and_o word_n to_o the_o doctrine_n practice_n worship_n whereby_o any_o offence_n may_v be_v give_v then_o to_o the_o person_n and_o that_o primary_o to_o our_o own_o affair_n word_n and_o work_n whereby_o we_o may_v put_v any_o stumble_a block_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o way_n either_o of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o of_o ourselves_o secondary_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o far_o as_o he_o may_v become_v unto_o we_o or_o we_o unto_o he_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o offence_n second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o he_o do_v not_o proper_o speak_v of_o the_o offence_n of_o affection_n whereby_o we_o or_o our_o neighbour_n be_v provoke_v to_o anger_n afflict_a offend_a and_o alienate_v from_o we_o but_o of_o the_o offence_n of_o conscience_n whereby_o either_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v wound_v by_o go_v against_o conscience_n or_o the_o neighbour_n be_v mislead_v into_o error_n or_o sin_n of_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o error_n and_o sin_n of_o conscience_n be_v by_o we_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v therein_o but_o we_o need_v also_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o affection_n and_o the_o hatred_n arise_v from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n rom._n 12._o v._n 18._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o you_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n yet_o not_o so_o neither_o that_o we_o give_v thereby_o a_o offence_n to_o our_o conscience_n and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o outward_a peace_n with_o man_n shall_v destroy_v and_o lose_v the_o inward_a peace_n of_o conscience_n three_o it_o be_v indubitabe_v hereby_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n give_v or_o put_v no_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o any_o man_n way_n which_o happen_v when_o we_o either_o commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o omit_v that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o abuse_v so_o our_o liberty_n in_o indiffent_a thing_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v scandalize_v at_o our_o example_n which_o be_v to_o say_v offend_v make_v worse_o thereby_o and_o mislead_v into_o error_n and_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v no_o way_n require_v from_o we_o that_o we_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o such_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o other_o without_o cause_n either_o out_o of_o weakness_n or_o malice_n receive_v at_o we_o in_o do_v what_o be_v good_a and_o omit_v what_o be_v evil_a shall_v therefore_o omit_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v rom._n 3._o v._n 8._o not_o wound_v our_o own_o conscience_n that_o another_o man_n erroneous_a conscience_n may_v not_o be_v offend_v yea_o we_o need_v not_o neither_o forsake_v our_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a matter_n because_o of_o those_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o out_o a_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n and_o malice_n or_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o but_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n which_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o against_o the_o other_o we_o must_v often_o time_n of_o necessity_n stick_v fast_o to_o the_o liberty_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o l_o st_z they_o may_v impose_v on_o we_o a_o necessity_n against_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v unto_o we_o gal._n 2._o v._n 4_o 5._o which_o general_a rule_n of_o avoid_v offence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n do_v apply_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v upon_o the_o meat_n which_o be_v fordidden_v in_o the_o law_n but_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o know_v say_v he_o and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o not_o meat_n unclean_a common_a of_o itself_o but_o to_o he_o that_o esteem_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v unclean_a to_o he_o it_o be_v unclean_a common_a from_o which_o he_o make_v a_o twofold_a inference_n i._o he_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n and_o receive_v it_o for_o a_o free_a indifferent_a thing_n may_v use_v it_o for_o himself_o without_o sin_n yet_o so_o that_o he_o give_v no_o offence_n towards_o sin_n nor_o grieve_v or_o distract_v without_o necessity_n the_o weak_a who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o but_o account_v it_o for_o forbid_a and_o unclean_a rom._n 14._o v._n 15_o for_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n in_o his_o conscience_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o destroy_v not_o he_o with_o thy_o meat_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v ii_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n but_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v and_o unclean_a or_o at_o least_o doubt_v thereof_o may_v not_o use_v the_o same_o without_o sin_n and_o offence_n to_o his_o conscience_n v._o 20._o all_o thing_n indeed_o be_v pure_a but_o it_o be_v evil_a for_o that_o man_n who_o eat_v with_o offence_n v._o 23._o and_o he_o that_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v indifferent_a or_o not_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a before_o god_n if_o he_o eat_v be_v damn_v condemn_v viz._n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n viz._n so_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o permit_v by_o god_n be_v sin_n this_o very_a same_o doctrine_n be_v repeat_v over_o again_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 8._o where_o he_o appli_v it_o almost_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n v._o 5._o concern_v the_o eat_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o idol_n we_o know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n v._n 7._o howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n that_o knowledge_n for_o some_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v unto_o a_o idol_n and_o their_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v etc._n etc._n v._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a for_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o table_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o through_o thy_o knowledge_n shall_v the_o weak_a brother_n perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v but_o when_o you_o sin_n so_o against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n you_o sin_n against_o christ_n wherefore_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 lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v by_o which_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v here_o easy_o understand_v what_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v in_o his_o brother_n way_n wherefore_o i._o err_a how_o far_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o err_a we_o must_v not_o judge_v the_o person_n whether_o they_o be_v damn_v before_o god_n or_o not_o but_o proper_o and_o principal_o the_o matter_n itself_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o life_n of_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o only_o so_o far_o and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v not_o become_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o offence_n of_o conscience_n unto_o we_o and_o other_o but_o the_o person_n we_o may_v judge_v so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v avoid_v to_o give_v they_o the_o like_a offence_n or_o we_o ourselves_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o ii_o and_o not_o only_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v necessary_a but_o also_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o free_a indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o say_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o not_o necessary_a to_o do_v or_o to_o omit_v they_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o must_v judge_v thus_o far_o lest_o by_o our_o liberty_n we_o put_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o weak_a whereby_o they_o may_v deal_v against_o their_o conscience_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o liberty_n but_o hold_v they_o for_o necessary_a in_o their_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o doubt_v of_o they_o iii_o be_v we_o must_v be_v so_o cautious_a in_o free_a indifferent_a thing_n because_o of_o the_o weak_a how_o much_o more_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n lest_o we_o may_v teach_v or_o do_v somewhat_o against_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wilful_o what_o god_n have_v reject_v and_o prohibit_v in_o his_o word_n as_o unlawful_a or_o
and_o conversion_n from_o sin_n and_o without_o new_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n which_o all_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o five_o aforemention_v principal_a point_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v sufficient_o understand_v they_o unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o have_v be_v unanimous_o profess_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o and_o express_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n towards_o christ_n nor_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o very_o same_o though_o it_o depend_v from_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a for_o they_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o yet_o and_o retain_v only_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o love_n towards_o christ_n at_o least_o so_o long_o till_o god_n enlighten_v and_o bring_v their_o understanding_n to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n ought_v daily_o to_o search_v into_o whereby_o we_o do_v conclude_v further_a that_o we_o ought_v also_o not_o to_o judge_v one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o doctrine_n especial_o when_o the_o other_o may_v produce_v motive_n and_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o such_o which_o be_v take_v not_o from_o natural_a reason_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o bind_v not_o only_o his_o understanding_n but_o also_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o must_v at_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v say_v whosoever_o doubt_v if_o he_o eat_v