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the_o minister_n of_o cirencester_n address_n to_o the_o dissenter_n of_o his_o parish_n occasion_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o preacher_n together_o with_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v thereto_o and_o his_o reply_n to_o that_o answer_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v a_o letter_n relate_v thereto_o from_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n edward_n lord_n bishop_n of_o gloucester_n ecclus_n xxi_o 15._o if_o a_o skilful_a man_n hear_v a_o wise_a word_n he_o will_v commend_v it_o and_o add_v unto_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o no_o understanding_n hear_v it_o it_o displease_v he_o and_o he_o cast_v it_o behind_o his_o back_n london_n print_v by_o t._n m._n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o ric._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n london_n and_o i._o barksdale_n bookseller_n in_o cirencester_n 1698._o to_o the_o reverend_a m_o r._n joseph_n harrison_n minister_n of_o cirencester_n sir_n i_o have_v read_v your_o address_n to_o the_o dissenter_n of_o your_o parish_n with_o the_o very_a idle_a and_o trifle_a answer_n thereto_o and_o your_o reply_n to_o that_o answer_n and_o advise_v you_o to_o publish_v the_o whole_a unless_o you_o can_v be_v content_a as_o i_o know_v you_o can_v to_o take_v so_o much_o good_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n your_o address_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a instance_n of_o your_o hearty_a concern_v conscientious_o to_o discharge_v that_o great_a trust_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o you_o and_o your_o defence_n thereof_o be_v as_o good_a a_o proof_n of_o your_o being_n no_o less_o able_a than_o desirous_a to_o do_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n even_o towards_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o own_v you_o as_o such_o i_o wish_v the_o most_o sincere_a in_o the_o several_a sect_n which_o have_v renounce_v communion_n with_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o thereupon_o be_v persuade_v to_o read_v with_o any_o impartiality_n what_o be_v write_v against_o as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o separation_n i_o shall_v not_o then_o doubt_v but_o this_o deplorable_a schism_n will_v wear_v off_o apace_o among_o those_o who_o make_v not_o a_o trade_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n since_o i_o be_o most_o certain_a that_o the_o error_n of_o popery_n be_v not_o more_o plain_o detect_v and_o expose_v than_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o protestant_a separatist_n be_v abundant_o confute_v and_o the_o great_a vanity_n of_o their_o pretence_n demonstrate_v to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v this_o very_a good_a endeavour_n of_o you_o to_o the_o reduce_v of_o such_o to_o his_o church_n as_o be_v go_v astray_o and_o the_o more_o confirm_v those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v keep_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o communion_n thereof_o and_o that_o he_o will_v crown_v all_o your_o labour_n with_o happy_a success_n and_o make_v you_o as_o 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offer_v myself_o before_o you_o make_v choice_n of_o any_o other_o to_o minister_v before_o god_n and_o for_o you_o in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o that_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n establish_v among_o we_o to_o which_o i_o be_o inseparable_o tie_v by_o my_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n this_o church_n my_o brethren_n be_v the_o church_n you_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o parish-church_n be_v the_o place_n where_o you_o ought_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o i_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o be_o the_o only_a person_n who_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v to_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a office_n in_o this_o parish_n and_o against_o who_o either_o life_n or_o doctrine_n i_o hope_v no_o just_a exception_n can_v be_v make_v i_o do_v therefore_o most_o passionate_o exhort_v and_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o will_v as_o you_o tender_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n steadfast_o adhere_v to_o the_o communion_n thereof_o if_o your_o separation_n be_v ground_v upon_o real_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n you_o shall_v certain_o endeavour_v to_o have_v they_o answer_v and_o remove_v and_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o ready_a and_o i_o trust_v in_o god_n able_a to_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v desire_v it_o of_o me._n but_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o one_o dissent_v from_o we_o be_v only_a humour_n or_o prejudice_n he_o can_v never_o think_v that_o either_o of_o they_o will_v bear_v he_o out_o at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v up_o a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o rend_v and_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n before_o you_o resolve_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o separation_n i_o entreat_v you_o for_o your_o own_o soul_n sake_n for_o who_o 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his_o due_a time_n to_o unite_n us._n i_o be_o your_o affectionate_a pastor_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o your_o soul_n joseph-harrison_a the_o minister_n reply_v to_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v to_o the_o forego_n invitation_n of_o they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n most_o dear_o belove_v in_o christ_n i_o can_v express_v how_o much_o i_o be_o concern_v that_o the_o paper_n which_o i_o send_v among_o you_o upon_o so_o christian_n a_o errand_n and_o the_o message_n it_o contain_v express_v in_o so_o inoffensive_a and_o oblige_v a_o manner_n and_o write_v with_o that_o sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o intention_n as_o if_o i_o have_v be_v immediate_o to_o have_v answer_v for_o it_o