thing_n enjoin_v we_o must_v separate_a at_o this_o time_n from_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o use_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o shall_v judge_v cause_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o nay_o when_o we_o have_v once_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v then_o separate_a from_o one_o another_o and_o every_o man_n must_v be_v a_o church_n by_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o society_n whether_o mere_o humane_a or_o christian_a shall_v subsist_v without_o the_o orderly_a determination_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o maintain_v our_o separation_n upon_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o will_v not_o only_o part_v we_o from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v and_o tear_n christendom_n into_o ten_o thousand_o piece_n but_o scarce_o leave_v we_o so_o much_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o make_v christian_a communion_n absolute_o impracticable_a let_v we_o not_o give_v those_o of_o rome_n the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v that_o church_n which_o have_v always_o oppose_v they_o with_o the_o great_a vigour_n and_o be_v the_o constant_a mark_n of_o their_o envy_n quite_o ruin_v or_o extreme_o weaken_v by_o a_o pernicious_a mistake_n that_o will_v divide_v and_o divide_v we_o again_o and_o again_o and_o never_o make_v any_o end_n of_o divide_v let_v we_o show_v at_o least_o that_o well_o be_v we_o incline_v unto_o peace_n by_o come_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a let_v not_o this_o hinder_v we_o from_o join_v in_o those_o other_o holy_a office_n in_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_n let_v not_o our_o groundless_a scruple_v at_o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n against_o which_o we_o have_v not_o any_o exception_n and_o for_o those_o that_o esteem_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o particular_n utter_o unlawful_a which_o i_o suppose_v be_v but_o very_o few_o and_o i_o know_v they_o have_v but_o very_o slight_a argument_n for_o the_o severe_a judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o we_o if_o they_o will_v meet_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o private_a manner_n that_o they_o can_v without_o any_o vain_a ostentation_n of_o their_o number_n which_o can_v be_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o conscience_n but_o may_v make_v their_o adherent_n over_o forward_a and_o bold_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o create_v of_o jealousy_n in_o the_o government_n and_o while_o they_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n they_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v any_o connivance_n they_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o it_o from_o his_o majesty_n wont_a and_o often_o experience_a clemency_n when_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o dissent_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o but_o a_o religious_a design_n in_o it_o than_o when_o they_o assume_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o confidence_n and_o think_v to_o extort_v indulgency_n by_o clamour_n and_o discontent_n and_o resolve_v to_o assemble_v open_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o royal_a command_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a fortitude_n to_o outbrave_v authority_n these_o be_v but_o ill_a method_n of_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v all_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o as_o become_v good_a subject_n and_o sober_a christian_n and_o make_v no_o disturbance_n neither_o on_o a_o civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a account_n let_v it_o pity_v we_o at_o last_o to_o see_v the_o ghastly_a wound_n that_o be_v still_o renew_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o division_n let_v we_o have_v some_o compassion_n on_o a_o bleed_a church_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_a and_o in_o eminent_a danger_n of_o be_v make_v a_o prey_n to_o her_o enemy_n by_o the_o unnatural_a heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v support_n and_o defend_v she_o why_o shall_v we_o leave_v she_o thus_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a when_o her_o present_a exigency_n require_v our_o most_o cordial_a assistance_n if_o the_o condition_n of_o her_o communion_n be_v such_o as_o god_n law_n do_v not_o allow_v we_o may_v forsake_v she_o that_o have_v forsake_v he_o but_o since_o this_o can_v be_v object_v against_o she_o since_o she_o exact_v not_o forbid_v thing_n of_o we_o let_v we_o strengthen_v her_o hand_n by_o our_o unanimous_a agreement_n and_o since_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v her_o doctrine_n let_v we_o not_o despise_v her_o worship_n since_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o let_v not_o the_o circumstance_n of_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v any_o long_o a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n among_o we_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n a_o happy_a peace_n to_o a_o divide_a church_n a_o considerable_a security_n to_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o probable_o defeat_v the_o subtle_a practice_n of_o rome_n which_o now_o stand_v gape_v after_o all_o and_o hope_n by_o our_o distraction_n to_o repair_v the_o loss_n she_o have_v suffer_v by_o the_o reformation_n may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v all_o wicked_a purpose_n unsuccessful_a and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o love_n heal_v all_o our_o breach_n and_o prosper_v the_o charitable_a endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v after_o peace_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o
proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n case_n 1_o or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 12._o eph._n 5._o 23._o 4._o 12._o 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o 18._o col._n 1._o 18._o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o doubt_n that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n 12._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o adminster_n the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o 41._o act_n 2._o 41._o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o
with_o the_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n but_o this_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v constant_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o schism_n be_v for_o they_o must_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sceptical_a suspension_n of_o communion_n all_o their_o day_n and_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a rule_n to_o direct_v all_o man_n in_o this_o inquiry_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o constitution_n and_o worship_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o other_o party_n and_o sect_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o advantage_n always_o lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o authority_n no_o public_a establishment_n can_v justify_v a_o sinful_a communion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o national_a church_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o public_a authority_n to_o separate_a from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v both_o disobedience_n to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o state_n and_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o consider_v what_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o suspending_a communion_n for_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o english_a man_n during_o these_o church_n division_n among_o we_o never_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o any_o public_a and_o religious_a assembly_n never_o to_o pray_v nor_o hear_v nor_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o thrust_v out_o all_o religion_n but_o this_o they_o will_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v and_o therefore_o by_o suspending_a communion_n they_o mean_v that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o division_n they_o may_v refuse_v to_o enter_v themselves_o fix_v and_o settle_a member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o they_o all_o but_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v how_o absurd_a this_o distinction_n of_o fix_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v for_o no_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o not_o a_o occasional_a member_n and_o whatever_o church_n he_o communicate_v with_o though_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o his_o life_n as_o he_o occasional_o travel_n that_o way_n yet_o he_o communicate_v as_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o fix_a member_n do_v not_o signify_v our_o fix_a abode_n or_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o our_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o fix_v and_o permanent_a relation_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n may_v be_v perform_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n with_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o occasional_a but_o of_o fix_a communion_n because_o though_o i_o communicate_v but_o once_o and_o that_o occasional_o yet_o i_o communicate_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o occasional_a but_o a_o fix_a relation_n so_o that_o when_o man_n communicate_v occasional_o as_o they_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o divide_a church_n they_o either_o communicate_v with_o none_o or_o communicate_v with_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o communion_n without_o own_v their_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretend_a act_n of_o occasional_a communion_n and_o so_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o do_v if_o they_o communicate_v with_o all_o these_o divide_a party_n as_o member_n than_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o many_o separate_a church_n be_v member_n of_o separate_a and_o opposite_a body_n that_o be_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o themselves_o and_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o be_v certain_a to_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v further_o from_o consider_v the_o two_o follow_a case_n case_n 2._o the_o second_o case_n be_v this_o whether_o constant_a case_n 2_o communion_n be_v a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v absurd_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o this_o distinction_n nor_o for_o this_o question_n every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o and_o for_o man_n to_o talk_v of_o be_v member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n in_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o which_o they_o will_v not_o own_v themselves_o member_n be_v a_o schismatical_a notion_n of_o church-membership_n because_o it_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n into_o distinct_a membership_n and_o therefore_o into_o distinct_a body_n which_o make_v the_o one_o church_n and_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o one_o but_o many_o body_n for_o if_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n which_o be_v member_n only_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n than_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a and_o entire_a body_n by_o itself_o which_o have_v particular_a member_n of_o its_o own_o which_o belong_v to_o no_o other_o body_n just_a as_o every_o particular_a man_n have_v his_o own_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o body_n the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n in_o short_a be_v this_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o be_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o he_o must_v perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o only_a allowable_a difference_n between_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v perform_v the_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o which_o we_o constant_o live_v and_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v occasional_o present_a and_o therefore_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o competition_n between_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o place_n i_o can_v communicate_v constant_o with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o communicate_v occasional_o unless_o i_o remove_v my_o habitation_n and_o turn_v a_o occasional_a presence_n into_o a_o constant_a and_o settle_a abode_n nor_o can_v i_o without_o sin_n communicate_v only_o occcasional_o with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o communicate_v constant_o as_o be_v constant_o present_a there_o for_o this_o be_v only_o to_o do_v that_o sometime_o which_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v always_o this_o be_v like_o a_o man_n live_v occcasional_o in_o his_o own_o house_n which_o signify_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n at_o home_n there_o can_v be_v two_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n one_o for_o occasional_a and_o another_o for_o constant_a communion_n without_o schism_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o be_v two_o distinct_a communion_n and_o that_o our_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v as_o different_a as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o house_n we_o live_v in_o and_o to_o a_o inn_n where_o we_o lodge_v for_o a_o night_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o inquiry_n among_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o catholick-communion_n it_o never_o can_v be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v communicate_v constant_o or_o occasional_o with_o such_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v live_v constant_o or_o occasional_o within_o the_o bound_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o a_o church_n for_o where_o my_o constant_a abode_n be_v there_o my_o constant_a communion_n must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o catholick-church_n