if_o he_o receive_v they_o be_v damn_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n in_o such_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n we_o must_v receive_v he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v let_v we_o therefore_o not_o judge_v one_o another_o any_o more_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o no_o man_n put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o offence_n of_o conscience_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o roman_a catholic_a church_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o judge_n and_o condemn_v the_o protestant_n reform_v evangelical_n church_n as_o heretical_a have_v lay_v this_o ground_n we_o may_v easy_o and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o one_o conscience_n unto_o salvation_n deliver_v our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n concern_v the_o modern_a difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o make_v on_o all_o side_n profession_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v foment_v and_o aggravate_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a judge_v and_o condemn_v with_o such_o vehemency_n and_o bitterness_n yea_o with_o such_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n and_o lamentable_a devastation_n of_o country_n that_o never_o the_o like_a be_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o present_a i_o will_v make_v but_o a_o short_a application_n to_o the_o three_o principal_a divide_v and_o dissent_v church_n church_n difference_n betwixt_o the_o roman_a catholic_n lutheran_n and_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o occidental_a christian_a world_n throughout_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n as_o first_o the_o say_v roman_a catholic_n or_o papist_n so_o call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o upon_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o general_o be_v altogether_o subject_v and_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o be_v their_o supreme_a head_n and_o judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o church_n in_o italy_n spain_n and_o the_o great_a part_n in_o france_n germany_n and_o poland_n then_o the_o protestant_a evangelical_n lutheran_n as_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v call_v who_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n profess_v confessionem_fw-la agustanam_n &_o saxonicam_fw-la formulam_fw-la concordiae_fw-la as_o their_o symbolical_a and_o universal_a book_n of_o doctrine_n not_o that_o they_o ground_n principal_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n upon_o they_o but_o that_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n of_o they_o conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o in_o germany_n especial_o in_o high_a and_o low_a saxony_n some_o church_n in_o swaben_n francony_a westphaly_n hessen_n etc._n etc._n and_o without_o germany_n the_o church_n in_o denmark_n sweden_n and_o prussia_n although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n perceive_v betwixt_o they_o because_o some_o have_v not_o receive_v hitherto_o as_o yet_o the_o say_v formulam_fw-la saxonicam_fw-la and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v collect_v their_o own_o peculiar_a corpora_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la confession_n and_o book_n of_o doctrine_n three_o those_o evangelical_n christian_n protestant_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v and_o tie_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v luther_n calvin_n zuinglius_fw-la or_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o book_n and_o therefore_o not_o be_v name_v by_o any_o man_n name_n but_o have_v purge_v and_o reform_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n from_o the_o abuse_n of_o popery_n only_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v common_o call_v reform_v by_o some_o papist_n they_o be_v call_v biblist_n or_o scripture-man_n of_o which_o name_n they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a because_o they_o be_v ground_v on_o and_o refer_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o holy_a bible_n as_o the_o church_n in_o england_n scotland_n helvetia_n the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o low-countries_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o france_n with_o some_o particular_a church_n in_o germany_n poland_n hungary_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o have_v collect_v and_o frame_v also_o their_o peculiar_a confession_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n to_o bind_v other_o christian_n conscience_n even_o to_o their_o word_n but_o only_o to_o testify_v their_o unanimous_a consent_n and_o uniformity_n first_o and_o principal_o in_o the_o necessary_a fundamental_a point_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n then_o secondary_o in_o the_o confutation_n and_o reject_v of_o the_o erroneous_a by-doctrine_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o popish_a church_n which_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v è_fw-la diametro_fw-la opposite_a to_o it_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o withal_o to_o decline_v and_o refute_v all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o also_o they_o by_o a_o special_a confession_n of_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o confession_n of_o other_o especial_o that_o of_o augspourg_n though_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o word_n remain_v much_o less_o do_v presume_v to_o condemn_v other_o eastern_a and_o western_a church_n because_o of_o some_o different_a opinion_n or_o ceremony_n if_o only_o they_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n withhold_v themselves_o from_o condemn_v other_o and_o even_o for_o these_o very_a same_o reason_n have_v i_o hitherto_o addict_v myself_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o be_o resolve_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o even_o unto_o death_n not_o only_o because_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o controvert_v point_n the_o doctrine_n of_o these_o church_n i_o say_v their_o own_o doctrine_n which_o they_o themselves_o unanimous_o profess_v to_o be_v consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n but_o especial_o because_o beside_o the_o indubitable_a universal_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o with_o one_o consent_n receive_v they_o do_v not_o maintain_v or_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o other_o doctrine_n as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o by_o god_n command_n be_v not_o but_o impart_v and_o permit_v to_o every_o one_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o also_o do_v neither_o deny_v pervert_v or_o mutilate_v any_o part_n or_o article_n of_o the_o true_a gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o introduce_v any_o other_o by-gospel_n or_o by-article_n or_o judge_n or_o condemn_v other_o for_o it_o whereas_o other_o church_n principal_o the_o papist_n and_o partly_o the_o lutheran_n if_o they_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o true_a
deny_v or_o omit_v what_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v whereby_o we_o shall_v give_v yet_o a_o more_o dangerous_a offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o or_o not_o not_o only_o to_o do_v against_o erroneus_fw-la or_o weak_a but_o against_o true-beleeving_a conscience_n and_o withal_o against_o god_n command_v itself_o iu._n but_o most_o of_o all_o when_o such_o false_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v be_v press_v upon_o we_o not_o only_o as_o sound_v and_o true_a but_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o true_a sound_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v command_v be_v forbid_v and_o condemn_v not_o only_o as_o unnecessary_a or_o erroneous_a but_o even_o as_o heretical_a which_o also_o if_o we_o do_v confess_v or_o practise_v that_o and_o do_v deny_v or_o omit_v this_o against_o conscience_n will_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o common_a sin_n and_o offence_n to_o our_o and_o our_o neighbour_n conscience_n but_o also_o idolatry_n and_o a_o deny_v of_o god_n for_o since_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v way_n that_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a unto_o we_o as_o for_o example_n the_o mosaical_a distinction_n of_o meat_n or_o the_o circumcision_n which_o be_v enjoin_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v as_o necessary_a impose_v on_o we_o lest_o we_o may_v seek_v our_o salvation_n without_o christ_n gal._n 5_o v._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o how_o much_o less_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o countenance_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o forbid_v whereby_o we_o will_v seek_v our_o salvation_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o christ_n and_o because_o of_o man_n tradition_n and_o doctrine_n make_v god_n commandment_n of_o none_o effect_v matth._n 15._o v._n 6._o church_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o may_v separate_v ourselves_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o the_o erroneous_a church_n v._o from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v further_o when_o we_o because_o of_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n enforce_v upon_o we_o as_o necessary_a against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o in_o our_o conscience_n we_o may_v have_v knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v cry_v down_o for_o heretic_n condemn_v excommunicate_v shut_v out_o and_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o we_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o also_o be_v in_o conscience_n bind_v and_o constrain_v of_o necessity_n and_o force_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o and_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n thus_o proceed_v with_o we_o and_o not_o consequent_o those_o who_o of_o necessity_n as_o excommunicate_v and_o reject_a man_n must_v separate_v themselves_o but_o those_o which_o do_v reject_v and_o force_v they_o to_o such_o a_o separation_n be_v proper_o guilty_a of_o the_o unjust_a uncharitable_a judge_v of_o man_n conscience_n and_o also_o of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o distraction_n depend_v from_o the_o same_o vi_o yea_o that_o no_o man_n