at_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o heaven_n i_o can_v i_o say_v express_v my_o concern_v that_o such_o a_o paper_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o good_a effect_n upon_o those_o it_o be_v send_v to_o as_o to_o exasperate_v they_o against_o it_o its_o author_n and_o the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n its_o business_n be_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o when_o i_o labour_v for_o peace_n and_o speak_v unto_o they_o thereof_o they_o make_v themselves_o ready_a for_o battle_n as_o for_o the_o reflection_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o have_v be_v make_v upon_o i_o either_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o matter_n i_o do_v most_o hearty_o forgive_v they_o and_o humble_o beseech_v god_n to_o do_v so_o too_o and_o also_o to_o support_v i_o with_o courage_n and_o patience_n under_o all_o the_o opposition_n and_o contempt_n which_o i_o have_v already_o and_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o even_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o my_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o return_v i_o shall_v make_v to_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o kind_a
obligation_n he_o lie_v under_o answer_n although_o you_o tell_v we_o this_o church_n be_v the_o church_n we_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o and_o our_o parish_n church_n the_o place_n we_o ought_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o and_o that_o you_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o be_v the_o person_n who_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v to_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a office_n in_o this_o parish_n this_o doctrine_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v take_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o church_n you_o ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o and_o the_o parish_n church_n the_o place_n you_o ought_v to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o and_o will_v give_v as_o good_a proof_n for_o what_o they_o assert_v as_o you_o have_v in_o your_o paper_n reply_n i_o wish_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o this_o doctrine_n will_v take_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o if_o he_o 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church-communion_n state_v by_o a_o learned_a hand_n for_o your_o right_a information_n and_o i_o pray_v as_o mr._n baxter_n advise_v you_o 273._o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o right_a term_n of_o church-communion_n especial_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o universal_a communion_n which_o you_o must_v hold_v with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o hereupon_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v let_v i_o ask_v you_o whether_o or_o no_o you_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o with_o which_o he_o hold_v communion_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n as_o it_o can_v and_o have_v be_v prove_v lay-communica_a have_v own_a she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o she_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a as_o to_o her_o doctrine_n that_o her_o worship_n for_o matter_n and_o substance_n be_v good_a and_o for_o edification_n that_o her_o ministry_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v nay_o they_o have_v not_o only_a own_a the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o have_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o most_o valuable_a in_o the_o world_n both_o as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honest_a true_a presbyterian_a in_o england_n but_o will_v say_v if_o he_o will_v be_v ingenuous_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o which_o i_o always_o mean_v that_o establish_v church_n from_o who_o communion_n you_o separate_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o that_o christ_n hold_v communion_n with_o she_o now_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o old_a ask_v their_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n 165._o so_o ask_v i_o you_o if_o we_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n hold_v communion_n with_o we_o why_o do_v you_o separate_v from_o we_o if_o we_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n separate_v from_o the_o head_n also_o answer_n sir_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o our_o separation_n be_v ground_v upon_o real_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n i_o know_v of_o to_o answer_v they_o and_o that_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o for_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o humour_n nor_o prejudice_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissent_v reply_n if_o you_o have_v not_o endeavour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o have_v your_o scruple_n satisfy_v and_o remove_v you_o do_v thereby_o show_v yourselves_o to_o be_v glad_a of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o humour_n and_o prejudice_n have_v the_o great_a share_n in_o your_o separation_n but_o if_o after_o your_o best_a endeavour_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o matter_n which_o make_v you_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n you_o can_v obtain_v it_o your_o case_n be_v the_o more_o pitiable_a and_o the_o more_o excusable_a and_o i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n concern_v at_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v indulge_v you_o but_o to_o answer_v your_o scruple_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o the_o take_v away_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o abolish_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o you_o do_v more_o than_o intimate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v what_o i_o hope_v our_o governor_n will_v never_o consent_v to_o for_o make_v what_o use_n of_o it_o you_o please_v i_o do_v think_v they_o more_o valuable_a than_o your_o company_n at_o church_n as_o earnest_o as_o i_o do_v desire_v it_o answer_n but_o if_o you_o will_v know_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o liturgy_n or_o service-book_n in_o which_o you_o impose_v such_o thing_n on_o we_o in_o