out_o of_o england_n without_o interrupt_v our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o though_o they_o may_v observe_v different_a rite_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o other_o untoward_a consequence_n that_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n then_o constant_a communion_n be_v not_o always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a i_o suppose_v because_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a actual_a or_o presential_a communion_n with_o the_o french_a church_n though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o certain_o sir_n have_v you_o ever_o consider_v what_o i_o discourse_v about_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n you_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o for_o this_o be_v a_o modern_a distinction_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o the_o bottom_n as_o i_o plain_o show_v but_o however_o by_o constant_a communion_n our_o dissenter_n understand_v the_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n always_o or_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n perform_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n sometime_o or_o as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o another_o church_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o notion_n of_o constant_a or_o occasional_a communion_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a or_o the_o occasional_a act_n of_o communion_n must_v that_o question_n be_v understand_v whether_o constant_a communion_n he_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a the_o meaning_n of_o which_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o when_o other_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n determine_v my_o personal_a communion_n ordinary_o to_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o my_o duty_n to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n if_o i_o can_v lawful_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v non-communion_n with_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v for_o other_o reason_n ordinary_o to_o communicate_v but_o only_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o such_o a_o pretence_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v acknowledge_v lawful_a for_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n make_v occasional_a as_o well_o as_o constant_a act_n of_o communion_n sinful_a i_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o communicate_v constant_o or_o ordinary_o with_o that_o church_n in_o which_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v occasional_o or_o sometime_o with_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o understand_v this_o question_n as_o you_o now_o do_v not_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o for_o other_o reason_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o but_o of_o any_o church_n with_o which_o i_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v as_o occasion_n serve_v it_o make_v it_o a_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a proposition_n to_o say_v that_o constant_a communion_n by_o that_o meaning_n presential_a and_o personal_a communion_n be_v always_o a_o duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a for_o at_o this_o rate_n if_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n geneva_n holland_n germany_n be_v lawful_a it_o become_v a_o necessary_a duty_n for_o i_o to_o communicate_v always_o personal_o and_o presentional_o with_o all_o these_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v who_o can_v be_v present_a but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o thus_o far_o the_o proposition_n hold_v universal_o true_a that_o whatever_o church_n i_o can_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o without_o sin_n i_o be_o also_o bind_v to_o communicate_v constant_o with_o whenever_o such_o reason_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o determine_v my_o communion_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n make_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o understand_v this_o question_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o you_o think_v can_v be_v my_o meaning_n for_o accorcord_v to_o i_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o another_o provide_v the_o distance_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v with_o both_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o sir_n how_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o fasten_v so_o many_o absurd_a proposition_n upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v desire_v of_o you_o for_o the_o future_a if_o you_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o your_o own_o reputation_n yet_o upon_o principle_n of_o common_a honesty_n not_o to_o write_v so_o hasty_o but_o to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o understand_v a_o book_n before_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v it_o where_o do_v i_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o i_o assert_v indeed_o that_o no_o baptise_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n consider_v mere_o as_o particular_a but_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o sound_a orthodox_n church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n without_o which_o he_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o church-communion_n though_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian_a worship_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o sound_v church_n more_o than_o of_o another_o the_o first_o suppose_n that_o every_o christian_a whatever_o particular_a church_n he_o actual_o communicate_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o of_o all_o particular_a sound_a church_n the_o second_o suppose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o christian_n be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v not_o of_o another_o that_o constant_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n confine_v their_o church-membership_n to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o they_o communicate_v so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o church_n i_o must_v be_v a_o member_n of_o for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o mere_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o particular_a church_n i_o must_v communicate_v in_o now_o our_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v in_o a_o certain_a particular_a church_n result_v from_o the_o place_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o baptise_a and_o have_v our_o ordinary_a abode_n and_o residence_n the_o church_n which_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_a subject_n if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_a church_n challenge_n our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n now_o in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o competition_n between_o two_o church_n because_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n in_o what_o church_n we_o must_v constant_o communicate_v which_o must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o french_a and_o a_o dutch_a as_o well_o as_o a_o english_a church_n in_o london_n and_o since_o distance_n of_o place_n do_v not_o hinder_v may_v we_o not_o choose_v which_o of_o these_o we_o will_v ordinary_o communicate_v with_o i_o answer_v no_o we_o have_v only_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o england_n the_o french_a church_n be_v in_o france_n and_o the_o dutch_a church_n be_v in_o holland_n though_o there_o be_v a_o french_a and_o dutch_a congregation_n allow_v in_o london_n these_o congregation_n belong_v to_o their_o own_o original_a church_n and_o be_v under_o their_o government_n and_o censure_n but_o there_o be_v no_o church-power_n and_o authority_n in_o england_n but_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a congregation_n our_o obligation_n to_o constant_a communion_n be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o alone_o have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o england_n to_o require_v our_o communion_n and_o obedience_n one_o particular_a church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o another_o not_o by_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o by_o distinct_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o church_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n we_o live_v can_v only_o challenge_v our_o communion_n and_o i_o suppose_v
any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o new_a church_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o go_v because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o this_o have_v often_o make_v i_o wonder_n what_o those_o man_n mean_v who_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_n at_o our_o constitution_n and_o assign_v a_o great_a many_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n will_v not_o own_o that_o they_o have_v make_v any_o separation_n from_o we_o what_o middle_a state_n now_o shall_v we_o find_v for_o these_o man_n who_o will_v neither_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o allow_v themselves_o to_o be_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o two_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o to_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o for_o two_o church_n to_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n and_o yet_o still_o to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o be_v a_o down_o right_a contradiction_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n and_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v two_o opposite_a society_n found_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o to_o be_v the_o same_o body_n and_o the_o same_o society_n be_v very_o wonderful_a man_n to_o i_o 3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n who_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o actual_a communion_n during_o our_o residence_n in_o any_o certain_a place_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o church-membership_a be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n i_o be_o not_o otherwise_o a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n than_o i_o be_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o give_v i_o a_o right_n of_o membership_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o every_o baptise_a christian_a who_o by_o baptism_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v not_o forfeit_v this_o right_n by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o member_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o constitution_n of_o independency_n he_o be_v not_o for_o independent_a church-membership_a be_v not_o found_v on_o baptism_n but_o on_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n then_o independency_n be_v a_o separate_a communion_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o by_o be_v so_o make_v the_o member_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n from_o the_o catholick-church_n nay_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o a_o member_n of_o one_o independent_a church_n by_o be_v so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o another_o independent_a church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v for_o every_o independent_a church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n between_o such_o a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o particular_a member_n than_o every_o independent_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n from_o all_o other_o independent_a church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o schismatic_n to_o each_o other_o as_o not_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o though_o independent_a church_n shall_v be_v so_o civil_a to_o each_o other_o as_o to_o admit_v each_o other_o member_n to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n yet_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o courtesy_n not_o of_o right_a and_o therefore_o their_o constitution_n be_v schismatical_a it_o be_v like_o two_o neighbour_n family_n which_o hold_v good_a correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o and_o often_o visit_v one_o another_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o but_o yet_o remain_v very_o distinct_a family_n and_o have_v all_o their_o concern_v apart_o and_o separate_v but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_a thus_o let_v i_o ask_v whether_o the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v one_o church_n and_o member_n of_o each_o other_o and_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o such_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v from_o their_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n under_o a_o distinct_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o government_n which_o both_o of_o they_o assert_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o form_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a body_n under_o different_a governor_n which_o have_v no_o communion_n as_o such_o with_o each_o other_o which_o yet_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o their_o governor_n shall_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o from_o their_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o particular_a mode_n of_o worship_n and_o their_o great_a endeavour_n to_o draw_v away_o member_n from_o each_o other_o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o i_o say_v if_o from_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v one_o body_n nor_o member_n of_o each_o other_o than_o they_o be_v two_o separate_a church_n and_o the_o church_n which_o make_v the_o separation_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o indeed_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o monarchy_n and_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o their_o distinct_a governor_n and_o distinct_a subject_n and_o distinct_a law_n that_o be_v always_o at_o enmity_n and_o war_n with_o each_o other_o be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o england_n be_v but_o one_o church_n 3._o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n now_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o will_v grievous_o have_v puzzle_v st._n cyprian_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o ancient_a father_n who_o never_o hear_v but_o of_o one_o sort_n of_o communion_n for_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o member_n signify_v a_o fix_a and_o constant_a not_o a_o occasional_a member_n not_o a_o member_n which_o be_v one_o day_n a_o member_n and_o the_o next_o day_n upon_o his_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n be_v no_o member_n which_o be_v a_o member_n or_o no_o member_n just_a as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o if_o church-membership_a be_v a_o fix_a and_o constant_a relation_n in_o itself_o consider_v than_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v fix_v and_o constant_a also_o and_o therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o term_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o antiquity_n we_o must_v consult_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o modern_a author_n who_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o they_o now_o by_o fix_a communion_n they_o mean_v a_o actual_a and_o constant_a communicate_v with_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_v member_n of_o it_o occasional_a communion_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o some_o other_o church_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o be_v either_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o curiosity_n or_o to_o serve_v some_o secular_a end_n or_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n now_o this_o distinction_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o principle_n as_o i_o have_v evident_o prove_v to_o be_v very_o great_a mistake_n for_o if_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n but_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n