who_o in_o his_o conscience_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o by_o such_o erroneous_a church_n or_o those_o that_o have_v charge_n over_o they_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v and_o condemn_v may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n remain_v in_o their_o outward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n first_o because_o he_o can_v but_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o dissemble_v thereby_o against_o his_o own_o true_a believe_a conscience_n and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o will_v become_v to_o himself_o a_o heavy_a offence_n and_o stumble_a block_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n then_o because_o he_o will_v also_o by_o his_o example_n be_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o other_o true_a believer_n who_o together_o with_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o it_o yea_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v their_o excommunication_n and_o condemnation_n as_o much_o as_o do_v lie_v in_o his_o power_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n not_o only_o against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o against_o the_o christian_a brotherly_a charity_n three_o because_o he_o will_v also_o give_v a_o offence_n to_o the_o err_a party_n by_o confirm_v he_o both_o in_o such_o error_n and_o in_o the_o uncharitable_a excommunication_n and_o condemnation_n with_o his_o own_o example_n and_o assent_v and_o by_o make_v himself_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o persecution_n vii_o moreover_o when_o such_o church_n or_o part_n of_o it_o although_o it_o do_v maintain_v such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n yet_o enforce_v it_o not_o upon_o '_o its_o fellow-member_n as_o necessary_a nor_o excommunicate_v or_o reject_v they_o for_o it_o but_o in_o such_o erroneous_a point_n of_o doctrine_n permit_v the_o true-beleever_n to_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n these_o then_o though_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o avoid_v and_o beware_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o of_o a_o abominable_a and_o pernicious_a leaven_n and_o to_o contradict_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n with_o christian_a charity_n and_o meekness_n yet_o in_o their_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o as_o yet_o utter_o to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o such_o a_o church_n lest_o by_o their_o separation_n a_o occasion_n may_v be_v give_v to_o further_a schism_n and_o division_n which_o many_o time_n be_v more_o prejudicial_a and_o offensive_a than_o the_o error_n itself_o whereof_o we_o have_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n not_o only_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o true-beleeving_a israelites_n who_o live_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a time_n at_o bethel_n and_o during_o the_o baal-service_n in_o israel_n and_o yet_o not_o bow_v their_o knee_n unto_o he_o but_o also_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n before_o and_o after_o his_o ascension_n who_o do_v not_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o synagogue_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v be_v tolerate_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o leven_a of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n yea_o the_o lord_n rather_o exhort_v they_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leven_a mat._n 16._o v._n 6._o yet_o shall_v labour_v to_o do_v and_o to_o observe_v whatsoever_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v bid_v they_o observe_v in_o moses_n seat_n out_o of_o the_o law_n matth._n 23._o v._n 1_o 2._o viii_o out_o of_o all_o this_o we_o infer_v yet_o further_o refomation_n when_o and_o how_o far_o we_o may_v undergo_v the_o refomation_n if_o not_o only_o private_a particular_a person_n but_o whole_a congregation_n or_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o they_o that_o have_v charge_n over_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o dangerous_a error_n and_o abuse_n which_o have_v peradventure_o take_v root_n in_o they_o whereby_o somewhat_o that_o be_v erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a be_v add_v or_o somewhat_o that_o be_v sound_a and_o necessary_a be_v diminish_v or_o pervert_v in_o the_o universal_a indubitable_a save_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n that_o then_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n yea_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o function_n to_o reform_v such_o dangerous_a abuse_n and_o error_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a undoubted_a apostolical_a church_n yea_o withal_o to_o exhort_v and_o animate_v out_o of_o god_n word_n other_o congregation_n unto_o like_a reformation_n lest_o they_o cast_v any_o further_o stumble_v block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o their_o own_o and_o their_o posterity_n way_n deut._n 13._o jos_n 22._o judg._n 6._o v._o 10._o 1_o sam._n 7._o 1_o chron._n 13._o &_o 15._o 2_o chron._n 15._o &_o 17._o &_o 29._o &_o 30._o &_o 31._o &_o 34._o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 5._o v._n 7._o &_o 11._o v._o 16._o gal._n 5._o v._n 1.10_o revel_v 2._o v._n 5.14_o 15.24_o &_o 3._o v._o 2_o 3._o yet_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o rash_o condemn_v other_o particular_a church_n which_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v such_o error_n but_o rather_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o conserve_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universal_a undoubted_a doctrine_n till_o they_o be_v likewise_o edify_v by_o their_o example_n and_o deliver_v from_o such_o dangerous_a error_n but_o if_o other_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o much_o scandalize_v and_o offend_v at_o such_o
indifferent_a thing_n because_o of_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n if_o but_o they_o reciprocal_o permit_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o constrain_v to_o receive_v &_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o also_o contrariwise_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n esteem_v necessary_a because_o of_o god_n ordinance_n but_o they_o as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o for_o example_n the_o communion_n under_o both_o kind_n we_o must_v then_o judge_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n thus_o far_o lest_o we_o omit_v and_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n against_o our_o conscience_n for_o their_o sake_n yet_o nevertheless_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o such_o necessity_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o judge_v their_o conscience_n nor_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o in_o all_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n wherein_o we_o agree_v as_o yet_o together_o if_o they_o will_v but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n therein_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v against_o our_o conscience_n because_o of_o their_o pretend_a liberty_n iii_o morover_n concern_v such_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n where_o both_o side_n account_v their_o opinion_n for_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o godly_a &_o consequent_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n for_o false_a and_o erroneous_a or_o even_o for_o superstitious_a and_o damnable_a of_o those_o we_o ought_v and_o must_v judge_v so_o far_o that_o we_o steadfast_o adhere_v to_o god_n truth_n since_o we_o have_v get_v the_o knowledge_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avoid_v to_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o the_o contrary_a error_n and_o abuse_n especial_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n lest_o we_o dangerous_o wound_v and_o offend_v our_o own_o conscience_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v not_o press_v such_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o they_o which_o they_o for_o themselves_o hold_v necessary_a as_o necessary_a upon_o we_o against_o our_o conscience_n who_o know_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o at_o least_o will_v tolerate_v we_o among_o themselves_o as_o err_v and_o weak_a believe_a christian_n if_o also_o their_o religion_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o constitute_v that_o we_o can_v have_v a_o fellowship_n together_o for_o the_o other_o point_n wherein_o we_o yet_o agree_v without_o communion_n of_o any_o superstition_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n or_o deny_v of_o god_n truth_n and_o without_o scandal_n to_o other_o weak_a believer_n we_o will_v or_o shall_v then_o not_o utter_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o their_o church_n in_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n because_o of_o their_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o they_o have_v add_v unto_o it_o but_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o therein_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o judea_n who_o under_o the_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o juda_n forsake_v not_o quite_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v pollute_v with_o manifold_a idolatry_n but_o perform_v their_o godly_a exercise_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n yea_o after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n who_o although_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o defile_v with_o much_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o saducee_n and_o although_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o their_o leaven_n yet_o neglect_v not_o with_o they_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o synogogue_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v be_v tolerate_v therein_o joh._n 18._o v._n 20._o act_n 3._o v._o 1._o &_o 5._o v._o 42._o &_o 13._o v._o 5._o &_o 21._o v._o 27_o 28._o but_o now_o at_o this_o present_a the_o difference_n and_o breach_n betwixt_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a church_n be_v in_o a_o quite_o other_o case_n church_n why_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o romish_a church_n so_o that_o the_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v unavoidable_a especial_o for_o these_o reason_n