Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n charity_n faith_n unfeigned_a 991 5 10.9930 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34538 The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet. Corbet, John, 1620-1680. 1679 (1679) Wing C6258; ESTC R23940 125,145 296

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man_n stupid_a and_o foolish_a that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a lord_n it_o over_o they_o as_o besot_v vassal_n it_o can_v invite_v or_o engage_v any_o to_o its_o side_n by_o carnal_a allurement_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o ●he_n lust_n of_o men._n the_o make_n of_o such_o provision_n will_v extinguish_v its_o life_n and_o power_n and_o bring_v forth_o a_o spurious_a carnal_a brood_n that_o always_o with_o deadly_a hatred_n pursue_v its_o true_a professor_n it_o can_v lift_v up_o itself_o by_o serve_v the_o design_n and_o lust_n of_o earthly_a potentate_n though_o it_o ●ives_n they_o their_o due_a honour_n to_o the_o full_a yet_o it_o tempt_v they_o not_o by_o flattery_n to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v it_o pro●itute_v its_o sacred_a rule_n to_o patronize_v any_o enormity_n in_o their_o conversation_n or_o political_a administration_n it_o can_v subdue_v a_o people_n and_o hold_v they_o un●er_o by_o arm_a violence_n and_o usurpation_n for_o his_o be_v to_o subvert_v itself_o and_o undermine_v its_o ●wn_n foundation_n which_o be_v truth_n meekness_n and_o ●●ghteousness_n it_o seek_v not_o by_o any_o irregular_a motion_n to_o per●rb_v a_o settle_a state_n though_o adverse_a and_o injurious_a to_o it_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o recesses_n 〈◊〉_d wicked_a policy_n its_o principle_n will_v not_o bear_v 〈◊〉_d out_o in_o the_o cunning_a and_o close_a way_n of_o dishon●…_n sty_n it_o abhor_v such_o engagement_n as_o draw_v o●…_n necessity_n of_o proceed_v in_o unrighteous_a or_o da●…_n gerous_a counsel_n and_o especial_o such_o iniqui●…_n as_o will_v not_o pass_v away_o in_o a_o transient_a action_n but_o will_v hold_v up_o a_o last_a usurpation_n or_o i●…_n jury_n to_o its_o perpetual_a reproach_n and_o repugnan●…_n to_o itself_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o in_o human_a judgement_n 〈◊〉_d like_a to_o have_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o arm_n of_o fles●…_n or_o worldly_a puissance_n for_o its_o intrinsic_a and_o a●…_n bide_v strength_n until_o it_o come_v in_o a_o more_o ex●…_n tensive_a power_n and_o more_o ample_a victory_n that_o have_v be_v yet_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n th●…_n mutable_a advantage_n of_o certain_a time_n and_o occa●…_n zion_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o hollow_a ground_n and_o n●…_n settle_a foundation_n for_o it_o to_o build_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o further_v by_o a_o course_n of_o subtlety_n and_o of_o intricate_a and_o cloudy_a project_n which_o be_v get_v suspicion_n of_o evil_n but_o by_o a_o openess_n a_o frankness_n of_o deal_n in_o all_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n an●…_n regular_a and_o certain_a as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o he●…_n when_fw-mi or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n whatsoever_o degree_n of_o obliquity_n or_o uncertainty_n happen_v to_o it_o be_v only_o extrinsical_a proceed_n from_o man_n corruption_n and_o frailty_n who_o ne●…_n there_o be_v can_v be_v here_o absolute_o exact_a and_o perfect_a in_o it_o it_o reject_v the_o fury_n of_o passion_n bitterness_n clamour_n wrath_n tumult_n and_o all_o outrage_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v admit_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o entire_a honesty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o weaken_v by_o this_o strictness_n for_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o powerful_a and_o by_o a_o weak_a and_o gentle_a yet_o sound_a and_o solid_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o it_o maintain_v a_o conquest_n answerable_a to_o its_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o present_a world_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o men._n a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n nourish_v pride_n and_o sensuality_n and_o yield_v itself_o managable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o man_n after_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v common_o uphold_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o secular_a power_n which_o by_o way_n of_o its_o own_o it_o can_v make_v sure_a to_o itself_o but_o pure_a religion_n abhor_v base_a compliance_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o hitherto_o lesser_a number_n that_o walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n be_v not_o so_o well_o suit_v for_o a_o settle_a and_o continue_a potency_n in_o that_o kind_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o fail_v of_o a_o assurance_n of_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o need_v the_o advantage_n of_o venerable_a estimation_n for_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellence_n a_o desire_n of_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o ambitious_a catch_n at_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v opposite_a to_o this_o interest_n and_o destroy_v the_o end_n thereof_o but_o because_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n christianity_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n in_o the_o imagination_n or_o intellect_n but_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n that_o may_v be_v practise_v and_o its_o glory_n be_v display_v in_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n purity_n and_o