of_o christ_n and_o no_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n for_o then_o a_o church_n will_v be_v a_o human_a creature_n and_o a_o human_a constitution_n whereas_o a_o church_n can_v be_v found_v only_o upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v true_a no_o man_n who_o be_v at_o age_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n till_o he_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o voluntary_o undertake_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o this_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o voluntary_a contract_n and_o covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o exact_v from_o their_o member_n and_o wherein_o they_o place_v a_o church-state_n be_v part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o find_v the_o church_n upon_o a_o human_a covenant_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n if_o it_o be_v than_o no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n but_o a_o independent_a and_o then_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v how_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n determine_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o dr._n owen_n church_n another_o of_o mr._n griffiths_n or_o any_o other_o independent_a pastor_n and_o if_o they_o can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n there_o be_v another_o still_o why_o they_o exact_v this_o church-covenant_n of_o baptise_a christian_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n if_o baptism_n make_v they_o member_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o think_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church-state_n but_o what_o depend_v on_o such_o human_a contract_n than_o the_o church_n owe_v its_o be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 5._o i_o observe_v far_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a christian_n christianity_n indeed_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o sure_o it_o do_v not_o separate_a christian_n from_o each_o other_o the_o apostle_n only_o undertake_v to_o convert_v jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n convert_v christian_n from_o common_a christianity_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o independency_n if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o know_v no_o church_n but_o what_o all_o christian_n be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n the_o one_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n from_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o prove_v the_o gather_a church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o national_a church_n must_v either_o conclude_v that_o a_o church_n and_o church-state_n be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n without_o it_o or_o that_o baptise_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n be_v no_o better_o than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o be_v that_o baptism_n itself_o though_o a_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o a_o human_a independent_a covenant_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n on_o that_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n into_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n found_v upon_o one_o covenant_n and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n may_v and_o have_v divide_v the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n and_o member_n and_o particular_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o that_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v divide_v the_o covenant_n also_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o guilty_a divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o new_a grant_n a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a distinct_a city_n and_o corporation_n but_o than_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v the_o same_o their_o right_n to_o it_o depend_v upon_o distinct_a grant_n but_o if_o he_o grant_v a_o charter_n for_o the_o erect_v of_o such_o a_o corporation_n and_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o that_o corporation_n those_o who_o wilful_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o corporation_n to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n and_o must_v not_o think_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a distinct_a corporation_n by_o the_o same_o charter_n thus_o it_o be_v here_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n oâ—_n grace_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o body_n and_o christian_a church_n who_o shall_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v all_o receive_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o admit_v member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n now_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o body_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o this_o body_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n which_o we_o call_v church_n but_o which_o be_v not_o member_n nor_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v carry_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n out_o of_o the_o church_n with_o we_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o common_a charter_n of_o the_o christian-church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o go_v without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o particular_a separate_a church_n but_o a_o general_a covenant_n make_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o covenant_n in_o particular_a with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n of_o france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v we_o in_o particular_a a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v second_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n now_o church-communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n and_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church_n member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church_n privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o a_o church_n relation_n exact_v from_o they_o i_o know_v this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v a_o personal_a and_o presential_a communion_n in_o religious_a office_n as_o when_o man_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v
the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n together_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o church-communion_n be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o any_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o natural_a union_n be_v in_o natural_a body_n that_o communion_n be_v in_o body_n politic_a whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a society_n a_o member_n must_v be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v any_o natural_a action_n or_o office_n of_o a_o member_n before_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o the_o foot_n can_v walk_v or_o the_o ear_n can_v hear_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o see_v or_o walk_v but_o see_v and_o walk_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n thus_o in_o a_o body_n politic_a when_o man_n by_o any_o common_a charter_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o society_n they_o become_v one_o common_a body_n or_o one_o communion_n and_o this_o give_v they_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o body_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o their_o charter_n require_v of_o they_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regular_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n or_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o a_o unjust_a usurpation_n shall_v a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o citizen_n of_o london_n open_v his_o shop_n and_o drive_v a_o trade_n as_o other_o citizen_n do_v or_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o a_o common-hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n act_n like_o a_o citizen_n this_o will_v not_o make_v he_o a_o citizen_n but_o a_o intruder_n he_o be_v a_o foreigner_n still_o and_o his_o presume_v to_o act_n like_o a_o citizen_n when_o he_o be_v none_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n but_o just_o expose_v he_o to_o censure_v and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n and_o society_n unite_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o office_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o and_o which_o none_o have_v any_o right_a to_o perform_v but_o they_o such_o as_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o intrude_v into_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o church-member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o church-member_n though_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n shall_v for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o at_o some_o critical_a time_n come_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o there_o hear_v the_o common-prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v this_o make_v this_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o which_o he_o never_o communicate_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a will_v never_o do_v again_o if_o it_o do_v not_o all_o this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v only_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o perform_v some_o such_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o since_o the_o decay_n of_o church_n discipline_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o member_n which_o be_v such_o a_o abuse_n as_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o deny_v their_o communion_n to_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o excommunicate_a upon_o other_o account_n but_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v embody_v and_o incorporate_v with_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v what_o that_o mean_n every_o one_o know_v who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n of_o a_o city_n or_o any_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o consist_v of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o require_v all_o those_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o society_n to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a trust_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o church_n society_n as_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n instruction_n censure_n of_o the_o church_n a_o communion_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a office_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n or_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n renounce_v his_o membership_n and_o communion_n with_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o plain_a and_o though_o man_n may_v cavil_v for_o dispute_n sake_n yet_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o though_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n he_o shall_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o hence_o of_o great_a use_n 1._o that_o church-communion_n primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n not_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o church_n communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o among_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o neighbour_n to_o each_o other_o but_o in_o membership_n now_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o how_o large_a soever_o the_o body_n be_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n those_o who_o live_v at_o st._n david_n and_o those_o at_o tarmouth_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o a_o church-state_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o church-communion_n be_v found_v only_o on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a covenant_n to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o particular_a church-membership_a be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o human_a invention_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o alone_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o independency_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a church-state_n as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o
church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v unless_o we_o will_v except_v independent_o because_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o except_v themselves_o and_o then_o their_o separation_n do_v not_o answer_v its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v such_o corrupt_a communion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o gather_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a from_o corrupt_a member_n unless_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v so_o too_o because_o every_o particular_a church_n whether_o diocesan_n or_o national_a have_v power_n to_o reform_v its_o own_o member_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o such_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n but_o it_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o church_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v renounce_v communion_n with_o other_o christian_a church_n or_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o novatian_a and_o donatist_n schism_n of_o old_a and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o independent_a schism_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whole_o result_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a christian_a church_n as_o no_o member_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n without_o its_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n to_o each_o other_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_n which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n i_o be_v discourse_v of_o god_n visible_a way_n of_o form_v a_o church_n which_o i_o assert_v to_o be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v that_o divine_a charter_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v found_v but_o than_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v how_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o this_o covenant_n i_o add_v that_o god_n have_v invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n and_o by_o receive_v they_o into_o covenant_n they_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o this_o covenant_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o will_v any_o sober_a dissenter_n deny_v here_o be_v no_o dispute_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o this_o power_n what_o form_n of_o church-government_n christ_n institute_v whether_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a here_o be_v no_o dispute_n about_o the_o validity_n of_o order_n or_o succession_n or_o in_o what_o case_n baptism_n may_v be_v valid_a which_o be_v not_o administer_v by_o a_o valid_a authority_n this_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o quite_o different_a hypothesis_n viz._n the_o necessity_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o those_o who_o be_v or_o will_v be_v own_v to_o be_v christian_n or_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n i_o make_v no_o inquiry_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v baptise_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o baptise_a or_o not_o but_o take_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o grant_v i_o inquire_v whether_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church-member_n whether_o it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a or_o universal_a church_n whether_o a_o church-member_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n whether_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o whole_a church_n whether_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v and_o with_o which_o we_o can_v when_o we_o please_v communicate_v occasional_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o catholic_n communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o these_o matter_n you_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o all_o your_o query_n which_o proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a hypothesis_n of_o your_o own_o do_v not_o concern_v i_o and_o yet_o to_o oblige_v you_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v they_o 1._o your_o first_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o pious_a dissenter_n suppose_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v full_o invest_v with_o sufficient_a power_n be_v in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o a_o moral_a heathen_a or_o in_o a_o worse_o than_o a_o papist_n ans_fw-fr the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o to_o determine_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o rebaptization_n if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o though_o irregular_o baptize_v this_o you_o