follow_v first_o because_o the_o romish_a church_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n which_o on_o both_o side_n be_v receive_v for_o christian_a and_o catholic_a will_v not_o let_v the_o protestant_n enjoy_v their_o liberty_n in_o many_o such_o doctrine_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n whereof_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o unto_o salvation_n but_o enforce_v those_o upon_o they_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a because_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n sub_fw-la anathemate_fw-la upon_o excommunication_n and_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o even_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n hold_v not_o only_o not_o necessary_a but_o express_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o superstitious_a as_o for_o example_n the_o communion_n under_o one_o kind_a contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o adoration_n of_o image_n repugnant_a to_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o image_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o etc._n etc._n the_o prohibition_n for_o all_o priest_n to_o marry_v and_o commandment_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n at_o certain_a time_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v doctrine_n of_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 4_o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o more_o such_o like_a point_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v specify_v before_o in_o the_o 4._o chap._n second_o because_o they_o have_v introduce_v some_o such_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n as_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n whereas_o they_o can_v show_v we_o any_o evident_a and_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_n more_o certain_a and_o manifest_a ground_n from_o the_o undoubted_a write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v false_a erroneous_a and_o repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n and_o ordinance_n or_o to_o the_o very_a fundamental_a doctrine_n if_o not_o express_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n and_o also_o absolute_o damnable_a in_o themselves_o especial_o to_o they_o who_o shall_v entertain_v they_o against_o their_o conscience_n for_o example_n that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n must_v daily_o be_v form_v of_o bread_n by_o the_o masse-priest_n or_o transubstantiate_v offer_v again_o for_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a and_o adore_v under_o the_o shape_n of_o bread_n that_o we_o must_v deserve_v eternal_a life_n through_o our_o own_o condign_a merit_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o even_o be_v doubtful_a of_o our_o salvation_n that_o all_o man_n on_o earth_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n in_o stead_n of_o christ_n upon_o pain_n of_o their_o damnation_n and_o must_v believe_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n himself_o whatsoever_o he_o teach_v and_o ordain_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a popish_a power_n and_o such_o like_a point_n which_o they_o for_o their_o part_n maintain_v not_o only_o as_o necessary_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o enforce_v they_o upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n as_o principal_a point_n of_o most_o necessary_a fundamental_a save_a doctrine_n three_o because_o their_o chief_a and_o daily_a religion_n and_o worship_n be_v so_o qualify_v that_o we_o can_v even_o have_v a_o communion_n with_o that_o which_o they_o retain_v with_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o will_v thereby_o against_o our_o conscience_n make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o such_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a abuse_n especial_o in_o the_o mass_n four_o and_o principal_o because_o they_o will_v not_o tolerate_v we_o who_o can_v allow_v against_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o know_a word_n of_o god_n of_o their_o un-catholick_n by-doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_n catholic_n doctrine_n nor_o receive_v we_o either_o as_o true-beleever_n nor_o as_o err_v weak_a believe_a fellow_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o utter_o condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v we_o as_o unfaithful_a heretic_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n persecute_v we_o with_o banishment_n fire_n and_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_o manifest_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o they_o have_v solemn_o publish_v and_o authorize_v their_o un-christian_a sentence_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o can_v be_v recall_v and_o consequent_o no_o melioration_n or_o reconcilement_n and_o agreement_n on_o their_o side_n can_v be_v hope_v for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o stand_v to_o the_o say_a council_n by_o all_o which_o i_o conceive_v
each_o impartial_a and_o unpassionate_a man_n may_v easy_o comprehend_v papist_n how_o far_o we_o judge_v the_o papist_n first_o that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n not_o only_o aught_o but_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v thus_o far_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n yet_o not_o with_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v attribute_v unto_o ourselves_o or_o to_o our_o church_n any_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n over_o other_o church_n or_o person_n and_o their_o conscience_n or_o constitute_v our_o own_o spirit_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v charge_v we_o withal_o or_o that_o every_o idiot_n or_o ignorant_a may_v and_o can_v judge_v of_o theological_a controversy_n but_o only_o that_o we_o each_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n must_v judge_v and_o discern_v judicio_fw-la discretionis_fw-la as_o far_o as_o god_n through_o his_o spirit_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n what_o we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v consonant_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n truth_n or_o falsehood_n good_a or_o evil_n light_a or_o darkness_n and_o consequent_o what_o for_o to_o avoid_v our_o own_o damnation_n we_o believe_v for_o ourselves_o or_o not_o believe_v confess_v or_o deny_v or_o also_o set_v by_o as_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o in_o one_o word_n what_o we_o must_v do_v and_o avoid_v for_o our_o salvation_n which_o judge_v and_o determine_v no_o man_n let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a and_o of_o what_o religion_n soever_o can_v be_v hinder_v and_o refrain_v from_o because_o no_o man_n even_o among_o the_o papist_n themselves_z can_v or_o shall_v receive_v or_o reject_v any_o religion_n for_o himself_o but_o he_o judge_v partly_o of_o it_o and_o have_v his_o reason_n and_o ground_n why_o he_o do_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o though_o in_o his_o sentence_n and_o decision_n he_o may_v judge_v aright_o or_o wrong_n build_v upon_o good_a or_o evil_a ground_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o man_n which_o either_o will_v make_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n for_o himself_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v also_o always_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n catholic_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o modern_a ecclesiastical_a schism_n and_o separation_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o romish_a catholic_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o pet._n 3._o v._n 15.16_o second_o that_o also_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n from_o the_o romish_a be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o protestant_n but_o to_o the_o roman-catholic_n yet_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a romish_a church_n but_o principal_o to_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o prelate_n who_o have_v their_o dominion_n over_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o those_o divine_n who_o advice_n and_o doctrine_n they_o follow_v yea_o that_o we_o be_v not_o those_o who_o separate_a and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o papist_n be_v they_o who_o first_o by_o un-catholick_n addition_n of_o new_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n be_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o true_a ancient_n catholic_n apostolical_a church_n and_o withal_o reject_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o by_o their_o un-christian_a condemn_v and_o persecute_v we_o as_o heretic_n and_o not_o only_o we_o but_o all_o other_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n viz._n the_o grecian_a russian_a armenian_a georgian_a aethiopian_a etc._n etc._n whereby_o nevertheless_o the_o romish_a church_n by_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o it_o have_v separate_v itself_o from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n like_o as_o in_o fromer_fw-ge time_n the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o be_v also_o become_v a_o right_n schismatical_a sectary_n church_n wherefore_o also_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n separate_v ourselves_o from_o it_o both_o for_o its_o uncatholicall_a superstitious_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n lest_o we_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o it_o and_o also_o for_o its_o un-christian_a tyrannical_a judge_v because_o we_o may_v not_o be_v tolerate_v among_o they_o but_o be_v utter_o reject_v by_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v remain_v unite_v with_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o univerall_a christian_a faith_n and_o brotherly_a charity_n in_o christ_n whereunto_o we_o be_v so_o often_o and_o earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n revel_v 18._o v._n 4._o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2_o cor._n 6._o v._n 17._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n mat._n 16._o v._n 6._o keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 21._o flee_v from_o idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 10._o v._n 14_o etc._n etc._n three_o that_o herein_o also_o we_o do_v not_o proceed_v against_o this_o apostolic_a rule_n but_o therefore_o rather_o