of_o church-vnity_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n of_o old_a and_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o the_o consequence_n also_o of_o their_o separation_n be_v most_o dreadful_a for_o by_o it_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o keep_v up_o those_o discord_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v tear_v the_o bowel_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o overspread_v it_o they_o affront_v their_o governor_n give_v scandal_n to_o all_o peaceable_a person_n and_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a pretence_n to_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_v against_o the_o best_a of_o goverment_n so_o they_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o all_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o doubt_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n certain_o a_o unconcern_v person_n will_v pronounce_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o conform_v rather_o than_o to_o separate_a and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o 2._o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o 3._o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o then_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n or_o his_o action_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o scrupulous_a judgement_n concern_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o consist_v either_o 1._o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o observe_v such_o usage_n as_o religious_o as_o the_o most_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n or_o 2._o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o offend_v by_o our_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o wear_v some_o garment_n as_o by_o adultery_n or_o murder_n and_o be_v more_o precise_a about_o little_a matter_n than_o other_o good_a christian_n be_v or_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o be_v second_o concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o sickly_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o state_n of_o infirmity_n arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o timerousness_n melancholy_a and_o prejudice_n now_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o virtue_n or_o commendable_a quality_n in_o we_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sickly_a and_o often_o indispose_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a well_o settle_v and_o resolve_v but_o such_o needless_a scruple_n be_v at_o the_o best_a a_o sign_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a fancy_n and_o a_o weak_a judgement_n just_a as_o the_o niceness_n and_o squeamishness_n of_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o distaste_v wholesome_a food_n be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o unsound_a and_o unhealthy_a body_n 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o hope_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o gross_a transgression_n in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n
best_a policy_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a that_o can_v be_v establish_v will_v have_v some_o flaw_n and_o defect_n which_o must_v be_v bear_v and_o tolerate_v some_o inconvenience_n will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n arise_v that_o never_o can_v be_v foresee_v or_o provide_v against_o and_o to_o make_v alteration_n upon_o every_o emergent_a difficulty_n may_v be_v often_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o pretend_v to_o cure_v by_o it_o let_v the_o rule_n and_o mode_n of_o government_n discipline_n public_a worship_n be_v most_o exact_a and_o blameless_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v fault_n in_o governor_n and_o minister_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v but_o men._n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o this_o world_n a_o church_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n that_o consist_v only_o of_o saint_n in_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v amiss_o especial_o by_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o the_o catch_n and_o wait_v for_o a_o advantage_n against_o it_o man_n must_v be_v willing_a if_o ever_o they_o will_v promote_v peace_n and_o unity_n to_o put_v candid_a construction_n and_o favourable_a interpretation_n upon_o thing_n and_o not_o strain_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v raise_v more_o considerable_a objection_n against_o they_o 6._o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v not_o conquer_v a_o man_n scruple_n then_o let_v he_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o act_n against_o they_o but_o here_o i_o easy_o imagine_v some_o ready_a present_o to_o ask_v i_o do_v you_o persuade_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v they_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o such_o scrupulous_a person_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a thing_n and_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n will_v be_v altogether_o unpracticable_a if_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o suspend_v join_v himself_o to_o it_o till_o he_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o expediency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v require_v or_o be_v in_o use_n in_o that_o church_n for_o indeed_o private_a person_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n proper_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o convenient_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-goverment_n discipline_n or_o public_a worship_n any_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o matter_n of_o state_n or_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n thing_n of_o a_o public_a nature_n belong_v to_o superior_n and_o if_o they_o appoint_v what_o be_v indecent_a or_o inconvenient_a they_o