may_v find_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o p._n 22._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o if_o they_o continue_v schismatic_n whatever_o their_o other_o pretence_n to_o piety_n be_v their_o condition_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o moral_a heathen_n and_o papist_n 2._o whether_o the_o submission_n to_o the_o power_n and_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n which_o all_o must_v own_v to_o be_v a_o sound_a church_n be_v part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n which_o unite_v the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o captious_a question_n which_o must_v be_v distinct_o answer_v a_o general_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o that_o divine_a covenant_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v which_o primary_o respect_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a church-duty_n and_o essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o understand_v all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o baptize_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o obedience_n to_o church-governor_n be_v but_o then_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n but_o only_o on_o those_o which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o church-authoritie_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v confine_v within_o certain_a limit_n as_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v and_o though_o all_o orthodox_n church_n must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o yet_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o original_a authority_n over_o another_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o perceive_v sir_n you_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o you_o add_v if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o he_o who_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o this_o church_n be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o benefit_n of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o every_o one_o who_o be_v exclude_v by_o church-censure_n though_o excommunicate_v for_o a_o slight_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n nay_o for_o a_o wrongful_a cause_n true_o sir_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n viz_o by_o baptism_n which_o do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o whoever_o live_v in_o england_n and_o renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o cathelick_n church_n and_o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v from_o one_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o whole_a but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o excommunication_n and_o schism_n the_o first_o be_v a_o judicial_a sentence_n the_o second_o be_v a_o man_n be_v own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v not_o valid_a unless_o it_o be_v inflict_v for_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o second_o be_v always_o valid_a and_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cut_v man_n off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n body_n i_o say_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v the_o final_a state_n of_o man_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o gracious_a allowance_n god_n will_v make_v for_o some_o schismatic_n no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v what_o favour_n he_o may_v allow_v to_o other_o sinner_n but_o you_o proceed_v if_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o this_o sound_a church_n this_o be_v another_o horn_n of_o your_o formidable_a dilemma_n if_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a covenant_n than_o those_o baptise_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o may_v be_v catholic_n christian_n for_o all_o that_o as_o if_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o spain_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n therefore_o english_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o neither_o but_o may_v be_v very_o good_a subject_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o therefore_o though_o obedience_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o law_n to_o all_o english_a christian_n inhabit_v in_o
one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o 21._o p._n 21._o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o add_v if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o follow_v 1._o you_o say_v either_o that_o the_o french_a protestant_n have_v no_o church_n here_o but_o be_v schismatic_n in_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o that_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o make_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n so_o straight_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o of_o every_o one_o though_o a_o license_a stranger_n to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n ans_fw-fr if_o any_o foreign_a church_n among_o we_o which_o by_o royal_a favour_n be_v allow_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o discipline_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n renounce_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o communicate_v with_o our_o separatist_n she_o be_v schismatical_a herself_o as_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o france_n geneva_n or_o holland_n will_v be_v shall_v they_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o allow_v those_o foreigner_n which_o be_v among_o we_o to_o form_n and_o model_n their_o congregation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o church_n to_o which_o they_o original_o belong_v this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o schism_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o england_n which_o own_o each_o other_o communion_n a_o bare_a variety_n of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n make_v no_o schism_n between_o church_n our_o church_n pretend_v not_o to_o give_v law_n to_o other_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o she_o take_v she_o own_o and_o why_o a_o ecclesiastical_a colony_n may_v not_o for_o great_a reason_n be_v transplant_v into_o another_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o civil_a colony_n into_o another_o kingdom_n while_o they_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v a_o different_a thing_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n and_o to_o transplant_v some_o member_n of_o one_o church_n into_o another_o maintain_v the_o same_o communion_n though_o with_o some_o peculiar_a and_o different_a usage_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o come_v the_o case_n of_o stranger_n and_o native_n have_v always_o be_v account_v very_o different_a both_o upon_o a_o religious_a and_o civil_a account_n every_o particular_a national_a church_n have_v authority_n over_o her_o own_o member_n to_o direct_v and_o govern_v she_o own_o communion_n and_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o worship_n but_o as_o she_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o she_o may_v allow_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o the_o member_n of_o such_o foreign_a church_n when_o they_o live_v within_o her_o jurisdiction_n without_o breach_n of_o communion_n for_o though_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o all_o true_a catholic_n church_n be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o yet_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v different_a every_o church_n challenge_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n which_o it_o exercise_v in_o its_o own_o communion_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o suffer_v foreign_a church_n to_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o usage_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v of_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n in_o she_o own_o bowel_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o only_a to_o exempt_v such_o congregation_n of_o stranger_n from_o her_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n indeed_o allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n under_o a_o different_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a that_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v occasion_n to_o live_v in_o other_o country_n will_v conform_v to_o all_o the_o innocent_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o sojourn_v which_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a too_o catholic_n communion_n but_o yet_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o foreigner_n who_o own_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n though_o they_o observe_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o be_v not_o schismatical_a as_o the_o separate_a conventicle_n of_o dissenter_n be_v 2._o but_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o communicate_v or_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n where_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n but_o may_v occasional_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n nay_o with_o dissenter_n too_o if_o he_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o their_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o great_a mastery_n of_o wit_n to_o turn_v my_o own_o artillery_n upon_o i_o i_o prove_v the_o dissenter_n to_o be_v schismatic_n because_o they_o set_v up_o a_o church_n within_o a_o church_n whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n in_o one_o place_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o live_v for_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n nothing_o but_o distance_n of_o place_n can_v suspend_v our_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n hence_o you_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v communicate_v with_o schismatic_n if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o we_o or_o so_o near_o to_o we_o that_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v our_o communion_n but_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n do_v equal_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o schismatic_n whether_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n yet_o if_o schismatical_a they_o be_v not_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o catholick-communion_n but_o however_o we_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n that_o be_v among_o we_o as_o occasion_n serve_v yes_o no_o doubt_n we_o may_v because_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o but_o than_o follow_v the_o murder_v consequence_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o a_o constant_a communion_n with_o she_o i_o pray_v why_o so_o every_o member_n as_o a_o member_n be_v in_o constant_a communion_n for_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o 10._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o it_o as_o i_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o then_o church-communion_n do_v not_o primary_o respect_v a_o particular_a but_o the_o universal_a 13._o p._n 13._o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o interruption_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o any_o church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v neither_o heretic_n nor_o schismatic_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o every_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o the_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v constant_a with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n the_o act_n of_o communion_n be_v perform_v sometime_o in_o one_o part_n of_o it_o sometime_o in_o another_o as_o our_o presence_n abode_n or_o occasion_n require_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v possible_a actual_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o french_a church_n either_o in_o england_n or_o
catholic_n unity_n or_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n under_o independency_n q._n 2._o if_o it_o may_v which_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v will_v you_o not_o then_o upon_o this_o account_n make_v the_o church_n you_o live_v in_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o independent_o baptism_n you_o own_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o admit_v into_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o they_o require_v no_o new_a covenant_n at_o baptism_n ergo_fw-la they_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o any_o clog_n or_o hindrance_n of_o humane_a invention_n ans_fw-fr pray_v what_o comparison_n be_v there_o between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o independency_n whatever_o fault_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o as_o to_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v with_o you_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o remedy_n she_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o schism_n if_o she_o impose_v any_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o yet_o the_o frame_n and_o essential_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a but_o independency_n be_v schism_n in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o a_o independent_a conventicle_n be_v never_o capable_a of_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o you_o say_v i_o own_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o admit_v into_o the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o church-member_n very_o right_a i_o do_v own_o this_o but_o what_o be_v my_o own_v this_o to_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o do_v not_o and_o will_v not_o own_v it_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o church_n not_o by_o baptism_n but_o by_o a_o human_a and_o voluntary_a covenant_n and_o will_v own_v none_o for_o church-member_n but_o such_o baptism_n at_o most_o give_v man_n only_o a_o disposition_n to_o be_v church-member_n but_o do_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o they_o require_v no_o new_a covenant_n at_o baptism_n ergo_fw-la they_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o any_o clog_n or_o hindrance_n of_o human_a invention_n that_o be_v they_o admit_v to_o baptism_n without_o any_o new_a covenant_n because_o baptism_n do_v not_o as_o they_o believe_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n without_o any_o clog_n of_o human_a invention_n and_o yet_o sir_n i_o perceive_v you_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o matter_n neither_o for_o though_o what_o their_o practice_n be_v now_o i_o can_v tell_v yet_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n and_o former_a practice_n though_o they_o require_v no_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a yet_o they_o will_v baptise_v no_o child_n but_o of_o such_o parent_n as_o be_v in_o church-covenant_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o a_o much_o great_a clog_n to_o baptism_n than_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o when_o i_o know_v your_o exception_n against_o i_o will_v consider_v they_o and_o now_o sir_n nothing_o remain_v of_o your_o first_o letter_n but_o some_o few_o query_n relate_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o my_o text._n your_o three_o first_o query_n come_v only_o to_o this_o whether_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v and_o yet_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o all_o the_o sound_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o must_v be_v but_o one_o communion_n as_o you_o may_v see_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o defence_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v you_o but_o what_o you_o mean_v by_o christ_n metaphorical_a body_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v