separate_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o may_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v the_o conscience_n and_o first_o our_o own_o conscience_n which_o needs_o must_v be_v grievous_o offend_v if_o we_o shall_v against_o our_o conscience_n adhere_v to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n whereof_o not_o only_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o and_o superstitious_a whereby_o we_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n himself_o by_o reason_n we_o wilful_o forsake_v and_o deny_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v damnable_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v against_o conscience_n when_o they_o do_v err_v or_o yet_o doubt_v as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 14._o v._n 23._o how_o much_o more_o than_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o and_o evident_o warrant_v and_o convince_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o second_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n who_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o such_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o who_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o very_a grievous_a offence_n if_o we_o dissemble_v against_o conscience_n will_v also_o by_o our_o example_n mislead_v they_o against_o conscience_n to_o the_o like_a hypocrisy_n and_o superstition_n three_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o err_a themselves_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o error_n as_o yet_o and_o who_o we_o will_v by_o our_o example_n confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o abuse_n and_o consequent_o in_o their_o uncharitable_a excommunication_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n and_o therewith_o make_v ourselves_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n whereas_o we_o shall_v rather_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o knowledge_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n and_o although_o we_o upon_o these_o most_o urgent_a and_o solid_a reason_n must_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o exterior_a congregation_n yet_o we_o be_v inseparate_a and_o undivided_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a christianity_n as_o have_v be_v say_v heretofore_o and_o remain_v with_o they_o as_o far_o unite_v both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n as_o much_o as_o we_o with_o safety_n of_o our_o conscience_n may_v discharge_v towards_o they_o or_o they_o will_v but_o accept_v of_o we_o four_o because_o not_o only_o particular_a man_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o whole_a congregation_n yea_o whole_a people_n and_o nation_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o reject_v of_o such_o erroneous_a popish_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n themselves_o that_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v good_a reason_n &_o have_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o reform_v themselves_o it_o do_v follow_v by_o all_o this_o without_o any_o contradiction_n that_o they_o have_v have_v good_a reason_n yea_o have_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o function_n to_o purge_v their_o church_n from_o such_o popish_a leaven_n and_o to_o reform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o the_o romish_a church_n with_o their_o dependent_n will_v not_o condescend_v at_o all_o to_o such_o reformation_n but_o anathematise_v excommunicate_a oppose_v and_o destroy_v it_o to_o their_o utmost_a power_n see_v it_o can_v be_v maintain_v under_o any_o
point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v ereoneous_a and_o false_a and_o if_o not_o direct_o yet_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n nevertheless_o if_o but_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n yet_o of_o such_o consequence_n account_v their_o own_o opinion_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n may_v not_o impose_v they_o or_o they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o enjoy_v therein_o our_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o also_o will_v leave_v to_o our_o freedom_n such_o ceremony_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o will_v have_v hold_v as_o free_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o consequent_o will_v tolerate_v and_o receive_v we_o and_o our_o teacher_n as_o true_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o as_o weak_a brethren_n in_o faith_n though_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o their_o own_o peculiar_a opinion_n as_o some_o peaceable_a divine_n among_o they_o paulus_n eberus_n david_n chytraeus_n christopherus_n donaver_n nicolaus_n hemmingius_n and_o principal_o philippus_n melanchton_n beside_o many_o other_o of_o his_o follower_n yea_o whole_a congregation_n and_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o poland_n and_o great_a duchy_n of_o lithuania_n a_o great_a while_n since_o have_v declare_v themselves_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o yea_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v blame_v and_o shall_v be_v schismatic_n indeed_o if_o we_o of_o our_o own_o accord_n shall_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o because_o of_o such_o different_a opinion_n and_o ceremony_n of_o who_o we_o yet_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o for_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o do_v not_o make_v their_o own_o opinion_n to_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_a point_n they_o retain_v with_o we_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o christ_n save_a doctrine_n and_o be_v exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o a_o public_a and_o manifest_a idolatry_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n have_v our_o church_n and_o divine_n at_o all_o time_n most_o faithful_o earnest_o and_o zealous_o seek_v to_o procure_v and_o settle_v a_o christian_a reconcilement_n and_o unity_n as_o former_o in_o luther_n time_n in_o the_o conference_n at_o marpurg_n an._n 1529_o in_o the_o concordia_fw-la at_o wittenberg_n anno_fw-la 1536._o and_o in_o late_a year_n the_o palatine_a and_o other_o in_o their_o declaration_n for_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o also_o be_v reassume_v in_o the_o conference_n at_o leiprig_n anno_fw-la 1631._o as_o likewise_o at_o those_o present_a time_n many_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n in_o england_n france_n and_o scotland_n who_o opinion_n and_o assistance_n therein_o as_o that_o reverend_a and_o worthy_a man_n mr._n john_n duray_n have_v solicit_v with_o a_o singular_a industry_n and_o zeal_n to_o a_o peaceable_a unity_n and_o reconcilement_n faithful_o and_o sincere_o wish_v &_o advise_v in_o their_o public_a write_n such_o a_o unanimity_n &_o uniformity_n among_o the_o church_n in_o germany_n whence_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v not_o incline_v to_o judge_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o lutheran_n or_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n from_o they_o which_o have_v last_v already_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n again_o it_o be_v know_v and_o manifest_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o lutheran_n on_o their_o part_n will_v hearken_v and_o condescend_v not_o only_o to_o no_o absolute_a agreement_n and_o reconcilement_n but_o also_o to_o no_o christian_a and_o brotherly_a toleration_n or_o moderation_n in_o this_o unhappy_a ecclesiastical_a difference_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o doctor_n and_o divine_n upom_n who_o also_o many_o layman_n depend_v especial_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n though_o with_o indiscretion_n and_o defend_v their_o zeal_n maintain_v their_o different_a and_o controvert_v opinion_n not_o only_o as_o agreeable_a with_o scripture_n but_o impose_v they_o also_o as_o necessary_a ground_n and_o principal_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o which_o man_n may_v not_o be_v count_v true_a christian_n nor_o be_v save_v and_o so_o in_o some_o manner_n falsify_v therewith_o the_o groundwork_n itself_o by_o their_o own_o additional_a opinion_n which_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o by-ground_n of_o salvation_n and_o will_v not_o let_v we_o effectual_o enjoy_v our_o liberty_n in_o such_o ceremony_n which_o they_o themselves_o call_v adiaphora_fw-it free_z indifferent_a thing_n nor_o consequent_o receive_v we_o or_o our_o teacher_n as_o fellow-christians_a unless_o we_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v with_o they_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o christ_n body_n the_o carnal_a eat_n thereof_o in_o the_o bread_n and_o other_o such_o like_a point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o their_o formula_fw-la concordiae_fw-la much_o less_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o ministry_n but_o most_o vehement_o condemn_v we_o as_o the_o worst_a heretic_n who_o do_v ovorthrow_v the_o foundation_n and_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n yea_o in_o many_o place_n exclude_v we_o from_o civil_a society_n from_o dignity_n and_o office_n from_o senate_n from_o privilege_n of_o the_o city_n from_o marriage_n and_o from_o honourable_a burial_n moreover_o they_o yet_o daily_o and_o most_o spiteful_o pervert_v calumniate_v and_o slander_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o continual_o and_o most_o unjust_o without_o the_o least_o ground_n against_o our_o own_o so_o often_o reiterated_a declaration_n charge_v it_o with_o dreadful_a and_o abominable_a blasphemy_n which_o neither_o luther_n himself_o nor_o other_o his_o ancient_a follower_n ever_o do_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o may_v pretend_v so_o much_o more_o cause_n for_o to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v we_o divine_v what_o be_v most_o reprovable_a in_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o this_o be_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o say_a lutheran_n most_o reprovable_a and_o damnable_a not_o simple_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o they_o make_v it_o a_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o therefore_o so_o uncharitable_o and_o un-christian_a like_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o lutheran_n why_o the_o reform_a must_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lutheran_n