charity_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o grace_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o become_v illustrious_a and_o be_v exalt_v over_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o potency_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o have_v all_o civil_a discipline_n in_o their_o perfection_n and_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o endanger_v as_o when_o the_o sanctity_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v fall_v or_o expose_v to_o scandal_n eminent_a holiness_n be_v after_o miracle_n the_o next_o great_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v now_o in_o the_o room_n of_o miracle_n and_o its_o influence_n be_v very_o powerful_a wheresoever_o it_o be_v it_o invigorate_v other_o of_o this_o fellowship_n that_o be_v near_o it_o and_o it_o command_v awe_n and_o reverence_n from_o all_o men._n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o person_n endue_v herewith_o be_v in_o proportionable_a number_n fix_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n throughout_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v man_n of_o strong_a part_n much_o prudence_n active_a spirit_n firm_a resolution_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o god_n and_o devote_v to_o seek_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v christ_n and_o fit_v thereunto_o by_o real_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n also_o when_o person_n of_o a_o low_a sphere_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n or_o learning_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o primitive_a spirit_n of_o faith_n love_n meekness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o provoke_v other_o thereunto_o as_o the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o some_o so_o the_o approved_a piety_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o serious_a professor_n import_v exceed_o to_o the_o reputation_n and_o reverence_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o natural_a man_n also_o can_v discern_v humility_n chastity_n temperance_n patience_n charity_n integrity_n as_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o by_o ●…ese_n thing_n the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v and_o main●…ined_v to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o this_o professi●…_n be_v to_o stain_v its_o glory_n and_o to_o stain_n i●s_v glory_n be_v 〈◊〉_d render_v it_o weak_a and_o despicable_a none_o there●…re_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o allow_v disciple_n of_o this_o ●ay_n but_o such_o as_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o 〈◊〉_d foul_a sin_n of_o sensuality_n and_o from_o all_o palpa●…_n dishonesty_n howbeit_o the_o lawful_a favour_n ●…d_v assistance_n of_o any_o other_o may_n with_o due_a cau●…_n be_v admit_v in_o its_o concernment_n a_o harmless_a life_n if_o barren_a and_o unprofitable_a be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o itself_o and_o also_o of_o little_a force_n to_o advance_v any_o profession_n nay_o a_o fruitless_a life_n be_v scandalous_a and_o unchristian_a they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o root_n of_o such_o fruitfulness_n in_o good_a work_n be_v love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a to_o which_o belong_v those_o praise_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n now_o because_o they_o that_o walk_v circumspect_o be_v often_o censure_v by_o the_o loose_a sort_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a it_o do_v the_o more_o concern_v they_o real_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o laudable_a fruit_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o maintain_v all_o good_a work_n before_o man_n though_o not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o hate_v narrowness_n of_o soul_n and_o base_a selfishness_n what_o do_v you_o more_o
modesty_n of_o its_o professor_n in_o uphold_v civil_a distinction_n and_o degree_n of_o honour_n among_o man_n and_o in_o render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n according_a to_o those_o degree_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o to_o take_v in_o heretic_n 〈◊〉_d idolater_n or_o real_a infidel_n because_o they_o ar●…_n name_v christian_n nor_o be_v it_o shut_v up_o in_o severe●…_n party_n distinguish_v by_o certain_a doctrin●…_n rite_n and_o platform_n which_o the_o tyranny_n 〈◊〉_d ancient_a tradition_n national_a custom_n politic●…_n interest_n or_o passionate_a zeal_n have_v exalt_v but_o it_o incompass_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v christ_n the_o head_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n wherefore_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v set_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o encompass_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n which_o indeed_o make_v for_o its_o most_o fix_a and_o ample_a state_n and_o the_o take_n of_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v a_o fundamental_a error_n ●n_v its_o policy_n and_o will_v always_o hinder_v its_o stability_n and_o increase_n the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o any_o other_o society_n lie_v in_o the_o universality_n or_o the_o ●hole_a body_n and_o not_o in_o any_o divide_a or_o subdivide_v part_n thereof_o according_o its_o true_a ●nterest_n lead_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o exalt_v of_o this_o or_o that_o party_n but_o to_o those_o common_a and_o great_a concernment_n that_o uphold_v and_o increase_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o equal_a to_o accommodate_v the_o public_a order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o party_n not_o in_o what_o their_o several_a