tell_v and_o therefore_o can_v answer_v that_o question_n your_o four_o query_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n which_o you_o will_v not_o have_v consist_v in_o divide_v communion_n through_o difference_n of_o opinion_n but_o through_o want_n of_o charity_n because_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o member_n have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o of_o another_o now_o methinks_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v the_o member_n divide_v from_o each_o other_o though_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o love_v one_o another_o dear_o they_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v such_o care_n of_o one_o another_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o application_n be_v easy_a and_o you_o may_v find_v this_o matter_n plain_o state_v in_o the_o defence_n to_o which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o refer_v you_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v honest_o answer_v all_o your_o query_n which_o you_o send_v i_o in_o your_o first_o letter_n and_o which_o you_o challenge_v i_o and_o conjure_v i_o as_o a_o protestant_a divine_a to_o answer_v categorical_o in_o your_o second_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o very_o considerable_a as_o to_o deserve_v either_o to_o be_v print_v or_o answer_v i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v your_o second_o letter_n though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o peevish_a yet_o create_v i_o but_o little_a trouble_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o but_o one_o query_n and_o half_a of_o that_o be_v already_o answer_v whether_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n require_v a_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o any_o sound_a church_n and_o yet_o a_o church_n oblige_v we_o to_o communicate_v with_o that_o alone_a while_o distance_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o occasional_a and_o frequent_a communion_n with_o other_o be_v not_o that_o church_n guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o such_o a_o injunction_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o catholic_n communion_n ans_fw-fr no_o church_n can_v be_v so_o suppose_v to_o forbid_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o as_o for_o schismatical_a conventicle_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v sound_a church_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forbid_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o how_o near_o soever_o they_o be_v for_o catholic_n communion_n oblige_v we_o only_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o schismatic_n have_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o and_o whoever_o communicate_v with_o schismatic_n be_v in_o so_o do_v a_o schismatic_a or_o at_o least_o as_o you_o proceed_v be_v it_o not_o impossible_a that_o he_o who_o communicate_v sometime_o with_o one_o true_a church_n sometime_o with_o another_o can_v be_v a_o schismatic_a or_o any_o more_o than_o a_o offender_n against_o a_o positive_a human_a law_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o true_a church_n be_v schismatical_a he_o that_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a church_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schismatical_a act_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o shall_v a_o man_n sometime_o join_v with_o his_o 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disobedience_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o little_a absurd_a to_o say_v that_o those_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o separate_v from_o it_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v just_a what_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o such_o person_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n cease_v to_o be_v sound_a member_n you_o add_v nay_o possible_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v several_a religious_a assembly_n live_v by_o different_a custom_n and_o rule_n and_o yet_o continue_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n be_v not_o more_o inconsistent_a than_o that_o particular_a place_n shall_v have_v their_o particular_a custom_n and_o by-law_n differ_v from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n without_o make_v a_o distinct_a government_n ans_fw-fr whatever_o variety_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o worship_n in_o several_a congregation_n be_v consistent_a with_o one_o communion_n may_v be_v grant_v when_o the_o prudence_n of_o 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very_o convenient_a to_o lengthen_v a_o sermon_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o art_n to_o lengthen_v this_o answer_n which_o be_v too_o long_o already_o your_o first_o charge_n upon_o i_o be_v that_o i_o only_o amuse_v people_n with_o equivocal_a word_n and_o term_n that_o i_o play_v 16._o letter_n 3._o p._n 16._o with_o the_o word_n church_n and_o schism_n which_o have_v be_v no_o fault_n have_v i_o play_v the_o right_a way_n with_o they_o that_o be_v have_v i_o ridicule_v they_o as_o you_o do_v who_o think_v they_o word_n only_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v with_o who_o have_v find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o any_o government_n which_o be_v only_o a_o intrigue_n 12._o p._n 12._o between_o clergyman_n on_o all_o side_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n 17._o p._n 17._o church_n to_o be_v schism_n but_o place_n schism_n whole_o in_o want_n of_o charity_n and_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o division_n 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not_o any_o man_n who_o have_v ever_o see_v this_o discourse_n which_o you_o undertake_v to_o confute_v wonder_v to_o hear_v you_o ask_v i_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a 18._o p._n 18._o church_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n when_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o that_o tract_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o every_o christian_n by_o be_v so_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o visible_a but_o invisible_a church_n but_o not_o 19_o p._n 19_o to_o examine_v your_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a church_n 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full_a representative_a of_o that_o church_n excommunicate_v 21._o p._n 21._o the_o poor_a asian_o upon_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n and_o that_o each_o church_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o own_v each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o what_o shall_v the_o poor_a lay-christians_a do_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n can_v they_o not_o communicate_v with_o both_o or_o either_o without_o danger_n of_o schism_n themselves_o ans_fw-fr it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o put_v hard_a case_n almost_o about_o any_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o particular_a hard_a case_n which_o either_o may_v possible_o happen_v or_o have_v sometime_o happen_v be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v a_o stand_n and_o general_a rule_n and_o to_o confute_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n for_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n can_v be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n man_n dispute_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n against_o the_o necessity_n 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of_o schism_n or_o to_o discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o schism_n lie_v or_o to_o avoid_v it_o without_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o course_n soever_o they_o take_v i_o leave_v all_o such_o case_n to_o god_n who_o know_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n and_o will_v take_v care_n of_o my_o own_o duty_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n and_o not_o hope_v to_o justify_v the_o ordinary_a breach_n of_o know_a law_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o the_o case_n which_o you_o propose_v be_v not_o so_o unanswerable_a a_o difficulty_n as_o you_o imagine_v several_a council_n in_o palestine_n in_o rome_n in_o pontus_n and_o other_o place_n 23._o euseb_n b._n 5._o cap._n 23._o determine_v the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n not_o on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o the_o month_n which_o be_v the_o jewish_a passover_n which_o dispute_v you_o call_v a_o mistake_n in_o arithmetic_n but_o for_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o the_o same_o time_n decree_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o fourteen_o day_n whatever_o day_n of_o the_o week_n it_o fall_v on_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a observation_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n pope_n victor_n upon_o this_o writes_z to_z several_z bishop_n very_o bitter_o against_o they_o and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o have_v they_o excommunicate_v and_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v denounce_v the_o sentence_n against_o they_o 24._o cap._n 24._o but_o this_o be_v ill_o resent_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o particular_o ireneus_fw-la write_v a_o letter_n to_o he_o about_o it_o and_o earnest_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o and_o do_v prevent_v it_o from_o take_v effect_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v eusebius_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o be_v true_a as_o you_o assert_v that_o pope_n victor_n in_o a_o council_n excommunicate_v the_o poor_a asian_o what_o 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upon_o this_o have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o excommunication_n can_v not_o make_v they_o schismatic_n and_o therefore_o any_o one_o may_v safe_o communicate_v with_o they_o without_o partake_v in_o a_o schism_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o asian_a church_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o victor_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o do_v as_o ill_o a_o thing_n as_o victor_n have_v do_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o pope_n victor_n have_v set_v they_o a_o example_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v saint_n cyprian_n of_o another_o temper_n when_o he_o and_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v threaten_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o pope_n stephen_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o warm_a dispute_n about_o rebaptise_v heretic_n at_o that_o very_a time_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n he_o declare_v his_o resolution_n not_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n or_o bishop_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o therefore_o not_o with_o pope_n stephen_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o rash_a and_o furious_a censure_n and_o conclude_v that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n be_v the_o best_a remedy_n in_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o say_v he_o write_v his_o book_n de_fw-fr bono_fw-mi patientiae_fw-la well_o but_o if_o the_o asiatic_a church_n be_v not_o schismatic_n yet_o pope_n victor_n have_v be_v a_o schismatic_a have_v he_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o this_o have_v make_v the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a christian_n very_a hard_a for_o they_o must_v either_o have_v suspend_v communion_n with_o both_o these_o divide_a church_n and_o live_v without_o the_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o christian_a communion_n or_o they_o must_v have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o church_n or_o have_v reject_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n or_o have_v maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o both_o that_o be_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n which_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o schismatical_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o a_o schism_n by_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatic_a if_o they_o renounce_v his_o communion_n when_o he_o impose_v no_o new_a unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n upon_o they_o this_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n this_o be_v to_o break_v communion_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n who_o have_v excommunicate_v they_o if_o they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unjust_o excommunicate_v this_o be_v to_o separate_a for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n which_o be_v a_o schism_n if_o they_o communicate_v with_o both_o they_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v schismatic_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o if_o you_o can_v find_v any_o more_o difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o may_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v both_o with_o the_o roman_a and_o asian_a church_n without_o schism_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v upon_o these_o principle_n which_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o confirm_v 1._o that_o the_o personal_a miscarriage_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n can_v involve_v his_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n though_o it_o may_v make_v he_o a_o schismatic_a and_o certain_o since_o bishop_n be_v but_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n that_o other_o man_n be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n if_o his_o personal_a schism_n shall_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v that_o every_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v schismatical_a when_o the_o bishop_n be_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n who_o bishop_n be_v a_o schismatic_a without_o communicate_v in_o the_o schism_n and_o therefore_o though_o victor_n have_v schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n the_o christian_n of_o rome_n at_o that_o time_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n for_o though_o a_o particular_a church-society_n consist_v in_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n may_v violate_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o communion_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o church_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n and_o society_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a fault_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a where_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v constitution_n in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o oblige_v the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o people_n for_o shall_v any_o english_a bishop_n require_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_v law_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n or_o shall_v exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o censure_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v not_o allow_v he_o by_o those_o canon_n this_o can_v in_o no_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o one_o bind_v