whereby_o also_o every_o one_o may_v evident_o see_v that_o we_o therefore_o have_v not_o only_o good_a reason_n but_o be_v of_o necessity_n constrain_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o religion_n from_o those_o who_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n tolerate_v we_o nor_o receive_v we_o as_o christian_n lest_o we_o profess_v and_o addict_v ourselves_o against_o conscience_n to_o such_o doctrine_n and_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o save_a faith_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n of_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o it_o wherewith_o we_o will_v give_v a_o dangerous_a scandal_n and_o offence_n first_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n by_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o other_o fellow_n christian_n as_o well_o to_o the_o true-beleever_n who_o with_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v by_o our_o example_n proceed_v against_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o err_a that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o our_o example_n in_o their_o error_n and_o here_o again_o we_o be_v not_o those_o that_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o but_o they_o be_v those_o that_o separate_a and_o reject_v we_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o of_o the_o manifest_a word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v but_o because_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n interpretation_n inference_n formaâ—ls_n and_o expression_n whereby_o they_o put_v a_o very_a dangerous_a stumble_a block_n and_o occasion_n to_o fall_v both_o in_o our_o and_o their_o own_o way_n yea_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a church_n and_o though_o they_o proceed_v not_o against_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a charity_n especial_o whereas_o also_o the_o christian_a unity_n or_o brotherly_a toleration_n which_o have_v be_v of_o our_o side_n offer_v to_o they_o at_o several_a time_n both_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o in_o writring_n not_o only_o hitherto_o have_v be_v utter_o refuse_v by_o they_o but_o also_o by_o many_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o worst_a revile_v slander_v so_o that_o the_o most_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o grow_v thereby_o more_o dangerous_a &_o lamentable_a which_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v yet_o with_o a_o christian_a patience_n commit_v it_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o high_a judge_n and_o therefore_o not_o omit_v to_o seek_v and_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o spirit_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o they_o that_o be_v peaceable_o affect_v church_n some_o lutheran_n divine_n be_v
therefore_o tumultuous_o rise_v when_o they_o maintain_v and_o use_v the_o like_a liberty_n for_o themselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o confession_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o confessor_n have_v hitherto_o not_o as_o yet_o attribute_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v never_o do_v it_o to_o absolve_v and_o discharge_v the_o subject_n from_o their_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n towards_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o popish_a see_v and_o supremacy_n as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o the_o example_n in_o france_n and_o england_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v think_v in_o itself_o a_o unheard_a of_o injustice_n if_o subject_n shall_v not_o suffer_v their_o magistrate_n to_o have_v as_o much_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n as_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v under_o their_o protection_n nevertheless_o if_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v but_o so_o much_o obtain_v of_o the_o lutheran_n divine_v and_o congregation_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n that_o they_o may_v not_o calumniate_v or_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n but_o receive_v we_o also_o as_o fellow-brethren_n and_o christian_n in_o our_o faith_n and_o confession_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o their_o assembly_n i_o willing_o then_o confess_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o rash_o undertake_v such_o a_o particular_a reformation_n in_o ceremony_n whereby_o a_o division_n may_v be_v occasion_v but_o rather_o tolerate_v such_o defect_n because_o of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a in_o faith_n who_o do_v little_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v the_o discrepancy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o at_o the_o alteration_n of_o ceremony_n present_o imagine_v a_o quite_o new_a religion_n whereas_o they_o shall_v insist_v upon_o the_o find_a information_n of_o doctrine_n till_o they_o at_o length_n without_o offence_n and_o division_n either_o may_v be_v correct_v with_o a_o unanimous_a goodly_a consent_n or_o each_o one_o enjoy_v his_o own_o liberty_n therein_o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o conduce_v also_o what_o augustine_n say_v of_o such_o like_a alteration_n ep._n 118._o ipsa_fw-la mutatio_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la etiam_fw-la quae_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la utilitate_fw-la novitate_fw-la perturbat_fw-la that_o many_o time_n the_o alteration_n do_v not_o profit_n and_o edify_v as_o much_o as_o the_o division_n do_v hurt_v and_o destroy_v chap._n xii_o whether_o or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v judge_v or_o condemn_v the_o person_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o all_o this_o what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v declare_v of_o judge_v the_o matter_n itself_o in_o different_a and_o controvert_v doctrine_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o separation_n and_o reformation_n which_o arise_v from_o it_o we_o may_v easy_o now_o understand_v whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o person_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o must_v discern_v the_o matter_n what_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a or_o false_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n so_o far_o we_o can_v and_o must_v also_o extend_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o person_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o of_o they_o teach_v true_a or_o false_a doctrine_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v know_v who_o and_o how_o far_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v lest_o they_o become_v not_o to_o we_o or_o other_o a_o stumble_a block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v see_v that_o that_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o this_o judge_n of_o the_o person_n who_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n yet_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o instant_o to_o condemn_v the_o err_a person_n because_o of_o their_o error_n though_o it_o be_v damnable_a in_o itself_o but_o rather_o always_o hope_v for_o their_o amendment_n as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o first_o those_o that_o maintain_v ignorant_o such_o a_o error_n which_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o stand_v steadfast_o to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n itself_o and_o build_v not_o their_o salvation_n even_o upon_o such_o a_o error_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o and_o our_o church_n which_o maintain_v the_o very_a same_o ground_n those_o i_o say_v no_o doubt_n notwithstanding_o their_o error_n they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o do_v but_o labour_v to_o testify_v also_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o work_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n and_o that_o such_o a_o error_n which_o will_v be_v damnable_a unto_o we_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v receive_v it_o against_o conscience_n yet_o be_v not_o damnable_a to_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v they_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n and_o work_n and_o not_o according_a to_o their_o ignorance_n second_o those_o also_o which_o condemn_v we_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n as_o those_o false_a apostle_n gal._n 1._o and_o 3._o and_o 4._o but_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o mere_a ignorance_n either_o because_o they_o be_v not_o true_o inform_v of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n or_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a church_n those_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v although_o they_o condemn_v we_o with_o indiscretion_n but_o rather_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o their_o salvation_n as_o long_o as_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o presume_v not_o without_o reason_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v three_o those_o likewise_o who_o ground_n and_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o erroneous_a and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o in_o some_o manner_n all_o those_o be_v enforce_v to_o do_v who_o account_v they_o for_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o indeed_o sufficient_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o mere_o out_o of_o infirmity_n but_o out_o of_o a_o uncharitableness_n and_o malice_n and_o also_o retain_v not_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n those_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o man_n who_o pass_v their_o life_n in_o notorious_a sin_n and_o vice_n without_o true_a repentance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v condemn_v they_o of_o right_a in_o their_o blindness_n and_o malice_n and_o shall_v undoubted_o condemn_v they_o unless_o they_o repent_v final_o we_o may_v proceed_v also_o with_o they_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n reject_v let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n matth._n 18._o v._n 17._o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o utter_o to_o condemn_v they_o but_o rather_o still_o pray_v for_o they_o hope_v god_n may_v convert_v they_o yet_o before_o their_o last_o gasp_n for_o although_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o john_n 5._o vers_n 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v yet_o he_o say_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o sinner_n much_o less_o condemn_v he_o unto_o death_n we_o be_v not_o able_a exact_o to_o know_v nor_o aught_o to_o judge_v whether_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n viz._n the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o in_o other_o sin_n be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o harden_a and_o a_o obdurate_a unbeleef_n and_o impenitency_n with_o one_o word_n we_o must_v absolute_o resign_v and_o commit_v the_o judgement_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v jam._n 4._o v._n 12._o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v rom._n 14._o v._n 4._o which_o we_o now_o may_v easy_o apply_v to_o our_o often-mentioned_n twofold_a adversary_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v condemn_v all_o roman-catholic_n much_o less_o all_o lutheran_n in_o general_a or_o even_o one_o single_a and_o particular_a man_n for_o first_o concern_v the_o papist_n religion_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n like_v as_o a_o twofold_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v maintain_v among_o they_o viz._n partly_o the_o true_a primitive_a catholic_n apostolic_a doctrine_n wherein_o they_o with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o they_o do_v agree_v partly_o the_o new_a popish_a