design_n and_o humour_n crave_v which_o be_v impossible_a but_o in_o what_o they_o all_o may_v just_o challenge_v by_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o which_o be_v possible_a namely_o that_o their_o consciency_n may_v not_o be_v perplex_v and_o ●…rdened_v with_o thing_n unnecessary_a how_o high●…_n soever_o magnify_v by_o some_o one_o party_n they_o that_o seek_v worldly_a wealth_n and_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n state_n think_v it_o as_o good_a to_o yield_v 〈◊〉_d all_o as_o to_o relinguish_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o ●…nstitutions_n for_o although_o they_o know_v that_o moderation_n may_v make_v for_o a_o general_a peace_n and_o for_o the_o last_a good_a of_o a_o christian_a people_n yet_o they_o foresee_v that_o by_o remove_v offence_n and_o reform_v abuse_n they_o shall_v open_v a_o door_n to_o man_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o may_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o build_n therefore_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o immure_v themselves_o by_o institution_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o estate_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o they_o unalterable_o according_a to_o this_o reason_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o pope_n give_v his_o legate_n instruction_n so_o to_o proceed_v that_o the_o lutheran_n may_v despair_v o●_n peace_n without_o a_o total_a submission_n for_o h●_n regard_v not_o their_o return_n upon_o such_o term●_n as_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n and_o revenue_n of_o his_o court_n or_o weaken_v any_o of_o th●_n foundation_n of_o papal_a power_n such_o a_o party_n value_v all_o man_n whether_o they_o draw_v near_a t●_n they_o or_o keep_v further_o from_o they_o as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o maintain_v but_o true_a religion_n stand_v upon_o another_o bottom_n and_o pursue_v other_o end_n to_o wit_n holiness_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n it_o have_v no_o private_a carnal_a interest_n to_o uphold_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o such_o carnal_a device_n for_o its_o own_o securit●_n and_o advantage_n by_o comprehensiveness_n lose_v nothing_o because_o it_o seek_v not_o gre●…_n thing_n upon_o earth_n nor_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o an●_n faction_n and_o as_o it_o lose_v nothing_o hereby_o s●_n it_o gain_v much_o both_o in_o amplitude_n and_o st●_n bility_n in_o church_n affair_n those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o which_o christ_n our_o lawgiver_n have_v by_o his_o unalterable_a rule_n determine_v and_o make_v necessary_a to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o his_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n and_o officer_n of_o his_o institution_n but_o thing_n of_o mere_a human_a determination_n be_v not_o unalterable_a and_o the_o alteration_n thereof_o in_o a_o season_n that_o require_v it_o do_v no_o whit_n weaken_v religion_n or_o darken_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o doubtless_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v more_o regard_v than_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a meekness_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o thing_n be_v far_o more_o glorious_a to_o the_o church_n than_o a_o force_a uniformity_n and_o that_o constrain_a rigour_n which_o do_v but_o debase_v man_n judgement_n into_o servility_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o strain_v their_o conscience_n ●ends_v to_o make_v they_o less_o conscientious_a and_o religious_a beside_o the_o say_a moderation_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o uniformity_n of_o apprehension_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o impossible_a will_v keep_v the_o church_n in_o a_o better_a consistency_n and_o deliver_v it_o from_o those_o contest_v and_o breach_n which_o may_v end_v ●n_o its_o dissipation_n but_o what_o glory_n or_o safety_n ●s_v there_o in_o a_o public_a order_n that_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o controversy_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o unity_n the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v a_o mischief_n that_o always_o follow_v the_o promote_a of_o narrow_a principle_n and_o partial_a interest_n in_o religion_n whereof_o these_o instance_n among_o many_o other_o may_v be_v note_v the_o obstruct_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o public_a ministerial_a service_n to_o be_v give_v to_o minister_n that_o lie_v under_o restraint_n lest_o some_o that_o accept_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v weaken_v in_o their_o sever_a interest_n also_o the_o oppose_a of_o a_o public_a order_n of_o catechise_v the_o people_n in_o the_o uncontroverted_a principle_n of_o religion_n lest_o the_o petty_a liberty_n of_o a_o party_n in_o their_o sever_a way_n shall_v be_v impair_v but_o the_o concern_v of_o any_o particular_a party_n be_v set_v behind_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o true_a catholic_n spirit_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o any_o that_o seek_v the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o unquestionable_a mean_n thereof_o and_o no_o detriment_n can_v accrue_v by_o concur_v even_o with_o man_n of_o adverse_a principle_n in_o set_v on_o foot_n those_o thing_n receive_v in_o common_a that_o have_v a_o sure_a tendency_n to_o advance_v true_a religion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o introduce_v knowledge_n and_o civil_a conversation_n among_o a_o people_n rude_a and_o ignorant_a the_o fix_v of_o divine_a right_n upon_o matter_n of_o mere_a prudence_n and_o the_o