before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o above_o a_o hundred_o eminent_a nonconformist_n of_o several_a persuasion_n publish_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n which_o such_o needless_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o edition_n correct_v by_o the_o author_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m._n dc_o lxxxiv_o to_o the_o dissenter_n from_z the_o church_n of_o england_n dear_a brethren_n you_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v upon_o by_o authority_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n order_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o it_o be_v both_o your_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o expose_v our_o religion_n to_o danger_n and_o yourselves_o to_o suffer_v in_o which_o unless_o the_o cause_n be_v good_a the_o call_v clear_a and_o 3._o mr._n mede_n be_v farewell_o serm._n on_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 3._o the_o end_v right_a it_o can_v bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o or_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n not_o bring_v peace_n to_o yourselves_o for_o we_o can_v suffer_v joyful_o the_o 4._o mr._n read_v his_o case_n p._n 4._o spoil_n of_o our_o good_n the_o confinement_n of_o our_o person_n the_o ruin_n of_o our_o family_n unless_o conscience_n be_v able_a true_o to_o say_v i_o will_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o sin_n against_o god_n that_o i_o may_v have_v avoid_v those_o suffering_n from_o men._n not_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o be_v accountable_a 92._o continuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exer._n ser._n 4._o p._n 92._o for_o what_o portion_n he_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v not_o to_o throw_v away_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v without_o sin_n in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v set_v over_o we_o as_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o ibid._n read_v ibid._n in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o yourselves_o to_o assist_v person_n in_o this_o enquiry_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o of_o late_a several_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v undertake_v the_o most_o material_a point_n that_o you_o do_v question_n and_o have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o calmness_n which_o become_v their_o profession_n and_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o which_o may_v the_o better_o invite_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v they_o but_o because_o truth_n and_o reason_n do_v too_o often_o suffer_v by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la we_o have_v against_o particular_a person_n to_o remove_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v that_o obstruction_n i_o have_v in_o this_o treatise_n show_v that_o these_o author_n be_v not_o alone_o but_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a nonconformist_n for_o they_o who_o do_v general_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o the_o parochial_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o many_o of_o these_o i_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o for_o one_o hundred_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v produce_v two_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o go_v by_o the_o poll_n so_o that_o if_o reason_n or_o authority_n will_v prevail_v i_o hope_v that_o yet_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o recovery_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despair_v of_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o your_o own_o and_o the_o church_n sake_n amen_n the_o content_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n pag._n 1_o the_o dissenter_n grant_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n p._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o p._n 12_o that_o they_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o as_o far_o as_o lawful_o they_o can_v p._n 16_o that_o defect_n in_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n p._n 23_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o better_a edification_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o withhold_v communion_n p._n 39_o the_o badness_n of_o minister_n will_v not_o justify_v separation_n p._n 48_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o discipline_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v p._n 59_o the_o opinion_n which_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o its_o lay-member_n be_v concern_v in_o p._n 64_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o do_v not_o stint_v the_o spirit_n ibid._n that_o public_a prescribe_a form_n may_v lawful_o be_v join_v with_o p._n 66_o that_o the_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n be_v for_o its_o matter_n sound_n and_o good_a and_o for_o its_o form_n tolerable_a if_o not_o useful_a p._n 69_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o idolatrous_a nor_o unlawful_a and_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o separate_v from_o that_o ordinance_n p._n 71_o 72_o that_o stand_v up_o at_o the_o creed_n and_o gospel_n be_v lawful_a p._n 73_o the_o conclusion_n ibid._n the_o non-conformists'_a plea_n for_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o christian_a world_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o rank_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a usual_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o clergy_n and_o laity_n minister_n and_o people_n the_o clergy_n beside_o the_o thing_n essential_o belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o well-ordered_a church_n in_o the_o world_n strict_o oblige_v by_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n or_o both_o to_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v thus_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n more_o especial_o contain_v in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v use_v the_o form_n and_o rite_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o promise_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n in_o its_o order_n the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n which_o do_v much_o depend_v upon_o that_o of_o its_o officer_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o laity_n be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o declaration_n or_o subscription_n require_v of_o they_o nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o attend_v upon_o and_o join_v with_o the_o worship_n practise_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr._n baxter_n to_o who_o when_o it_o 29._o defence_n of_o the_o cure_n part_v 2._o pag._n 29._o be_v object_v that_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o life_n be_v impose_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n he_o reply_v what_o be_v impose_v on_o you_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o your_o communion_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o parish-church_n but_o your_o actual_a communion_n itself_o in_o discourse_v therefore_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o must_v be_v careful_o observe_v lest_o the_o thing_n require_v only_o of_o one_o order_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o all_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o one_o that_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o mischief_n cranford_n a_o book_n license_v by_o mr._n cranford_n spring_v from_o man_n confound_v the_o term_n of_o ministerial_a conformity_n with_o those_o of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o parochial_a assembly_n there_o be_v much_o more_o require_v of_o the_o minister_n than_o of_o the_o people_n private_a person_n have_v much_o less_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o in_o absent_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o perform_v by_o the_o liturgy_n than_o the_o pastor_n have_v for_o not_o take_v oath_n etc._n etc._n certain_o if_o this_o difference_n be_v but_o observe_v and_o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n true_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v far_o more_o
averse_a to_o communion_n 311._o baxter_n cure_n p._n 311._o with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconform_a minister_n be_v as_o one_o complain_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o the_o conformity_n of_o minister_n because_o of_o the_o previous_a term_n require_v of_o they_o they_o will_v judge_v what_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lawful_a as_o some_o 89._o continuat_fw-la morning_n exercise_n serm._n 4._o p._n 89._o of_o they_o do_v and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o those_o of_o their_o minister_n that_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v therein_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n that_o do_v not_o act_v etc._n act_v act_v act_v rathband_n epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v to_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n thereof_o and_o subscription_n unto_o or_o practice_n or_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o same_o for_o puritan_n for_o for_o for_o nichol_n plea_n for_o the_o puritan_n though_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o separation_n from_o god_n public_a worship_n as_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n do_v declare_v so_o that_o as_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o presence_n and_o consent_n betwixt_o bare_a communion_n and_o approbation_n betwixt_o the_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o a_o private_a person_n so_o much_o be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n we_o be_v only_o to_o respect_v what_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n what_o part_n they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o exercise_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n now_o what_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o be_v either_o the_o form_n that_o be_v impose_v the_o gesture_n they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o the_o time_n they_o be_v to_o observe_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o ministration_n which_o they_o may_v be_v remote_o suppose_v also_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o which_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n require_v in_o lay-communion_n among_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o maintain_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o those_o that_o already_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v oblige_v to_o justify_v it_o but_o from_o those_o that_o in_o some_o thing_n do_v differ_v from_o it_o who_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v impartial_a and_o who_o reason_n may_v be_v the_o more_o heed_v as_o come_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o such_o that_o be_v forward_o in_o other_o respect_n to_o own_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o that_o whole_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o case_n and_o of_o their_o judgement_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o what_o opinion_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n have_v have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v have_v of_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n 3._o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v have_v of_o such_o practice_n and_o usage_n in_o that_o church_n as_o layman_n be_v concern_v in_o 1._o what_o opinion_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n have_v have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n second_o to_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o main_a very_o valuable_a first_o they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n thus_o mr._n baily_n say_v of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n they_o 21._o dissuasive_a â—_o 2._o p._n 21._o do_v always_o plead_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o never_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o be_v or_o the_o comfort_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o as_o much_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o present_a by_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a person_n among_o they_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o 33._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o defective_a in_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n thus_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n by_o one_o that_o undertake_v their_o defence_n and_o will_v defend_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 13._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o and_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o visible_a church_n with_o they_o this_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bare_o assert_v but_o also_o undertake_v to_o prove_v this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n in_o their_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n who_o thus_o begin_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a 57_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a confut._n p._n 1._o etc._n etc._n p._n 57_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o from_o which_o whosoever_o witting_o and_o willing_o separate_v himself_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v be_v persuade_v by_o these_o reason_n follow_v 1._o we_o enjoy_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o outward_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o unfeigned_a conversion_n of_o many_o as_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o the_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o martyrdom_n which_o sundry_a have_v endure_v that_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o our_o whole_a church_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apology_n thereof_o and_o those_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o in_o the_o convocation-house_n anno_fw-la 1562._o whereunto_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o contain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v prove_v this_o evident_o etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n ball_n wheresoever_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 306._o friendly_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o separate_a c._n 13â—_n p_o 306._o true_o teach_v and_o profess_v in_o point_n fundamental_a and_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n right_o administer_v there_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o health_n and_o soundness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v craze_v by_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o evil_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n as_o much_o as_o this_o be_v also_o affirm_v in_o the_o letter_n pass_v betwixt_o the_o minister_n of_o old-england_n 24._o a._n letter_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o other_o in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o and_o new-england_n it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o the_o want_n of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o title_n or_o right_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o likewise_o argue_v for_o it_o thus_o the_o author_n to_o jerubbaal_n the_o 27._o jerubbaal_n or_o the_o pleader_n implead_v p._n 18_o &_o 27._o essential_o constitutive_a of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v 1._o the_o head_n 2._o the_o body_n 3._o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o they_o which_o three_o concur_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n christ_n be_v the_o profess_a head_n she_o be_v christ_n profess_a body_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v the_o union-band_n whereby_o they_o be_v couple_v together_o she_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v deny_v a_o true_a though_o god_n know_v far_o from_o a_o pure_a church_n if_o we_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o consider_v the_o particular_n i_o may_v fill_v a_o volume_n with_o testimony_n of_o this_o kind_n 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v universal_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a even_o the_o brownist_n own_v it_o of_o