with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n we_o will_v also_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o be_v recite_v by_o st._n mark_n ch._n 7.7_o with_o the_o verse_n follow_v howbeit_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n for_o lay_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n you_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o wash_n of_o pot_n and_o cup_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v according_a to_o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o place_n you_o be_v those_o hypocrite_n that_o profess_v great_a strictness_n in_o performance_n towards_o god_n and_o practice_v in_o some_o external_a thing_n more_o than_o god_n command_v you_o and_o impose_v those_o on_o other_o as_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v only_o humane_a ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n to_o which_o all_o god_n law_n of_o wash_n do_v refer_v you_o take_v no_o care_n of_o they_o transgress_v against_o this_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o fonl_a manner_n and_o spend_v all_o your_o time_n in_o these_o external_n superfluity_n wash_v of_o pot_n etc._n etc._n the_o ordinance_n of_o your_o rabbin_n only_o but_o what_o be_v the_o hypocritical_a and_o wicked_a do_n here_o condemn_v to_o governor_n determine_v of_o external_n circumstance_n of_o administration_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o innocent_a in_o themselves_o but_o also_o not_o set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o or_o justle_a out_o any_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n nor_o yet_o impose_v as_o the_o command_v of_o god_n but_o who_o can_v have_v the_o forehead_n to_o fasten_v such_o high_a presumption_n as_o these_o upon_o our_o church_n but_o i_o proceed_v three_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v a_o enfringement_n of_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o governor_n so_o be_v it_o also_o great_o injurious_a to_o the_o people_n liberty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_o high_o to_o be_v prize_v instance_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n that_o they_o may_v without_o give_v god_n a_o offence_n conform_v to_o such_o law_n as_o oblige_v they_o only_o to_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a straighten_n and_o confine_v of_o our_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a bondage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v always_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n which_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o such_o law_n and_o to_o other_o manifold_a inconvenience_n that_o follow_v upon_o disobey_v they_o christian_n liberty_n according_a to_o this_o notion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o saviour_n purchase_n that_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a to_o be_v without_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o extreamly-mischievous_a consequence_n which_o follow_v upon_o quarrel_v with_o authority_n about_o harmless_a matter_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ill_a influence_n upon_o your_o soul_n whereby_o not_o only_o those_o who_o refuse_v obedience_n be_v expose_v in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o family_n to_o great_a evil_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a but_o also_o the_o whole_a community_n the_o church_n and_o state_n too_o by_o their_o mean_n this_o we_o all_o know_v at_o this_o day_n by_o very_o sad_a experience_n this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o liberty_n as_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o lamentable_a mischief_n both_o public_a and_o private_a but_o i_o be_o whole_o to_o seek_v what_o good_a can_v accrue_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o warrant_v it_o to_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n procurement_n but_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o certain_a that_o whatsoever_o do_v no_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o deprave_a of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o bring_v we_o into_o bondage_n to_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a opposite_a to_o our_o grand_a christian_a liberty_n can_v be_v unlawful_a to_o we_o christian_n because_o not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o design_n we_o have_v show_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o i_o may_v add_v doctrine_n too_o be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o promote_a of_o this_o design_n must_v needs_o be_v unlawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n as_o all_o that_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o do_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n may_v easy_o see_v this_o same_o pretend_a christian_a liberty_n most_o sad_o do_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apparent_a than_o that_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o forbid_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a peace_n love_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o the_o like_a christian_a virtue_n but_o disobedience_n in_o such_o matter_n do_v as_o much_o occasion_n the_o gratify_n of_o those_o devilish_a lust_n pride_n uncharitableness_n contention_n wrath_n sedition_n etc._n etc._n four_o those_o that_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o be_v oblige_v by_o man_n law_n to_o thing_n indifferent_a if_o they_o will_v be_v true_a to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o principle_n must_v not_o only_o refuse_v obedience_n to_o the_o injunction_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o prohibition_n also_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o must_v not_o do_v such_o as_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v so_o they_o must_v do_v such_o as_o be_v command_v to_o be_v forbear_v for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o