damn_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a for_o unlawful_a be_v a_o error_n of_o evil_a consequence_n it_o causeless_o break_v a_o people_n into_o party_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o subvert_v their_o opposite_n and_o the_o opposition_n seem_v unchangeable_a hereby_o public_a affair_n be_v discompose_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v embroil_v and_o the_o propagation_n thereof_o obstruct_v and_o perhaps_o at_o length_n after_o tedious_a contest_v either_o both_o party_n be_v weary_a of_o endless_a strife_n sit_v down_o in_o silence_n or_o the_o weak_a be_v vanquish_v be_v crush_v or_o yield_v with_o shame_n and_o loss_n into_o the_o snare_n of_o this_o error_n man_n be_v bring_v by_o narrowness_n of_o judgement_n or_o strength_n of_o fancy_n or_o hurry_v of_o prejudice_n drive_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o private_a interest_n of_o lead_v man_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o we_o lay_v no_o bond_n upon_o ourselves_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v bind_v we_o up_o furthermore_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o settlement_n or_o enlargement_n of_o any_o church_n interest_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o religious_a bond_n as_o must_v needs_o conflict_n not_o only_o with_o the_o opposition_n of_o perpetual_a adversary_n but_o also_o with_o the_o dissenting_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o friend_n considerable_a for_o number_n and_o quality_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o bias_n too_o strong_o to_o a_o party_n of_o one_o persuasion_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o prevalence_n be_v
communion_n with_o they_o all_o as_o far_o as_o catholic_n principle_n will_v give_v leave_n in_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o this_o interest_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o private_a or_o unauthorized_a person_n enter_v into_o such_o state_v combination_n and_o correspondence_n as_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o order_n under_o the_o papacy_n have_v settle_v in_o their_o society_n throughout_o the_o world_n for_o all_o pious_a christian_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o have_v one_o spirit_n touch_v the_o main_a of_o this_o design_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o pursue_v the_o same_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v that_o only_o the_o sincere_a friend_n of_o truth_n man_n of_o upright_a heart_n and_o humble_a spirit_n and_o honest_a life_n will_v observe_v and_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o interest_n and_o it_o suffice_v if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o common_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n and_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o know_v the_o present_a state_n of_o god_n israel_n and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o each_o other_o as_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n offer_v itself_o and_o so_o govern_v themselves_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o honest_a and_o harmless_a mean_n as_o need_v not_o shun_v the_o light_n but_o may_v stand_v before_o the_o face_n of_o all_o opposer_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religiousness_n of_o their_o people_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o high_a power_n if_o to_o maintain_v god_n honour_n and_o man_n chief_a good_a be_v their_o interest_n and_o if_o the_o defy_v of_o god_n and_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o man_n be_v against_o it_o yea_o if_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o government_n be_v regard_v human_a wisdom_n will_v direct_v to_o promote_v that_o way_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n godliness_n include_v prudence_n justice_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o internal_a law_n effectual_o subdue_a they_o that_o have_v it_o to_o all_o external_a law_n that_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o the_o example_n of_o it_o go_v far_o to_o the_o better_n of_o many_o other_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o humanity_n it_o be_v regular_a and_o harmonious_a in_o every_o part_n it_o lead_v to_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o inconsistent_a with_o right_a policy_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o apt_a to_o take_v most_o among_o the_o serious_a and_o well_o advise_v part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o when_o it_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o they_o it_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o serious_a more_o abundant_o it_o correct_v rash_a rugged_a wrathful_a and_o fierce_a nature_n and_o to_o say_v the_o least_o whatsoever_o turbulence_n may_v afterward_o remain_v in_o such_o it_o make_v they_o of_o far_o more_o sedate_n and_o castigate_v spirit_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o forthwith_o exterminate_v yet_o it_o so_o debilitates_fw-la all_o complexional_a distemper_n that_o they_o can_v break_v forth_o into_o a_o course_n of_o mischief_n and_o ordinary_o it_o work_v a_o evident_a notable_a change_n of_o so_o great_a force_n be_v a_o attentive_a and_o active_a conscience_n over_o all_o human_a passion_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n to_o hold_v subject_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n for_o the_o conscientious_a be_v hold_v in_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v beside_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n wrath_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o considerate_a person_n wherefore_o it_o be_v