only_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o inferior_n who_o join_v with_o such_o worship_n or_o yield_v to_o such_o injunction_n not_o plain_o sinful_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o encourage_v man_n to_o venture_v blindfold_a on_o sin_n or_o to_o neglect_v any_o reasonable_a care_n of_o their_o action_n but_o if_o people_n raise_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n they_o can_v start_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o a_o resolution_n about_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o manifest_a impiety_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v plain_o nor_o by_o any_o easy_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n this_o can_v but_o occasion_v infinite_a perplexity_n and_o trouble_v to_o man_n mind_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o a_o safe_a and_o quiet_a conscience_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o its_o order_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o persuade_v that_o what_o be_v require_v be_v forbid_v by_o god_n because_o by_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n we_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o light_n and_o doubtful_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v thus_o full_o satisfy_v about_o our_o conformity_n to_o all_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n we_o may_v presume_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a unless_o they_o plain_o appear_v to_o we_o otherwise_o if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o principle_n will_v introduce_v popery_n and_o make_v people_n without_o any_o examination_n submit_v to_o every_o thing_n which_o their_o superior_n please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o let_v he_o only_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o popery_n which_o god_n have_v manifest_o forbid_v which_o render_v our_o separation_n from_o it_o necessary_a whereas_o we_o be_v at_o the_o worst_a only_a doubtful_a or_o rather_o not_o so_o good_a as_o may_v be_v devise_v and_o this_o sure_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n but_o do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 14.14_o i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n unclean_a it_o be_v unclean_a do_v he_o not_o say_v he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v v._o 23._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i_o answer_v yes_o but_o then_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n i_o suppose_v the_o person_n tolerable_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o he_o have_v some_o little_a exception_n against_o it_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o best_a and_o fit_a all_o thing_n consider_v this_o be_v proper_o a_o scruple_n and_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v do_v they_o judge_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a so_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n can_v innocent_o do_v that_o of_o which_o his_o conscience_n doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o which_o case_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n yet_o a_o man_n may_v and_o in_o some_o case_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o unlawful_a though_o upon_o some_o other_o account_v he_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o it_o now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o very_o weighty_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o forbear_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o scruple_n at_o of_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v some_o meat_n neither_o of_o they_o be_v require_v by_o law_n eat_v be_v no_o instance_n of_o duty_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n forbid_v christian_n where_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v be_v perfect_o at_o our_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v some_o suspicion_n of_o though_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v sinful_a as_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v scruple_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o play_v at_o card_n and_o die_n or_o go_v to_o see_v stage-plays_a or_o put_v out_o his_o money_n to_o usury_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n or_o necessity_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o may_v be_v innocent_o forbear_v without_o any_o detriment_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o though_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o absolute_o sinful_a yet_o it_o be_v safe_a for_o he_o who_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n of_o they_o whole_o to_o deny_v himself_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o in_o these_o two_o case_n it_o be_v most_o for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o conscience_n to_o act_v against_o or_o notwithstanding_o our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n when_o either_o our_o superior_n to_o who_o we_o owe_v obedience_n have_v interpose_v their_o command_n or_o when_o by_o it_o we_o prevent_v some_o great_a evil_a or_o mischieâ—_n 1._o all_o fear_n and_o scruple_n only_o about_o the_o conveniency_n and_o expediency_n of_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n will_v man_n but_o think_v themselves_o in_o conscience_n bind_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o they_o do_v expect_v their_o servant_n and_o child_n shall_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o submission_n for_o all_o government_n and_o subjection_n will_v be_v very_o precarious_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o a_o law_n or_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o except_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o this_o be_v to_o give_v the_o supreme_a authority_n to_o the_o most_o humoursome_a or_o perverse_a sort_n of_o christian_n for_o according_a