infringement_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o have_v indifferent_a thing_n forbid_v we_o as_o to_o have_v they_o impose_v upon_o we_o 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some_o cross_v grain_v and_o opposite_a to_o government_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v christian_a but_o the_o most_o unchristian_a liberty_n if_o this_o free-dealing_a shall_v offend_v any_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o it_o but_o must_v withal_o take_v leave_a to_o tell_v the_o offend_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o exceed_v great_a weakness_n not_o to_o say_v worse_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o who_o endeavour_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o dangerous_a mistake_v but_o such_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o conscientious_a oppose_a popular_a and_o prevail_a error_n that_o it_o seldom_o meet_v with_o better_a success_n than_o kindle_v the_o passion_n and_o sharpen_v the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n too_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n what_o answer_n can_v be_v return_v to_o this_o discourse_n i_o can_v see_v but_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v these_o man_n will_v still_o persist_v in_o it_o as_o their_o modest_a and_o humble_a opinion_n that_o the_o bishop_n and_o all_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v mistake_v and_o that_o let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o please_v they_o do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v real_o true_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v express_o command_v then_o i_o must_v ask_v how_o they_o come_v so_o sharp_o to_o accuse_v we_o of_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o with_o who_o the_o cross_n and_o surplice_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n when_o the_o charge_n fall_v as_o heavy_a if_o not_o much_o more_o heavy_a upon_o themselves_o who_o not_o only_o sprinkle_v in_o baptism_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o any_o command_n but_o sing_v their_o preacher_n hymn_n to_o
communicate_v you_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o outward_a act_n of_o it_o because_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n with_o which_o we_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v there_o be_v a_o actual_a schism_n commence_v let_v the_o pretence_n for_o the_o separation_n be_v what_o it_o will_n how_o far_o you_o be_v chargeable_a before_o god_n with_o the_o formal_a gild_n of_o schism_n i_o know_v not_o i_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o your_o conscience_n and_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n who_o know_v whether_o your_o separation_n be_v occasion_v through_o the_o fault_n of_o your_o will_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o your_o understanding_n whether_o through_o passion_n or_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o from_o the_o misfortune_n of_o your_o circumstance_n as_o to_o education_n or_o any_o other_o matter_n i_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o judge_v as_o charitable_o as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o be_v as_o charitable_o as_o any_o man_n live_v this_o be_v and_o this_o be_v still_o my_o real_a opinion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v in_o your_o paper_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o alter_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o error_n you_o separate_v from_o be_v such_o as_o make_v communion_n absolute_o unlawful_a you_o can_v never_o produce_v a_o command_n to_o withdraw_v your_o communion_n from_o the_o national_a church_n where_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v you_o and_o especial_o from_o that_o church_n wherein_o you_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v that_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o which_o you_o pretend_v as_o a_o command_n will_v not_o stand_v you_o in_o the_o least_o stead_n till_o you_o have_v prove_v our_o service_n to_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o we_o unbeliever_n of_o who_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v if_o you_o will_v but_o look_v to_o v_o 14_o and_o as_o the_o margin_n direct_v you_o to_o isa_n 52.11_o whence_o these_o word_n be_v cite_v where_o the_o prophet_n bid_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o fly_v out_o of_o babylon_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v something_o worse_o than_o gross_a ignorance_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o such_o a_o separation_n as_o you_o be_v in_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o error_n as_o you_o call_v they_o mention_v in_o this_o paper_n be_v think_v by_o you_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o in_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o have_v be_v abundant_o vindicate_v from_o that_o imputation_n and_o christ_n own_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v by_o we_o according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n without_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n and_o what_o pure_a administration_n and_o ordinance_n man_n will_v have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n i_o can_v tell_v nor_o dare_v this_o 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baptism_n of_o infant_n person_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o parent_n explicit_o in_o the_o infant_n be_v name_n to_o make_v that_o vow_n and_o stipulation_n which_o those_o who_o allow_v of_o their_o baptism_n must_v however_o suppose_v to_o be_v tacit_o and_o implicit_o make_v by_o they_o and_o also_o to_o give_v collateral_a security_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o religious_a education_n of_o the_o infant_n the_o design_n of_o which_o institution_n be_v to_o provide_v against_o the_o remissness_n or_o mortality_n of_o the_o parent_n who_o obligation_n to_o breed_v up_o their_o child_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v never_o the_o less_o but_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a