clear_o the_o prince_n interest_n that_o his_o subject_n universal_o if_o it_o can_v be_v shall_v be_v religious_a and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n to_o endeavour_v it_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v attainable_a and_o if_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o such_o a_o state_n he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o exalt_v god_n immediate_a sovereignty_n over_o their_o consciency_n and_o under_o that_o sovereignty_n to_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o himself_o for_o where_o conscience_n be_v not_o preserve_v in_o its_o awful_a regard_n to_o god_n law_n as_o its_o supreme_a rule_n true_a religion_n be_v extinguish_v and_o they_o be_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n who_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o alienate_v the_o conscience_n from_o its_o true_a sovereign_n and_o proprietor_n and_o either_o to_o make_v it_o servile_a to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o just_a dominion_n over_o it_o or_o to_o debauch_v it_o into_o searedness_n or_o dead_a security_n one_o way_n most_o needful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o preserve_v god_n authority_n over_o conscience_n be_v most_o effectual_o to_o bind_v god_n law_n upon_o the_o people_n and_o to_o order_v what_o thing_n else_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o due_a observation_n thereof_o and_o to_o lay_v no_o other_o yoke_n upon_o they_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o as_o this_o way_n import_v much_o to_o the_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n so_o it_o do_v no_o less_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o religious_a mind_n in_o unity_n for_o in_o what_o centre_n will_v the_o judicious_o conscientious_a unite_v if_o not_o in_o the_o reveal_v mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o will_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n better_a resolve_v the_o doubt_n of_o such_o man_n or_o silence_v their_o dispute_n this_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o prove_v that_o superior_n can_v enjoin_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v particular_o before_o enjoin_v of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o their_o command_n in_o subordination_n to_o god_n command_n but_o only_o that_o they_o take_v the_o best_a course_n for_o the_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o true_o christian_a concord_n of_o their_o people_n that_o by_o their_o injunction_n seek_v main_o to_o promote_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o add_v no_o more_o of_o their_o own_o than_o what_o be_v clear_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o what_o more_o just_a and_o prudent_a course_n than_o to_o forbear_v thing_n that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o with_o a_o perplexity_n and_o a_o stumble_a block_n a_o easy_a inlet_n to_o all_o dissolute_a or_o ductile_a spirit_n and_o a_o bar_n against_o many_o of_o know_a sincerity_n and_o to_o use_v that_o moderation_n in_o the_o public_a rule_n and_o standard_n which_o take_v away_o or_o exceed_o lessen_v dissent_n and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o dissension_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n forbid_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o destroy_v sincere_a christian_n for_o their_o little_a difference_n and_o narrow_a principle_n in_o form_n of_o church_n order_n and_o no_o reason_n of_o state_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o that_o severity_n how_o importunate_o soever_o some_o interest_v man_n may_v urge_v it_o judicious_a charity_n or_o a_o prudent_a indulgence_n towards_o such_o can_v undermine_v religion_n or_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o a_o sound_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n set_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o true_a godliness_n will_v receive_v no_o damage_n by_o it_o but_o it_o will_v rather_o gain_v upon_o those_o dissenter_n and_o if_o their_o scruple_n be_v not_o remove_v it_o shall_v abide_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o grow_v in_o strength_n by_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o own_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hazard_v or_o impair_v by_o this_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n the_o high_a power_n by_o grant_v some_o limit_a liberty_n do_v more_o universal_o protect_v the_o faithful_a and_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v able_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o provide_v against_o any_o dangerous_a inconvenience_n the_o bound_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o indulgence_n be_v not_o so_o undiscoverable_a as_o to_o make_v it_o a_o vain_a proposal_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a demand_n of_o those_o that_o require_v a_o enumeration_n of_o all_o particular_n than_o which_o nothing_o more_o or_o less_o may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o any_o case_n all_o particularity_n in_o any_o human_a affair_n be_v not_o easy_a nor_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v at_o one_o view_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o fix_v but_o they_o may_v admit_v considerable_a variation_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v general_a rule_n of_o prudence_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v at_o any_o