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
we_o must_v not_o omit_v our_o duty_n for_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o affair_n for_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o prudence_n according_a to_o circumstance_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o give_v certain_a rule_n for_o man_n charity_n in_o other_o case_n and_o fix_v the_o proportion_n which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v of_o his_o estate_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o positive_o to_o tell_v how_o far_o a_o man_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o forego_v his_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o brother_n this_o whole_a matter_n say_v dr._n hammond_n disc_n of_o scan_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o christian_n pious_a discretion_n or_o prudence_n it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o either_o to_o abstain_v or_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o any_o indifferent_a action_n remain_v such_o according_a as_o that_o piety_n and_o that_o prudence_n shall_v represent_v it_o to_o be_v most_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o man_n soul_n second_o to_o avoid_v a_o less_o scandal_n be_v take_v by_o a_o few_o we_o must_v not_o give_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o of_o vast_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o much_o big_a number_n of_o person_n and_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o consider_v we_o shall_v soon_o fâ—â—d_v ourselves_o much_o more_o oblige_v upon_o this_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o join_v with_o our_o church_n than_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o 1._o our_o separation_n harden_v other_o dissenter_n in_o their_o persuasion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o conformity_n for_o they_o will_v think_v we_o separate_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v true_a scandalize_a they_o or_o confirm_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a cause_n 2._o whatever_o sect_n we_o join_v with_o we_o offend_v all_o the_o other_o party_n who_o sometime_o speak_v as_o hardly_o of_o one_o another_o as_o of_o the_o conformist_n 3._o hereby_o great_a offence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o conformist_n for_o this_o separation_n be_v a_o public_a condemn_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v scruple_n distaste_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o well-meaning_a but_o least-knowing_a member_n of_o it_o 4._o scandal_n be_v thereby_o give_v to_o superior_n by_o bring_v their_o law_n and_o authority_n into_o contempt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o sinful_a to_o offend_v a_o little_a one_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o offend_a a_o prince_n a_o parliament_n &_o c_o no_o scandal_n take_v at_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n 5._o hereby_o scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o papist_n who_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o own_o way_n because_o they_o only_o have_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n to_o many_o waver_a christian_n to_o turn_v papist_n the_o papist_n always_o hit_v we_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o our_o division_n whereas_o by_o our_o hearty_a unite_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o may_v certain_o wrest_v this_o weapon_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n 6._o separation_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n it_o prejudices_fw-la men_n against_o it_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o matter_n of_o endless_a dispute_n when_o they_o see_v what_o dangerous_a quarrel_n commence_v from_o our_o religious_a difference_n and_o all_o the_o disorder_n they_o have_v cause_v shall_v by_o some_o be_v charge_v upon_o christianity_n itself_o thus_o our_o causeless_a separation_n open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o atheism_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n and_o now_o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o answer_v those_o plea_n by_o which_o the_o dissenter_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o nothing_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o add_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n &_o due_o consider_v what_o i_o offer_v to_o you_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o nothing_o but_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v charge_v our_o church_n with_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o else_o you_o can_v possible_o defend_v your_o practice_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n that_o may_v be_v contrive_v better_o yet_o every_o defect_n or_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o a_o church_n be_v not_o warrant_n enough_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n which_o a_o man_n can_v wish_v to_o be_v alter_v but_o whether_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v appoint_v which_o will_v make_v a_o alteration_n not_o only_o desirable_a but_o necessary_a &_o whether_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o withdraw_v till_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o she_o have_v corrupt_v the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o require_v her_o member_n to_o join_v in_o these_o corruption_n but_o this_o charge_n can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a mr._n caâ—â—â—â—_n 12._o caâ—â—â—â—_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o sect_n 10_o 11_o 12._o say_v that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n keep_v up_o there_o be_v the_o plain_a appearance_n of_o a_o true_a church_n who_o authority_n no_o man_n may_v safe_o despise_v or_o reject_v its_o