think_v to_o be_v already_o so_o great_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o themselves_o can_v be_v more_o strict_o bind_v it_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o the_o regard_v to_o this_o appointment_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o piety_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o that_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o man_n and_o not_o of_o the_o constitution_n and_o that_o those_o who_o object_n against_o it_o upon_o this_o score_n may_v themselves_o help_v to_o remedy_v it_o now_o if_o when_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v thus_o pure_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o rend_a and_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o high_o to_o contend_v for_o such_o modes_n of_o administration_n which_o be_v not_o more_o scriptural_a but_o only_o more_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n as_o to_o separate_v from_o and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o christ_n church_n if_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o a_o rend_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o name_n to_o call_v it_o and_o i_o believe_v my_o opponent_n will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o give_v it_o a_o more_o proper_a one_o but_o allow_v that_o those_o you_o insist_v upon_o be_v error_n be_v they_o fundamental_a one_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n do_v i_o not_o know_v the_o power_n of_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n i_o dare_v be_v confident_a you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v not_o but_o however_o i_o positive_o assert_v they_o be_v not_o and_o defy_v all_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v if_o they_o be_v not_o than_o your_o own_o writer_n shall_v instruct_v you_o in_o your_o duty_n private_a brethren_n say_v mr._n noys_n may_v not_o separate_v from_o church_n and_o church_n ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n heresy_n or_o profaneness_n dr._n owen_n assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n disorder_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o evacuate_v their_o church-state_n or_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o leave_v their_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o mr._n cotton_n say_v unless_o you_o find_v in_o the_o church_n blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n i._n e._n such_o as_o force_n they_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n observe_v say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o nine_o church_n in_o scripture_n that_o no_o one_o member_n be_v in_o all_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o command_v to_o come_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o any_o of_o all_o these_o church_n as_o if_o their_o communion_n in_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o before_o you_o separate_v from_o any_o as_o judge_v communion_n with_o they_o unlawful_a be_v sure_a that_o you_o bring_v great_a reason_n than_o any_o of_o these_o recite_v be_v and_o this_o advice_n he_o give_v to_o his_o brethren_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o faulty_a and_o so_o
be_v all_o man_n worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o faulty_a worship_n must_v renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o with_o he_o mr._n calvin_n assign_v two_o mark_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o preach_v and_o sacrament_n administer_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n and_o say_v that_o although_o there_o be_v many_o fault_n and_o corruption_n in_o such_o a_o church_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o it_o retain_v those_o mark_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a nay_o although_o some_o of_o those_o fault_n be_v about_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n for_o say_v he_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a moment_n but_o as_o long_o as_o the_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n and_o the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v keep_v up_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_v upon_o lesser_a difference_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o 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of_o god_n institution_n we_o find_v both_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o other_o people_n of_o god_n not_o whole_o forsake_v the_o jewish_a church_n because_o of_o its_o corruption_n yet_o we_o can_v think_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o will-worship_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o tenderness_n as_o to_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o attend_v divine_a ministration_n though_o attend_v with_o usage_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o idolatry_n in_o the_o service_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v if_o separation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o score_n of_o some_o small_a whether_o real_a or_o fancy_a error_n which_o may_v be_v in_o any_o church_n than_o communion_n must_v not_o be_v hold_v with_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n church_n if_o not_o with_o we_o for_o she_o be_v certain_o as_o free_v from_o error_n as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o live_n in_o her_o communion_n like_o member_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o institution_n as_o safe_a a_o way_n to_o salvation_n as_o any_o i_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o so_o firm_o believe_v what_o i_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o i_o challenge_v all_o her_o adversary_n to_o compare_v we_o and_o other_o church_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v produce_v one_o that_o be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o she_o be_v or_o come_v near_a to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n nay_o if_o among_o all_o competition_n and_o contend_a sect_n among_o we_o there_o be_v not_o one_o to_o be_v find_v that_o deliver_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o