those_o bound_n subject_n may_v not_o by_o coercive_a power_n reform_v the_o public_a state_n and_o change_v the_o law_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v their_o voluntary_a assembly_n for_o god_n worship_n when_o they_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o legal_a church_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o unlawful_a term_n or_o unnecessary_a term_n apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v force_v either_o to_o hold_v such_o assembly_n or_o to_o abide_v perpetual_o without_o those_o spiritual_a privilege_n which_o be_v their_o due_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o inimical_a separation_n like_o sedition_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o secregation_n upon_o necessary_a cause_n without_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o among_o the_o necessary_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v one_o that_o all_o sober_a christian_n who_o for_o conscience_n sake_n can_v submit_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o establish_v church_n may_v be_v relieve_v and_o that_o none_o may_v be_v expose_v for_o lack_v of_o that_o relief_n to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o heresy_n infidelity_n or_o any_o other_o course_n of_o impiety_n indeed_o here_o be_v some_o variation_n from_o the_o ordinary_o regular_a bound_a of_o church_n but_o the_o partition_n of_o one_o church_n from_o another_o by_o local_a bound_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o invariable_a but_o natural_o eligible_a from_o the_o convenience_n thereof_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o the_o state_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o the_o scope_n hereof_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n but_o either_o occasional_a and_o temporary_a assembly_n or_o at_o the_o most_o but_o divers_a church_n distinguish_v by_o their_o several_a place_n of_o assemble_v or_o by_o diversity_n of_o external_a order_n as_o the_o allow_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n in_o london_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o parish_n church_n if_o any_o object_n the_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v follow_v the_o permit_v of_o church_n assembly_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o establish_v order_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o clemency_n of_o ruler_n in_o any_o nation_n where_o this_o case_n may_v be_v suppose_v can_v provide_v that_o as_o few_o as_o may_v be_v shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o permission_n by_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o ministerial_a liberty_n to_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o may_v comprehend_v all_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n and_o after_o such_o comprehension_n christian_a charity_n will_v plead_v that_o all_o tolerable_a dissenter_n that_o be_v all_o who_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n may_v be_v tolerate_v within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n that_o which_o be_v here_o propose_v may_v make_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o many_o thousand_o serious_a christian_n without_o breach_n of_o the_o external_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o be_v not_o set_v up_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o thing_n more_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o offender_n express_o mark_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n rom._n 16._o 17._o be_v ungodly_a man_n that_o oppose_v or_o pervert_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v sensualist_n and_o deceiver_n disturb_v and_o pollute_v the_o christian_a society_n and_o seduce_v the_o simple_a into_o destructive_a error_n and_o practice_n wherefore_o the_o text_n be_v ill_o apply_v to_o the_o rigorous_a condemnation_n of_o honest_a and_o peaceable_a man_n that_o dissent_v only_o in_o some_o accidental_a or_o inferior_a point_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v christian_n to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o false_a teacher_n but_o all_o schismatic_n be_v here_o condemn_v under_o this_o description_n viz._n those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_a opposer_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n yet_o be_v divider_n or_o disturber_n they_o practise_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o teach_v unity_n love_n and_o peace_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o reality_n of_o schism_n lie_v not_o in_o be_v divide_v or_o disorder_v but_o in_o cause_v the_o division_n or_o disturbance_n or_o in_o a_o voluntary_a violation_n of_o or_o depart_v from_o true_a church-unity_n they_o that_o cause_n division_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o schism_n by_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a power_n nor_o be_v other_o convict_v of_o it_o mere_o by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o support_n the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n be_v accumulative_a not_o destructive_a or_o diminutive_a to_o the_o right_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n it_o take_v not_o from_o they_o any_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v grant_v they_o but_o give_v they_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a case_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o time_n of_o those_o party_n which_o be_v ancient_o repute_v schismatic_n as_o violate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o heretic_n as_o deny_v any_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n be_v of_o the_o chief_a note_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o these_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o schism_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a state_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n pass_v by_o accidental_a matter_n