something_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n but_o if_o the_o church_n have_v all_o thing_n essential_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o when_o the_o 17._o v._o annotation_n on_o the_o apologet._n nar._n p._n 17._o church_n of_o rome_n be_v call_v a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o metaphysical_a or_o natural_a sense_n as_o a_o thief_n be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o though_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v a_o true_a spirit_n but_o withal_o she_o be_v a_o false_a church_n as_o mr._n brinsly_n say_v from_o bishop_n hall_n a_o heretical_a 26._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 26._o apostatical_a antichristian_a synagogue_n and_o so_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o the_o parochial_a church_n true_a church_n it_o be_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v sound_a church_n which_o may_v safe_o be_v communicate_v with_o thus_o do_v dr._n bryan_n make_v the_o 291._o dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p._n 289_o 291._o opposition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n of_o christian_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v christianity_n and_o acknowledge_v christ_n their_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o visible_a society_n of_o traitorous_a usurper_n so_o far_o as_o they_o profess_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v their_o head_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o church_n therefore_o which_o be_v spiritual_a babylon_n god_n people_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_v etc._n etc._n but_o not_o from_o church_n which_o have_v make_v separation_n from_o rome_n as_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n in_o france_n and_o these_o of_o great_a britain_n have_v do_v in_o who_o congregation_n be_v find_v truth_n of_o doctrine_n a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n submit_v to_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o a_o separation_n will_v as_o have_v be_v say_v unchurch_n it_o this_o will_v be_v to_o deny_v christ_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o or_o to_o deny_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n with_o which_o christ_n hold_v communion_n contrary_a to_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v i_o think_v universal_o maintain_v the_o error_n of_o these_o man_n say_v mr._n brightman_n 156._o brightman_n brightman_n brightman_n on_o rev._n c._n 3._o v._o jenkin_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o allen_n vindiciae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la second_o part_n p._n 123._o vindication_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n p._n 130._o cotton_n on_o john_n p._n 156._o iâ—_n full_a of_o evil_a who_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n make_v a_o departure_n from_o this_o church_n by_o total_a separation_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v quite_o banish_v from_o hence_o and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o those_o that_o abide_v there_o let_v these_o man_n consider_v that_o christ_n be_v here_o feast_v with_o his_o member_n will_v they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o sit_v at_o meat_n there_o where_o christ_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o sit_v further_o this_o will_v be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n conclude_v 136._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v grave_a consut_o p._n 57_o cawdrey_n independency_n further_o prove_v p._n 136._o because_o we_o have_v a_o true_a church_n consist_v of_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n and_o a_o faithful_a people_n therefore_o they_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o incur_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o odious_a reproach_n of_o manifest_a schism_n for_o what_o be_v that_o say_v another_z 44._o another_z another_z another_z brinsly_n arraigment_n p._n 15_o 24_o 44._o but_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n this_o last_o will_v not_o diminish_v but_o much_o increase_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o another_o say_v 104._o say_v say_v say_v baily_n dissuasive_a c._n 6._o p._n 104._o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a and_o who_o ministry_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v save_v than_o from_o a_o church_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v false_a and_o who_o minister_n i_o take_v to_o have_v no_o call_v from_o god_n nor_o any_o blessing_n from_o his_o hand_n this_o therefore_o be_v their_o avow_v principle_n that_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a and_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n do_v general_o hold_v and_o maintain_v against_o the_o brownist_n 55._o brownist_n brownist_n brownist_n ames_n be_v puritanismus_n angl._n v._o parker_n on_o the_o cross_n part_v 2._o c._n 91._o §_o 21._o bax._n defence_n p._n 55._o and_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v on_o their_o part_n 6._o part_n part_n part_n apologet._n nar._n p._n 6._o we_o have_v always_o profess_v and_o that_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o both_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o among_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n several_a have_v write_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n against_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o it_o and_o have_v in_o print_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o practice_n so_o mr._n baxter_n 75._o baxter_n baxter_n baxter_n sacril_n desert_n p._n 75._o i_o constant_o join_v iâ—_n my_o parish-church_n in_o liturgy_n and_o sacrament_n it_o be_v say_v of_o mr._n joseph_n allen_n 111._o allen_n allen_n allen_n the_o life_n of_o mr._n j._n allen_n p._n 111._o that_o he_o as_o frequent_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n as_o his_o opportunity_n and_o strength_n permit_v 64._o permit_v permit_v permit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o schism_n p._n 64._o of_o mr._n brinsley_n that_o he_o ordinary_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n dr._n collins_n say_v as_o much_o of_o himself_o etc._n himself_o himself_o himself_o reasonable_a account_n etc._n etc._n mr._n lie_v in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v advise_v his_o people_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o best_a they_o can_v and_o not_o to_o separate_v but_o to_o do_v as_o the_o old_a puritan_n do_v thirty_o year_n before_o mr._n cradacot_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n profess_v that_o if_o that_o pulpit_n be_v his_o die_a bed_n he_o will_v earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n mr._n hickman_n free_o declare_v i_o profess_v 113._o bonasus_n vapulans_fw-la p._n 113._o wherever_o i_o come_v i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o reconcile_v people_n to_o the_o public_a assembly_n my_o conscience_n will_v fly_v in_o my_o face_n if_o i_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o and_o mr._n corbet_n as_o he_o do_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o frequent_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a 15._o public_a public_a public_a discourse_v of_o the_o religion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 33._o v._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 15._o assembly_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o it_o be_v their_o principle_n and_o we_o may_v charitable_o believe_v it_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o conformity_n to_o it_o 1._o it_o it_o it_o nonconformist_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n p._n 1._o thus_o mr._n corbet_n declare_v for_o himself_o i_o own_o parish-church_n have_v a_o competent_a minister_n and_o a_o number_n of_o credible_a professor_n of_o christianity_n for_o true_a church_n and_o the_o worship_n therein_o perform_v as_o well_o in_o common-prayer_n as_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o main_a sound_n and_o good_a for_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n thereof_o and_o i_o may_v not_o disow_v the_o same_o in_o my_o practice_n by_o a_o total_a neglect_n thereof_o for_o my_o judgement_n and_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v concordant_a and_o if_o these_o two_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o concordant_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n or_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v themselves_o while_o they_o declare_v against_o separation_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o up_o those_o good_a man_n therefore_o be_v aware_a of_o this_o who_o meet_v a_o little_a after_o the_o plague_n and_o fire_n to_o consider_v say_v mr._n baxter_n 240._o nonconformist_n plea_n foâ—_n peace_n §_o 17â—_n p_o 240._o whether_o our_o actual_a forbearance_n to_o join_v with_o the_o parish-church_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v total_a may_v not_o tend_v to_o deceive_v man_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v for_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o take_v their_o communion_n to_o be_v
unlawful_a and_o upon_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o they_o agree_v such_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o meet_a when_o it_o will_v not_o do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a that_o be_v they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o 2._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v further_o from_o such_o a_o true_a church_n than_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o separate_v for_o be_v unlawful_a or_o be_v conceive_v so_o to_o be_v that_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o do_v what_o lawful_o they_o may_v towards_o communion_n with_o it_o for_o they_o declare_v 182._o declare_v declare_v declare_v burrough_n irenic_n p._n 182._o that_o to_o join_v in_o nothing_o because_o they_o can_v join_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o divide_v practice_n and_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o that_o case_n be_v schism_n for_o then_o the_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a 32._o unjust_a unjust_a unjust_a vindication_n of_o presbyter_n governm_fw-la brinsly_n arraignm_n p._n 16_o 32._o therefore_o if_o the_o ministerial_a communion_n be_v think_v unlawful_a and_o the_o lay-communion_n lawful_a the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a do_v not_o bar_v a_o person_n from_o join_v in_o the_o latter_a the_o deny_v of_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n do_v not_o gainsay_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o partake_v in_o that_o worship_n it_o be_v sound_n for_o the_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a etc._n etc._n 2._o etc._n etc._n etc._n corbet_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n p._n 2._o as_o a_o judicious_a person_n have_v observe_v this_o be_v the_o case_n general_o of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o exclusion_n from_o their_o public_a ministry_n hold_v full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o good_a hand_n that_o as_o 121._o irenicum_fw-la by_o discipulus_fw-la de_fw-la tempore_fw-la junior_fw-la alius_fw-la m._n newcomen_fw-mi epist_n to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a trial_n c._n 7._o p._n 121._o heretofore_o mr._n parker_n mr._n knewstubs_n mr._n vdal_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o many_o score_n suspend_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n reign_n so_o also_o of_o late_a time_n mr._n dod_n mr._n cleaver_n etc._n etc._n be_v utter_o against_o even_a semi-separation_n i._n e._n against_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o it_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o by_o mr._n ball_n they_o have_v evermore_o condemn_v voluntary_a separation_n from_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n or_o negligent_a frequent_v of_o those_o public_a prayer_n and_o 224._o and_o and_o and_o hildersham_n lect_v on_o john_n r._n rogers_n 7_o treatise_n tr._n 7._o c._n 4._o p._n 224._o some_o of_o they_o earnest_o press_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v the_o public_a service_n before_o the_o private_a and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prayer_n as_o a_o help_n to_o stir_v up_o god_n grace_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o do_v both_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exhort_v other_o so_o to_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v 2._o again_o if_o in_o lay-communion_n any_o thing_n be_v think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v no_o reason_n against_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a nonconformist_n in_o the_o last_o age_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o 135._o vindicat._n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la govern._n p._n 135._o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n kneel_v without_o sin_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o separate_v from_o she_o indeed_o in_o that_o particular_a act_n they_o withdraw_v but_o yet_o so_o as_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o she_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o much_o be_v own_v by_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n as_o one_o declare_v the_o church_n of_o england_n 30._o jerubbaal_n p._n 28_o 30._o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o she_o be_v unwarrantable_a therefore_o communion_n with_o she_o in_o all_o part_n of_o real_a solemn_a worship_n wherein_o i_o may_v join_v with_o she_o without_o either_o let_v or_o sin_n be_v a_o duty_n so_o another_o say_v of_o they_o 107._o throughton_n apol._n p._n 107._o they_o be_v ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o return_v to_o a_o full_a union_n with_o the_o parish_n when_o ever_o the_o obstacle_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o again_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n not_o only_o in_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o think_v they_o can_v lawful_o do_v it_o this_o those_o of_o the_o congregational-way_n do_v also_o accord_v to_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o which_o case_n they_o also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o 14._o mr._n nye'_v case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 4_o and_o 5._o mr._n read_z case_n p._n 14._o also_o as_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o therefore_o plead_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o establish_a ministry_n and_o undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o it_o whether_o take_v from_o the_o minister_n ordination_n 25._o ordination_n ordination_n ordination_n burrough_n irenic_n p._n 183._o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nye'_v case_n p._n 24_o 25._o or_o life_n or_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v minister_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o mr._n robinson_n plea_n for_o it_o of_o old_a and_o mr._n nye'_v of_o late_a as_o they_o be_v print_v together_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o thus_o conclude_v in_o most_o of_o the_o misperswasion_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n by_o