great_a purity_n and_o sincerity_n that_o do_v teach_v a_o religion_n more_o holy_a and_o useful_a that_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o a_o blameless_a and_o undefiled_a life_n that_o do_v give_v more_o forcible_a argument_n for_o virtue_n or_o more_o powerful_a disswasives_n from_o vice_n theâ—_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v have_v better_a thought_n both_o of_o she_o and_o my_o invitation_n of_o you_o into_o her_o communion_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o you_o have_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o continue_v in_o your_o separation_n upon_o pretence_n of_o impurity_n in_o she_o or_o great_a purity_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o speak_v out_o be_v communion_n with_o we_o sinful_a or_o be_v it_o not_o if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v you_o say_v it_o without_o proof_n you_o therein_o contradict_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o old_a presbyterian_o you_o oppose_v yourselves_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o most_o honest_a among_o those_o now_o alive_a who_o do_v not_o whole_o separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o communion_n and_o if_o your_o own_o teach_v will_v be_v true_a to_o their_o real_a sentiment_n i_o dare_v be_v confident_a they_o will_v not_o say_v so_o nay_o you_o do_v herein_o condemn_v your_o own_o practice_n of_o occasional_o join_v with_o we_o now_o and_o unless_o you_o will_v declare_v you_o be_v then_o mistake_v in_o your_o judgement_n you_o make_v yourselves_o guilty_a of_o base_a hypocrisy_n in_o constant_o join_v with_o we_o when_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v inflict_v upon_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o if_o you_o say_v that_o communion_n with_o we_o be_v not_o sinful_a and_o that_o therefore_o you_o may_v occasional_o join_v with_o we_o then_o let_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n draw_v the_o consequence_n who_o say_v that_o to_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n ordinary_o and_o visible_o 20._o with_o who_o occasional_o you_o may_v join_v without_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a separation_n that_o which_o you_o quote_v for_o one_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v no_o command_n for_o you_o to_o leave_v our_o church_n nor_o can_v you_o make_v it_o any_o way_n applicable_a thereto_o till_o you_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v something_o teach_v or_o practise_v in_o our_o church_n which_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o unclean_a thing_n there_o speak_v of_o but_o do_v i_o or_o ever_o any_o man_n else_o say_v that_o it_o be_v schism_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v he_o put_v i_o to_o prove_v it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o your_o case_n my_o brethren_n you_o causeless_o and_o wilful_o separate_v from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o schism_n i_o will_v yield_v up_o the_o cause_n for_o ever_o but_o let_v we_o more_o particular_o examine_v this_o man_n notion_n of_o schism_n and_o see_v whether_o even_o according_a thereto_o you_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o answer_n i_o know_v schism_n proper_o signify_v a_o cut_v in_o two_o a_o disagree_v in_o mâ—â—â—â—_n a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n consist_v
in_o a_o unity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o they_o be_v true_o schismatic_n that_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n viz_o that_o do_v not_o own_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o if_o they_o own_v they_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n now_o how_o deep_o guilty_a of_o schism_n you_o be_v who_o charge_v we_o with_o it_o i_o shall_v leave_v all_o honest_a man_n to_o judge_v now_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o own_o any_o thing_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n in_o our_o church_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v you_o have_v the_o face_n to_o accuse_v we_o of_o schism_n if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o accuse_v we_o of_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n let_v we_o have_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o all_o your_o false_a accusation_n reply_n schism_n he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o make_v of_o he_o give_v i_o the_o 〈◊〉_d signification_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v true_a but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o a_o vanity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n either_o as_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o unity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o schism_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o true_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o beside_o unity_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o worship_n and_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o or_o no_o if_o he_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o be_v a_o heretic_n more_o proper_o than_o a_o schismatic_a for_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o yet_o be_v right_a as_o to_o the_o main_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a or_o to_o explain_v it_o in_o other_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o own_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o if_o he_o do_v own_v they_o do_v not_o however_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o viz_o in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n this_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n now_o i_o leave_v all_o man_n that_o have_v sense_n as_o well_o as_o honesty_n to_o judge_n whether_o you_o or_o we_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o which_o be_v schismatic_n we_o own_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o we_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o christ_n church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o they_o own_o our_o church_n as_o their_o