least_o not_o without_o prejudice_n and_o occasion_n unto_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o safe_o omit_v by_o we_o and_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o excuse_n to_o those_o who_o now_o adays_o against_o their_o conscience_n go_v to_o mass_n out_o of_o a_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n because_o that_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o press_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o papist_n mere_o for_o to_o give_v assent_n to_o their_o error_n and_o idolatry_n that_o we_o must_v adore_v the_o consecrate_a hostie_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o masse-priest_n as_o christ_n himself_o and_o put_v our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o that_o masse-christ_n who_o he_o have_v form_v out_o of_o bread_n with_o five_o word_n and_o offer_v for_o we_o again_o neither_o may_v this_o clear_a the_o rest_n of_o papist_n from_o idolatry_n who_o now_o adays_o with_o such_o a_o blind_a zeal_n impose_v and_o press_v this_o adoration_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o bread_n instead_o of_o christ_n nor_o those_o in_o general_n who_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o their_o popish_a doctrine_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o true_a ancient_a catholic_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o obstinate_o adhere_v thereunto_o without_o search_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n especial_o when_o therefore_o they_o uncharitable_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v other_o christian_n which_o cleave_v only_o to_o god_n commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o who_o we_o may_v judge_v in_o general_n that_o in_o this_o manner_n they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n yet_o so_o that_o we_o hope_v of_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a judicio_fw-la charitatis_fw-la that_o god_n may_v convert_v he_o yet_o before_o his_o end_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o many_o thousand_o even_o among_o themselves_o who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n have_v be_v most_o vehement_o zealous_a against_o we_o have_v at_o length_n in_o their_o last_o agony_n learned_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o certain_a comfort_n for_o their_o soul_n in_o all_o those_o auxiliary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o so_o fierce_o maintain_v but_o ought_v only_o to_o seek_v their_o total_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_fw-mi of_o god_n so_o that_o though_o they_o live_v as_o papist_n yet_o at_o last_o die_v evangelical_n christian_n religion_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o the_o lutheran_n may_v be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n whatsoever_o now_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o papist_n that_o may_v we_o apply_v so_o much_o more_o to_o the_o lutheran_n because_o they_o absolute_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o this_o principal_a and_o chief_a point_n of_o save_v fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o be_v otherwise_o exempt_v in_o their_o religion_n from_o all_o exterior_a idolatry_n wherefore_o if_o they_o only_o build_v their_o salvation_n upon_o such_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o labour_n withal_o to_o testify_v their_o faith_n with_o christian_a charity_n and_o godly_a conversation_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o uncharitable_o condemn_v nor_o persecute_v we_o but_o rather_o diligent_o search_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o different_a point_n into_o god_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o be_v ready_a most_o willing_o to_o profess_v and_o receive_v it_o we_o can_v then_o condemn_v they_o for_o their_o often-mentioned_n error_n which_o they_o mere_o out_o of_o humane_a weakness_n and_o ignorance_n stick_v unto_o soul_n of_o what_o sort_n of_o lutheran_n be_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o their_o soul_n nevertheless_o this_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v those_o who_o 1._o will_v have_v their_o own_o erroneous_a or_o at_o least_o controvert_v opinion_n to_o be_v most_o necessary_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o astrain_v and_o bind_v in_o some_o manner_n both_o they_o and_o other_o christian_n salvation_n thereunto_o 2._o so_o that_o other_o do_v not_o only_o not_o receive_v we_o for_o fellow_n christian_n but_o judge_n and_o condemn_v we_o as_o unfaithful_a heretic_n who_o 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o conscience_n allow_v of_o such_o their_o pretend_a article_n whereby_o tâ—â—y_a â—â—â—er_n and_o destroy_v the_o christian_a unity_n and_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n 3._o not_o only_o condemn_v and_o cut_v we_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o uncharitable_o persecute_v we_o though_o not_o in_o life_n yet_o in_o honour_n and_o good_n by_o exclude_v we_o from_o the_o political_a society_n 4._o especial_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o mere_o out_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o ignorance_n or_o out_o of_o a_o false_a information_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n but_o partly_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v nor_o hearken_v to_o a_o better_a instruction_n of_o truth_n much_o less_o search_n into_o it_o themselves_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o although_o they_o have_v partly_o be_v inform_v and_o hear_v it_o yet_o stop_v their_o ear_n and_o heart_n before_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o sinful_a corrupt_a affection_n out_o of_o hatred_n and_o envy_n against_o man_n out_o of_o contention_n ambition_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o like_a yea_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n obscure_a pervert_v and_o calumniate_v it_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o slander_n detractation_n and_o aspersion_n or_o intricate_a sophistry_n of_o these_o and_o like_a person_n we_o can_v general_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n judge_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n live_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a yea_o damnable_a state_n not_o simple_o because_o of_o the_o error_n itself_o but_o because_o they_o partly_o pervert_v through_o such_o error_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o regard_n they_o make_v their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n to_o be_v fundamental_a doctrine_n partly_o dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n in_o regard_n they_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o do_v this_o not_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n but_o out_o of_o malice_n of_o heart_n not_o we_o but_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o discern_v he_o wherefore_o we_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o any_o certain_a person_n 5._o those_o also_o who_o though_o they_o have_v have_v a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o open_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o shame_n before_o man_n or_o out_o of_o other_o carnal_a respect_n be_v almost_o in_o a_o more_o dangerous_a case_n then_o the_o err_a themselves_o because_o they_o proceed_v therein_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o the_o lord_n sentence_n whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n he_o i_o will_v also_o deny_v matth._n 10._o v._n 3._o mark_v 8._o v._o 38._o for_o not_o only_o he_o that_o deni_v against_o his_o conscience_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o he_o that_o deni_v but_o one_o point_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v know_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o man_n sake_n who_o oppose_v and_o condemn_v it_o he_o have_v partly_o deny_v thereby_o christ_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o word_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5._o vers_fw-la 19_o for_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5._o vers_fw-la 8._o they_o burden_n also_o therewith_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o woe_n and_o curse_v which_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o unrighteous_a judgement_n because_o against_o their_o conscience_n they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_a isai_n 5._o vers_fw-la 20_o 23._o and_o decline_v after_o many_o to_o wrest_v judgement_n exod._n 23._o vers_fw-la 2._o for_o if_o man_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o curse_n when_o they_o peradventure_o in_o temporal_a judicial_a matter_n judge_v unjust_o betwixt_o private_a person_n or_o follow_v the_o multitude_n incline_v and_o assent_v to_o unrighteous_a judgement_n how_o much_o more_o he_o that_o do_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o â—â—â—ist_n be_v dispute_v and_o controvert_v betwixt_o whole_a church_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o labour_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o fair_a mean_n to_o reconcile_v the_o different_a party_n and_o not_o rash_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o err_a yet_o not_o so_o that_o we_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o injust_a party_n with_o word_n or_o work_n in_o their_o error_n and_o contrariwise_o withdraw_v