admonition_n or_o resist_v its_o counsel_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o its_o discipline_n much_o less_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o violate_v its_o unity_n for_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o account_v he_o a_o apostate_n from_o his_o religion_n who_o obstinate_o separate_v from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n that_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v a_o denial_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a temptation_n so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o separate_n from_o such_o a_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reject_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n this_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n as_o if_o he_o have_v particular_o design_v it_o against_o your_o own_o practice_n nay_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n tell_v you_o that_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o yourself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a if_o you_o say_v that_o the_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o you_o by_o forbear_v what_o you_o dislike_v as_o you_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o case_n will_v bear_v this_o wantonness_n and_o whether_o such_o expression_n be_v consistent_a with_o your_o duty_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o hard_o i_o confess_v to_o make_v out_o the_o prudence_n of_o their_o determination_n but_o i_o think_v it_o hard_o that_o a_o public_a rule_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v reason_n enough_o to_o justify_v thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o compliance_n without_o more_o ado_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o prospect_n of_o union_n till_o man_n learn_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o be_v content_v to_o be_v govern_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n in_o our_o case_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o a_o change_n though_o in_o
thing_n perfect_o indifferent_a be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v infinite_a odds_o but_o if_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o change_v without_o necessity_n there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o end_n of_o change_v but_o far_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a even_o of_o your_o own_o writer_n do_v flat_o condemn_v your_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o ult_n and_o see_v burrough_n be_v iren._n p._n 184._o vind._n of_o presb._n gou._n brinsly_n arraignm_fw-la p._n 16_o 31._o corbet_n be_v plea_n for_o lay-câ—m_a newcomen_fw-mi be_v iren._n epist_n to_o the_o read_v â—all's_v trial_n c._n 7._o jeâ—uâ—baâ—l_fw-it p._n 28.30_o throughton_n apol._n p._n 107._o robinson_n of_o the_o lawful_a of_o hear_v p._n ult_n hold_v that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v far_o from_o a_o true_a church_n than_o the_o thing_n you_o separate_v for_o be_v unlawful_a or_o conceive_v so_o to_o be_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v that_o you_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o you_o can_v and_o do_v what_o you_o lawful_o may_v towards_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o 12._o they_o see_v tomb_n be_v theod._n answer_v to_o pref._n sect._n 23._o blake_n vind._n c._n 31._o brinsly_n be_v arraignm_n p._n 50._o noyes_n be_v temple_n meas_fw-la p._n 78._o owen_n be_v evangel_n love_n p._n 76._o cotton_n on_o the_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n p._n 156._o baxter_n cure_n dir_fw-mi 5._o vine_n on_o the_o sacram._n p._n 239._o corbet_n be_v acc._n of_o sep._n p._n 103._o jerubbaal_o p._n 12._o hold_v also_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n nay_o they_o 18._o they_o see_v brownist_n confess_v art_n 36._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o allen_n life_n p._n 3._o engl._n remembrancer_n serm._n 4_o 14_o 16._o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 74_o etc._n etc._n 132_o etc._n etc._n 159_o etc._n etc._n 308._o platform_n of_o discipl_n c._n 14._o sect_n 8._o hildersham_n on_o john_n lect._n 35_o 82._o brian_n be_v dwell_v with_o god_n p._n 293_o 294._o bradshaw_n unreason_n of_o sep._n p._n 103_o 104._o nonconf_a no_o schismat_n p._n 15._o cawdry_n be_v indep_n a_o great_a schism_n p._n 192_o 195._o owen_n be_v evang._n love_n c._n 3._o throughton_n be_v apol._n p._n 100_o vine_n on_o the_o sacram._n p._n 242._o crofton_n hard_a way_n to_o heaven_n p._n 36._o noyes's_fw-fr temp._n meas_fw-la p._n 78_o 89._o davenport_n reply_n p._n 281._o cotton_n on_o 1_o epist_n of_o john_n p._n 156._o calamy_n godly_a man_n be_v ark_n epist_n ded._n allen_n be_v godly_a man_n portion_n p._n 122_o 127._o banns_n on_o ephes_n 2.15_o contin_n morn_n exer._n serm_n 16._o baxter_n cure_n dir_fw-mi 35._o def._n of_o his_o cure_n part_n 1._o p._n 47._o &_o part_n 2._o p._n 171._o burrough_n be_v iren._n c._n 23._o morton_n his_o memorial_n p._n 78_o etc._n etc._n blake'_v vind._n c._n 31._o tombes_n theodul_n answer_v to_o pref._n sect._n 25._o conf._n savoy_n p._n 12_o 13._o calamy_n door_n of_o truth_n open_v p._n 7._o corbet_n n._n c._n plea_n p._n 6._o robinson_n be_v lawful_a of_o hear_v p._n 19_o 23._o nye'_v case_n of_o great_a &_o pres_fw-fr use_v p._n 10_o 16_o 18._o produce_v several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o it_o 1._o because_o to_o break_v of_o communion_n for_o such_o defect_n will_v be_v to_o look_v after_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o this_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o 2._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o separate_v from_o defective_a church_n 3._o christ_n do_v still_o hold_v communion_n with_o defective_a church_n and_o so_o ought_v we_o 4._o to_o separate_v from_o such_o defective_a church_n will_v