sister_n and_o give_v she_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o high_o condemn_v you_o for_o your_o separation_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o accuse_v we_o of_o schism_n and_o the_o charge_n will_v be_v good_a against_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o she_o if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o separate_v from_o she_o than_o the_o dissenter_n in_o england_n give_v for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o when_o you_o have_v bring_v as_o good_a argument_n in_o defence_n of_o your_o divide_v from_o external_n communion_n with_o we_o we_o shall_v then_o pronounce_v you_o not_o guilty_a of_o it_o neither_o but_o till_o then_o till_o you_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o the_o national_a establish_v church_n with_o which_o you_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v that_o this_o establish_a church_n be_v not_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o she_o impose_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n till_o i_o say_v you_o have_v do_v all_o this_o i_o shall_v continue_v my_o accusation_n of_o schism_n as_o long_o as_o you_o continue_v in_o your_o separation_n and_o put_v as_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o godly_a learned_a of_o old_a do_v who_o say_v that_o every_o unjust_a and_o rash_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a 166._o or_o at_o least_o no_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v a_o schism_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o negative_a and_o a_o positive_a schism_n the_o former_a be_v when_o man_n do_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o draw_v from_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n not_o make_v head_n against_o that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o be_v depart_v the_o other_o be_v when_o person_n so_o withdraw_v do_v consociate_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o into_o a_o distinct_a opposite_a body_n set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n which_o camero_n call_v a_o schism_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o far_a 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v four_o cause_n that_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d first_o when_o they_o that_o separate_v be_v grievous_o and_o intolerable_o persecute_v second_o when_o the_o church_n they_o separate_v from_o be_v heretical_a three_o when_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a four_o when_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o antichrist_n and_o where_o none_o of_o these_o four_o be_v find_v there_o the_o separation_n be_v insufficient_a and_o schism_n now_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o none_o of_o these_o four_o cause_n can_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o our_o congregation_n therefore_o you_o must_v not_o be_v displease_v with_o we_o but_o with_o yourselves_o if_o we_o blame_v you_o as_o guilty_a of_o positive_a schism_n this_o be_v the_o presbyterian_a doctrine_n in_o those_o bless_a day_n of_o 49_o to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o divide_a congregation_n from_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o now_o as_o come_v from_o we_o to_o you._n in_o what_o sense_n you_o call_v your_o separate_a meeting_n a_o church_n i_o know_v not_o but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o they_o deserve_v that_o name_n more_o than_o the_o quaker_n or_o anabaptist_n or_o independent_n who_o all_o assume_v that_o title_n to_o themselves_o than_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o take_v your_o church_n to_o be_v a_o schismatical_a church_n for_o let_v your_o faith_n be_v as_o right_a as_o that_o of_o the_o 3_o creed_n and_o your_o discipline_n if_o you_o have_v any_o as_o free_v from_o fault_n as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o world_n think_v you_o to_o be_v yet_o if_o you_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a church_n i._n e._n if_o you_o do_v not_o join_v with_o the_o true_a church_n in_o prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n your_o own_o paper_n make_v you_o schismatic_n and_o i_o must_v free_o own_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v acquit_v therefrom_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a establish_a church_n do_v upon_o any_o pretend_a offence_n take_v against_o such_o rite_n modes_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v think_v convenient_a by_o that_o church_n separate_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o substantial_o and_o essential_o thereof_o be_v so_o unexceptionable_a as_o we_o be_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o your_o notion_n and_o discourse_n about_o the_o true_a church_n and_o about_o schism_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o confuse_a and_o extravagant_a before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o point_n i_o desire_v you_o will_v give_v i_o liberty_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v you_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v now_o among_o the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n one_o whereof_o belong_v to_o the_o place_n consecrate_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n the_o church_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o intelligent_a writer_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o man_n that_o understand_v themselves_o when_o they_o talk_v about_o it_o especial_o with_o reference_n to_o communion_n do_v general_o signify_v the_o christian_a church_n either_o as_o it_o be_v catholic_n or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a the_o christian_a church_n consider_v as_o catholic_n or_o universal_a signify_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n disperse_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v all_o person_n and_o all_o particular_a church_n profess_v christianity_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v make_v a_o defection_n or_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n will_v be_v find_v guilty_a