i_o think_v it_o needless_a at_o this_o present_a see_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n agree_v on_o in_o thesi_fw-la or_o position_n of_o it_o but_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la or_o application_n of_o it_o each_o one_o favour_v his_o side_n best_o and_o transfer_v the_o fault_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o dissension_n and_o division_n upon_o his_o adversary_n wherefore_o for_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o we_o must_v apply_v such_o common_a and_o general_a doctrine_n to_o the_o modern_a difference_n and_o controversy_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o three_o dissent_v party_n afore_o mention_v without_o any_o partiality_n and_o passion_n chap._n x._o whether_o or_o how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n ought_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v the_o say_v roman-catholic_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n or_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o undergo_v any_o reformation_n among_o all_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o church_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n arise_v among_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o which_o have_v be_v foment_v with_o more_o vehemency_n and_o fierceness_n then_o that_o which_o in_o our_o predecessor_n day_n spring_v original_o in_o germany_n and_o afterward_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o europe_n and_o at_o this_o present_a be_v divulge_v witness_v our_o own_o eye_n to_o a_o most_o lamentable_a desolation_n and_o destruction_n of_o christendom_n so_o that_o some_o long_a continuance_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_v will_v draw_v at_o length_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o all_o western_a church_n like_o punishment_n and_o oppression_n as_o former_o the_o eastern_a suffer_v under_o the_o turk_n tartar_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n unless_o the_o lord_n do_v shorten_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o the_o day_n of_o his_o apparition_n wherefore_o every_o one_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o to_o search_v out_o which_o side_n proper_o be_v guilty_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o pernicious_a schism_n that_o we_o may_v know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v assent_n and_o to_o which_o not_o whereby_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o one_o side_n shall_v be_v only_o and_o total_o guilty_a and_o the_o other_o absolute_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a for_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v fault_n on_o both_o side_n either_o in_o the_o excess_n or_o defect_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v exasperate_v and_o the_o division_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o the_o difference_n and_o disceptation_n in_o church_n be_v much_o like_o the_o war_n or_o judicial_a law-businesse_n where_o many_o time_n the_o most_o just_a and_o equitable_a cause_n be_v very_o ill_o manage_v and_o common_o prolong_v and_o extend_v to_o a_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o not_o to_o the_o utmost_a ruin_n of_o both_o disagree_a party_n but_o since_o indifference_n in_o religion_n especial_o when_o a_o resolute_a schism_n and_o division_n be_v already_o form_v in_o the_o church_n no_o neutrality_n nor_o therefore_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o settlement_n of_o a_o peculiar_a church_n be_v admit_v but_o assent_n be_v to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o one_o or_o the_o other_o side_n in_o the_o save_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n though_o not_o all_o its_o action_n may_v be_v approve_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o must_v be_v determine_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o different_a party_n to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v know_v which_o church_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o which_o not_o which_o subject_n full_o and_o punctual_o to_o handle_v and_o maintain_v will_v require_v a_o peculiar_a book_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o modern_a writing_n whether_o they_o concern_v division_n and_o dissension_n or_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n direct_v to_o this_o scope_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o be_v constrain_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o in_o a_o short_a and_o compendious_a way_n as_o much_o as_o will_v conduce_v to_o our_o present_a intention_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o brief_o by_o the_o aforementioned_a principle_n and_o first_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o they_o or_o to_o reform_v they_o then_o second_o whether_o therefore_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v the_o person_n or_o whole_a church_n i._o where_o then_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exact_o examine_v church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o romish_a church_n how_o far_o the_o protestant_a church_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o roman-catholic_n see_v they_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n but_o remain_v still_o unite_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n which_o have_v be_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v of_o both_o side_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o both_o side_n profess_v and_o receive_v the_o whole_a universal_a apostolical_a creed_n whereunto_o we_o be_v baptise_a on_o all_o side_n likewise_o both_o side_n retain_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o they_o omit_v in_o their_o catechism_n the_o second_o commandment_n concern_v image_n yet_o they_o retain_v it_o at_o least_o in_o their_o bibles_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v undivided_a at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n in_o three_o most_o necessary_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o the_o universal_a christian_a religion_n credendorum_fw-la faciendorum_fw-la petendorum_fw-la what_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v to_o do_v and_o to_o ask_v as_o be_v mention_v heretofore_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v add_v many_o other_o human_a ceremony_n and_o tradition_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v institute_v yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v thus_o far_o keep_v the_o true_a baptism_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a sacrament_n that_o we_o nor_o they_o desire_v to_o rebaptize_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o we_o and_o they_o moreover_o they_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a sacred_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o indubitable_a word_n of_o god_n who_o interpretation_n and_o meaning_n in_o many_o sound_a doctrine_n yea_o i_o dare_v say_v in_o the_o most_o be_v unqestion_v betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o yea_o likewise_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a counsel_n which_o we_o receive_v on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a and_o warrantable_a by_o scripture_n and_o final_o in_o all_o point_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v true_a undoubted_a ancient_a catholic_n we_o remain_v as_o yet_o unite_v with_o they_o against_o all_o other_o erroneous_a sectary_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v before_o wherefore_o we_o can_v nor_o will_v judge_v they_o heretic_n but_o rather_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o those_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o both_o side_n all_o other_o difference_n in_o doctrine_n that_o be_v leave_v and_o if_o we_o only_o may_v be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o without_o compulsion_n of_o conscience_n we_o nor_o they_o have_v then_o no_o cause_n to_o separate_v and_o withdraw_v ourselves_o one_o from_o another_o and_o we_o will_v sufficient_o find_v in_o the_o say_a article_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o salvation_n ii_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v and_o condemn_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o general_o and_o on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o free_v indifferent_a matter_n which_o neither_o directè_fw-la or_o indirectè_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v command_v nor_o forbid_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v but_o rather_o confess_v that_o man_n ought_v herein_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o each_o church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o country_n custom_n and_o ceremony_n lest_o because_o of_o unnecessary_a thing_n a_o separation_n and_o scandal_n be_v cause_v according_a to_o augustins_n rule_n quod_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la neque_fw-la contra_fw-la bonos_fw-es more_o be_v injungitur_fw-la indifferenter_fw-la est_fw-la habendum_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eorum_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la vivitur_fw-la societate_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la epist_n 118_o but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n account_n for_o free_a indifferent_a matter_n but_o they_o for_o necessary_a either_o out_o of_o custom_n or_o because_o of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n or_o out_o of_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n in_o fast_n and_o holy_a day_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n thus_o far_o lest_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o may_v cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n or_o scandal_n before_o they_o by_o our_o liberty_n and_o knowledge_n in_o their_o pretend_a necessity_n but_o rather_o dispense_v with_o our_o exterior_a liberty_n in_o such_o