destroy_v all_o communion_n nor_o 5._o be_v it_o at_o all_o warrant_v in_o scripture_n nor_o 6._o be_v it_o necessary_a because_o a_o person_n may_v communicate_v in_o the_o worship_n without_o partake_v in_o those_o corruption_n nay_o 7._o they_o urge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o a_o defective_a worship_n where_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o and_o as_o for_o our_o injunction_n in_o particular_a they_o ded._n they_o see_v lett._n min._n of_o old-engl_n p._n 12_o 13._o bryan_n devil_n with_o god_n p._n 311._o troughton_n apol._n c._n 7._o p._n 68_o owen_n peace-off_a p._n 17._o misch_n of_o impo_n epist_n ded._n own_v they_o to_o be_v tolerable_a and_o what_o no_o church_n be_v without_o more_o or_o less_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v communion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o nay_o far_o several_a of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n zealous_o oppose_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o join_v with_o it_o to_o their_o die_a day_n though_o they_o can_v not_o conform_v as_o minister_n and_o several_a of_o the_o modern_a nonconformist_n have_v write_v for_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o have_v in_o print_n 240._o print_n see_v baxter_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 75._o mr._n j._n allen_n life_n p._n 111._o collins_n doctr._n of_o schism_n p._n 64._o lye'_v reas_n account_v etc._n etc._n hickman_n bonas_n vap._n p._n 113._o baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o practice_n but_o beside_o the_o sentiment_n of_o your_o own_o teacher_n there_o be_v great_a authority_n to_o be_v urge_v against_o you_o for_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o you_o differ_v from_o we_o you_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o sure_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a men._n this_o may_v afford_v a_o large_a field_n for_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o hint_n at_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o we_o desire_v you_o to_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o settle_a church_n that_o be_v without_o episcopacy_n till_o calvin_n time_n the_o great_a opposer_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n within_o a_o few_o year_n after_o the_o apostolic_a age_n and_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v carry_v it_o high_o even_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o there_o be_v but_o two_o passage_n and_o both_o of_o they_o not_o till_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o question_v episcopal_a authority_n that_o of_o 1._o of_o in_o epist_n ad_fw-la tit._n cap._n 1._o st._n jerom_n when_o improve_v to_o the_o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o only_o intimate_v episcopacy_n not_o to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o very_o clear_v it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o st._n jerom_n write_n that_o he_o often_o write_v in_o haste_n and_o do_v not_o always_o weigh_v thing_n at_o the_o beam_n and_o forget_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o have_v say_v at_o another_o that_o many_o expression_n fall_v from_o he_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o disputation_n according_a to_o the_o warmth_n and_o eagerness_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o that_o he_o be_v particular_o chase_v into_o this_o assertion_n by_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o the_o deacon_n at_o rome_n who_o begin_v to_o usurp_v upon_o and_o overtop_v the_o presbyter_n which_o tempt_v he_o to_o magnify_v and_o extol_v their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o ancient_o equal_a to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o common_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o priesthood_n for_o at_o other_o time_n when_o he_o write_v with_o cool_a thought_n about_o he_o he_o do_v plain_o and_o frequent_o enough_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o do_v himself_o constant_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o bishop_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v that_o of_o aerius_n who_o hold_v indeed_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n differ_v nothing_o in_o order_n dignity_n or_o power_n but_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o this_o error_n mere_o through_o envy_n and_o emulation_n be_v vex_v to_o see_v that_o his_o companion_n eustatbius_fw-la have_v get_v the_o bishopric_n of_o sebastia_n which_o himself_o have_v aim_v at_o this_o make_v he_o start_v aside_o and_o talk_v extravagant_o but_o the_o church_n immediate_o brand_v he_o for_o a_o heretic_n and_o drive_v he_o and_o his_o follower_n out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o from_o all_o city_n and_o village_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o be_v his_o cotemporary_a represent_v he_o as_o very_o little_o better_o than_o a_o madman_n 2._o we_o desire_v you_o to_o name_v any_o church_n that_o do_v not_o constant_o use_v form_n of_o
prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a in_o the_o three_o chapter_n 3._o show_v we_o any_o church_n that_o do_v not_o always_o observe_v festival_n in_o commemoration_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o saint_n 4._o name_v any_o one_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o have_v not_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o those_o that_o we_o use_v nay_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n if_o any_o at_o all_o require_v by_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n nay_o far_o i_o can_v easy_o etc._n easy_o see_v durel_n be_v view_n of_o the_o goverm_n etc._n etc._n and_z spirit_n be_v cassend_v anglic._n p._n 123_o etc._n etc._n show_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o usage_n of_o our_o church_n be_v either_o practise_v in_o foreign_a church_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v of_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o reformation_n consider_v also_o that_o separation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n as_o mr._n baxter_n 52._o baxter_n defence_n p._n 27_o 52._o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n have_v use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o destroy_v it_o and_o particular_o by_o division_n they_o have_v attempt_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o by_o pretend_a protestant_a hand_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o you_o to_o bring_v about_o their_o own_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n strenuous_o promote_v the_o separation_n and_o mix_v themselves_o with_o you_o they_o have_v put_v on_o every_o shape_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o follow_v the_o common_a outery_n against_o the_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o antichristian_a spur_v you_o on_o to_o call_v for_o a_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o clamour_n for_o liberty_n and_o toleration_n as_o foresee_v that_o when_o they_o have_v subvert_v all_o order_n and_o beat_v you_o out_o of_o all_o sober_a principle_n you_o must_v be_v necessitate_v at_o last_o to_o centre_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n this_o trade_n they_o begin_v almost_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o reformation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o firebrand_n the_o fox_n and_o firebrand_n story_n of_o come_v and_o heath_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o hold_v on_o the_o same_o in_o succeed_a time_n as_o appear_v beside_o all_o other_o instance_n by_o etc._n by_o see_v stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n pref._n p._n 20_o etc._n etc._n bellarini_n letter_n concern_v the_o best_a way_n of_o manage_v the_o popish_a interest_n in_o england_n upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o ii_o for_o therein_o it_o be_v advise_v to_o foment_n fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o king_n and_o bishop_n to_o asperse_v the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o 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to_o secure_v a_o gainful_a office_n or_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o lash_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v end_n so_o very_o vile_a and_o sordid_a this_o be_v so_o horrible_a a_o prostitution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o most_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o deliberate_a a_o way_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o suspect_v any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o man_n of_o profligate_n and_o atheistical_a mind_n but_o then_o why_o do_v not_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o bring_v you_o at_o one_o time_n bring_v you_o at_o another_o why_o can_v we_o never_o have_v your_o company_n but_o when_o punishment_n or_o advantage_n prompt_v you_o to_o it_o we_o blame_v the_o papist_n for_o dispense_n with_o oath_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n shall_v ever_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o protestant_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v most_o to_o abhor_v popish_a practice_n and_o who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v account_v not_o to_o make_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o men._n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o reason_v a_o little_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a why_o do_v you_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a why_o do_v you_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n have_v tie_v upon_o you_o which_o command_v you_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n that_o ought_v great_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o sober_a humble_a and_o consider_v christian_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n 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society_n of_o christian_n you_o please_v which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o diverse_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o 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spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v you_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n in_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n phil._n 2.1_o 2._o these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a of_o you_o they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o join_v serious_o in_o send_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n beside_o the_o many_o strict_a precept_n and_o other_o strong_a obligation_n which_o you_o have_v to_o this_o duty_n our_o saviour_n die_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o john_n 11.52_o and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o contradict_v this_o end_n of_o his_o death_n in_o set_v those_o at_o variance_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o unite_v nay_o may_v you_o not_o be_v say_v to_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o by_o mangle_v and_o divide_v a_o sound_n and_o healthful_a part_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n if_o indeed_o our_o church_n do_v require_v you_o to_o profess_v any_o false_a doctrine_n or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a 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assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v you_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v no_o forbid_a thing_n of_o you_o you_o ought_v to_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o a_o unanimous_a agreement_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccesful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n the_o end_n