and_o insist_v on_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n according_a to_o their_o main_a principle_n and_o practice_n as_o concern_v the_o donatist_n the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o have_v this_o rise_n donatus_n with_o his_o complice_n vehement_o oppose_v cecilianus_n who_o have_v be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o design_n to_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n they_o accuse_v he_o of_o be_v ordain_v by_o one_o that_o have_v be_v a_o proditor_n and_o of_o have_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n this_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n appointment_n hear_v before_o several_a council_n and_o many_o judge_n the_o accuser_n still_o fail_v in_o their_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n object_v cecilianus_n be_v acquit_v and_o confirm_v in_o his_o office_n the_o party_n of_o donatus_n fail_v in_o their_o design_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o boundless_a rage_n of_o opposition_n to_o a_o total_a and_o irreclaimable_a separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o faction_n and_o become_v very_o numerous_a upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o shun_v the_o contagion_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o themselves_o in_o a_o corner_n of_o africa_n also_o that_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o administer_v but_o in_o their_o sect._n likewise_o they_o proceed_v to_o great_a tumult_n and_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o they_o call_v circumcelliones_fw-la glory_v in_o a_o furious_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n partly_o by_o force_v other_o to_o kill_v they_o and_o partly_o by_o kill_v themselves_o the_o novatian_o take_v their_o name_n and_o beginning_n from_o novatus_n a_o presbyter_n first_o at_o carthage_n afterward_o at_o rome_n who_o hold_v that_o they_o who_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n unto_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v readmit_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o repent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n of_o penance_n he_o separated_z from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n by_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n cyprian_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a character_n of_o he_o as_o a_o turbulent_a arrogant_a and_o avaritious_a person_n but_o of_o what_o spirit_n soever_o he_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o canon_n be_v receive_v among_o many_o that_o be_v of_o strict_a life_n and_o he_o himself_o be_v report_v to_o have_v suffer_v death_n in_o the_o persecution_n under_o valerian_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acesius_n bishop_n of_o the_o novatian_o be_v ask_v by_o constantine_n whether_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o council_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n as_o be_v there_o dercee_v answer_v that_o he_o full_o assent_v to_o both_o then_o be_v again_o ask_v by_o the_o emperor_n why_o
but_o their_o superior_n may_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n that_o be_v fierce_a and_o violent_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v dovelike_o meek_a and_o harmless_a and_o that_o spirit_n incline_v to_o deal_v tender_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n tenderness_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o expose_v to_o scorn_n because_o some_o may_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o his_o member_n and_o he_o have_v say_v whoso_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o that_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 as_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n lie_v much_o in_o the_o wisdom_n equity_n and_o charity_n of_o superior_n so_o in_o the_o humility_n and_o due_a submission_n of_o inferior_n in_o their_o ready_a close_n with_o what_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o public_a constitution_n in_o their_o bear_n with_o what_o be_v tolerable_a in_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o improvable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o other_o edification_n in_o a_o word_n in_o deny_v no_o compliance_n which_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n do_v not_o forbid_v matter_n of_o public_a injunction_n which_o inferior_n stick_v at_o may_v be_v consider_v by_o they_o either_o as_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a or_o as_o inexpedient_a now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o or_o chief_o the_o inexpediency_n of_o thing_n command_v but_o the_o suppose_a unlawfulness_n of_o divers_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o nonconformist_n general_o stick_v at_o whereof_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o particular_a account_n when_o it_o will_v be_v admit_v howbeit_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o submission_n to_o thing_n not_o in_o themselves_o unlawful_a but_o inexpedient_a especial_o in_o respect_n of_o scandal_n the_o solution_n whereof_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o way_n in_o such_o thing_n upon_o this_o question_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o in_o those_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o right_a of_o command_v there_o be_v no_o due_a of_o obedience_n nevertheless_o thing_n unwarrantable_o command_v be_v sometime_o warrantable_o observe_v though_o not_o in_o obedience_n yet_o in_o prudence_n as_o to_o procure_v peace_n and_o to_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o all_o possible_a compliance_n with_o superior_n moreover_o ruler_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o christian_a charity_n forbid_v to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n by_o reason_n of_o evil_a consequent_n for_o all_o authority_n be_v give_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n likewise_o our_o christian_a liberty_n include_v no_o licence_n to_o do_v that_o act_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n the_o do_v of_o which_o in_o regard_n of_o circumstance_n be_v uncharitable_a but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n do_v extend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o when_o it_o do_v or_o do_v not_o forbid_v my_o observance_n of_o what_o the_o ruler_n have_v unwarrantable_o because_o uncharitable_o command_v true_a charity_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v christian_n liberty_n though_o it_o regulate_v the_o use_n thereof_o and_o it_o do_v not_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o one_o way_n as_o to_o destroy_v itself_o another_o way_n if_o i_o be_o bind_v up_o from_o do_v every_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o which_o weak_a conscience_n will_v take_v offence_n my_o liberty_n be_v turn_v into_o bondage_n and_o i_o be_o leave_v in_o thraldom_n to_o other_o man_n endless_a scrupulosity_n this_o be_v i_o think_v a_o yoke_n which_o christian_n be_v not_o fit_v nor_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o bondage_n be_v great_a and_o the_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o other_o weakness_n i_o must_v be_v bind_v up_o from_o observe_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n at_o the_o command_n of_o ruler_n and_o by_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n in_o the_o church_n when_o my_o conscience_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o otherwise_o expedient_a for_o i_o to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o enjoin_v the_o ruler_n must_v look_v to_o that_o be_v some_o displease_v and_o grieve_v that_o i_o do_v it_o as_o many_o or_o more_o may_v be_v displease_v and_o grieve_v if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o do_v some_o take_v occasion_n by_o my_o necessary_a use_n of_o a_o just_a liberty_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o to_o sin_n my_o forbear_n of_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n to_o other_o as_o their_o persist_v in_o some_o troublesome_a error_n to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o spiritual_a damage_n and_o in_o unwarrantable_a noncompliance_n with_o their_o governor_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o liberty_n for_o public_a service_n consequent_a to_o such_o forbearance_n must_v also_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n when_o both_o the_o use_n and_o forbear_v of_o my_o liberty_n be_v clog_v with_o evil_a consequent_n i_o know_v no_o safe_a way_n than_o due_o to_o consider_v of_o what_o moment_n the_o consequent_n be_v on_o either_o side_n and_o to_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o lesser_a evil_n herein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v to_o direct_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o impartial_a view_n of_o all_o circumstance_n which_o come_v under_o his_o prospect_n and_o if_o good_a conscience_n and_o right_a reason_n guide_v by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n lead_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o christian_a liberty_n in_o compliance_n with_o my_o superior_n i_o must_v humble_o and_o charitable_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o take_v by_o clear_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o my_o act_n to_o their_o judgement_n but_o if_o that_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o they_o i_o be_o by_o my_o christian_a good_a behaviour_n to_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o their_o conscience_n what_o in_o i_o lie_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o temporizer_n man-pleas_a and_o self-seek_a i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o that_o high_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 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 do_v admit_v such_o equitable_a interpretation_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o thing_n declare_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a a_o humble_a representation_n of_o my_o own_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o ministry_n near_o forty_o year_n have_v be_v ordain_v presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o ordination_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a order_n i_o hold_v myself_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n thereof_o as_o god_n enable_v i_o and_o give_v i_o opportunity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n be_v signify_v in_o the_o form_n of_o word_n by_o which_o i_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n the_o former_a part_n of_o these_o word_n be_v use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o confer_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v then_o appoint_v that_o at_o the_o order_n of_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n certain_a portion_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v as_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o portion_n of_o act._n 20._o which_o relate_v st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n with_o his_o exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n or_o else_o 1_o tim._n 3._o which_o set_v forth_o the_o office_n and_o due_a qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o afterward_o the_o bishop_n speak_v to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n in_o this_o form_n