which_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v corrupt_v i_o find_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o yet_o in_o this_o they_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o hear_v in_o public_a which_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v one_o constant_a design_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o way_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o jesuit_n among_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v the_o more_o aware_a of_o whatsoever_o tend_v that_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n also_o be_v mr._n tomb_n though_o he_o continue_v 319._o theodulia_n or_o a_o just_a defence_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n c._n 10._o §_o 15._o p._n 369._o c._n 9_o §_o 8._o p._n 319._o a_o anabaptist_n who_o have_v write_v a_o whole_a book_n to_o defend_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o england_n and_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o work_n have_v give_v forty_o additional_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o those_o he_o write_v against_o do_v affirm_v sure_o if_o the_o church_n be_v call_v mount_n zion_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o assembly_n of_o england_n may_v be_v call_v zion_n christ_n candlestick_n and_o garden_n as_o well_o as_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o what_o mr._n robinson_n say_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n for_o myself_o thus_o ult_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hear_v etc._n etc._n p._n ult_n i_o believe_v with_o my_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o profess_v with_o my_o tongue_n and_o have_v before_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n spirit_n baptism_n and_o lord_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o none_o other_o that_o i_o esteem_v so_o many_o in_o that_o church_n of_o what_o state_n or_o order_n soever_o as_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o that_o faith_n as_o i_o account_v thousand_o to_o be_v for_o my_o christian_a brethren_n and_o myself_o a_o fellow-member_n with_o they_o of_o that_o one_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n scatter_v far_o and_o wide_o throughout_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v always_o in_o spirit_n and_o affection_n all_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_o most_o ready_a in_o all_o outward_a action_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n lawful_a and_o lawful_o do_v to_o express_v the_o same_o and_o withal_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o preach_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o upon_o the_o ground_n former_o mention_v both_o lawful_a and_o upon_o occasion_n necessary_a for_o i_o and_o all_o true_a christian_n withdraw_v from_o that_o hierarchical_a order_n of_o church-government_n and_o ministry_n and_o the_o unite_n in_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n thus_o far_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o
this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o these_o reverend_a person_n do_v go_v upon_o different_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o espouse_v they_o agree_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o parochial_a church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o notion_n of_o hear_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o about_o the_o call_v of_o those_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v whole_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o from_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o no_o church_n be_v equal_o condemn_v by_o all_o 3._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n and_o affect_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n 1._o if_o the_o corruption_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o affect_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o say_v mr._n tomb_n not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n 48._o theodulia_n answer_v to_o preface_n §_o 23._o p._n 47_o 48._o of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n &c_n aid_n blake_n be_v vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 229_o &c_n &c_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o till_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v tolerable_a and_o so_o afford_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o mr._n brinsly_n 50._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 50._o suppose_v some_o just_a grievance_n may_v be_v find_v among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o tolerable_a if_o so_o then_o be_v separation_n on_o this_o ground_n intolerable_a unwarrantable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o mr._n noyes_n private_a brethren_n may_v not_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o separate_v from_o church_n or_o church-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 to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n cotton_n the_o former_a assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o 76._o evangelical_n love_n p._n 76._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 the_o latter_a say_v 156._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o 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 this_o be_v universal_o own_a but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o continue_v unconvince_v let_v he_o but_o peruse_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o nine_o church_n in_o scripture_n collect_v by_o mr._n baxter_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v think_v the_o conclusion_n infer_v from_o it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a observe_v say_v he_o that_o no_o etc._n cure_v of_o church_n division_n dir._n 5._o p._n 40_o etc._n etc._n 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 for_o it_o than_o any_o of_o these_o recite_v be_v 2._o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v if_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o so_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o communicate_v in_o they_o mr._n vines_n speak_v plain_o to_o both_o of_o these_o 239._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 239._o the_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_v many_o way_n in_o doctrine_n ordinance_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o this_o corruption_n the_o doctrine_n in_o some_o remote_a point_n the_o worship_n in_o some_o ritual_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o custom_n how_o many_o church_n do_v we_o find_v thus_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o no_o separation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n nor_o any_o commandment_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v i_o must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n avoid_v the_o corruption_n hold_v the_o communion_n but_o if_o corruption_n invade_v the_o fundamental_o the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n be_v destroy_v the_o worship_n be_v become_v idolatrous_a and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o if_o the_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v or_o approve_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o case_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o protestant_n so_o separate_v from_o rome_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n nor_o thus_o strict_o require_v than_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n under_o defect_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n so_o say_v mr._n corbet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o 33._o account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o n._n c._n p._n 8._o and_o discourse_v of_o relig._n §_o 16._o p._n 33._o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n find_v therein_o or_o to_o separate_v from_o its_o worship_n for_o the_o tolerable_a fault_n thereof_o while_o our_o personal_a profession_n of_o some_o error_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o evil_n be_v not_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o mr._n burrough_n himself_o do_v grant_v as_o much_o and_o more_o for_o he_o say_v 163._o irenicum_fw-la c._n 23._o p._n 162_o 163._o where_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o viz._n the_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v believe_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o mean_n altogether_o necessary_a or_o most_o expedient_a to_o salvation_n but_o men_n may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o freeman_n of_o christ_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o it_o to_o gather_v into_o a_o new_a church_n which_o may_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o comfortable_a and_o as_o though_o such_o corruption_n shall_v be_v impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o if_o not_o actual_o impose_v upon_o we_o our_o communicate_v in_o the_o true_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o the_o say_a imposition_n as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o those_o corruption_n as_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v argue_v so_o 103._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 103._o though_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v and_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o total_a separation_n as_o it_o be_v also_o own_a for_o say_v one_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o 12._o jerubbaal_n p._n 12._o that_o one_o can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n unavoidable_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n though_o not_o of_o a_o positive_a yet_o of_o a_o negative_a though_o not_o of_o a_o total_a yet_o of_o a_o partial_a separation_n i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o the_o lesser_a but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o great_a suppose_v then_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n not_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n
assembly_n and_o the_o corruption_n there_o though_o great_a yet_o be_v not_o such_o as_o make_v the_o worship_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n worship_n nor_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v swallow_v down_o if_o one_o will_v communicate_v in_o that_o worship_n while_o any_o christian_a that_o be_v watchful_a over_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o carriage_n as_o all_o aught_o ever_o to_o be_v may_v partake_v in_o the_o one_o without_o be_v active_a in_o or_o approve_v the_o other_o there_o god_n be_v yet_o present_a there_o he_o may_v be_v spiritual_o worship_v serve_v acceptable_o and_o real_o enjoy_v 3._o they_o grant_v that_o the_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a worship_n be_v no_o consent_n to_o the_o corruption_n in_o it_o thus_o mr._n robinson_n he_o that_o partake_v 23._o lawfulness_n of_o heaâ—ing_n etc._n etc._n p._n 19_o 23._o with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o uphold_v any_o evil_a have_v his_o part_n in_o the_o evil_a also_o but_o i_o deny_v as_o a_o most_o vain_a imagination_n that_o every_o one_o that_o partake_v with_o a_o church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a join_v with_o it_o in_o uphold_v the_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o christ_n our_o lord_n join_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o yet_o uphold_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o it_o so_o mr._n nye_n 96._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 16_o 18._o cure_n dir_fw-mi 35._o p_o 196_o etc._n etc._n defence_n p._n 96._o approbation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o show_v until_o it_o be_v express_v outward_o by_o my_o word_n and_o gesture_n this_o mr._n baxter_n undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o several_a argument_n as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n and_o justice_n take_v that_o for_o my_o profession_n which_o i_o never_o make_v by_o word_n or_o deed._n that_o the_o profession_n make_v by_o church-communion_n be_v total_o distinct_a from_o this_o that_o this_o opinion_n will_v make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v with_o any_o pastor_n or_o church_n on_o earth_n since_o every_o one_o mix_v sin_n with_o their_o prayer_n 4._o they_o say_v that_o corruption_n though_o foreknown_a do_v not_o yet_o make_v those_o that_o be_v present_a guilty_a of_o they_o thus_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n declare_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o people_n 16._o letter_n of_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o the_o brethren_n in_o new-england_n p._n 12_o 13_o 16._o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v personal_a as_o some_o distinguish_v or_o otherwise_o know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o know_v for_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v whether_o it_o be_v know_v beforehand_o or_o not_o all_o presence_n be_v faulty_a and_o if_o simple_a presence_n defile_v not_o our_o presence_n be_v not_o condemn_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n know_v whereof_o we_o stand_v not_o guilty_a if_o the_o error_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v tolerate_v and_o i_o be_o call_v to_o be_v present_a by_o such_o fault_n i_o be_o not_o defile_v though_o know_v before_o mr._n baxter_n reply_v to_o those_o of_o a_o 200._o curâ—_n p._n 200._o contrary_a opinion_n after_o this_o manner_n take_v heed_n that_o thus_o by_o affirm_v that_o foreknowing_a fault_n in_o worship_n make_v they_o we_o you_o make_v not_o god_n the_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o god_n foreknoweth_a all_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v present_a when_o they_o commit_v they_o and_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o world_n what_o fault_n soever_o be_v in_o the_o word_n or_o form_n he_o do_v not_o reject_v they_o for_o any_o such_o fail_n will_v you_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n approve_v or_o consent_v to_o all_o these_o sin_n i_o know_v beforehand_o that_o every_o man_n will_v sin_v that_o pray_v by_o defect_n of_o desire_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o do_v all_o this_o make_v it_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o otherwhere_o add_v it_o be_v another_o man_n 748_o christian_n diâ—ect_a p._n 748_o fault_n or_o error_n that_o you_o foreknow_v and_o not_o your_o own_o 5._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v none_o of_o we_o nor_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o absent_v from_o it_o or_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o it_o thus_o mr._n baxter_n the_o 34._o cure_n p._n 197._o v._o jerubbaal_n justify_v p_o 16_o etc._n etc._n 22_o 34._o word_v of_o the_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o pastor_n work_n and_o none_o of_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o why_o shall_v any_o hold_v i_o guilty_a of_o another_o man_n fault_n which_o i_o neither_o can_v help_v nor_o belong_v to_o any_o office_n of_o i_o to_o help_v any_o far_a than_o to_o admonish_v he_o and_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o he_o that_o minister_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o debar_v ourselves_o of_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n mr._n nye_n affirm_v and_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n 10._o case_n of_o great_a and_o present_a use_n p._n 10._o if_o i_o may_v not_o omit_v a_o duty_n in_o respect_n to_o the_o evil_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o be_v my_o own_o much_o less_o may_v i_o thus_o leave_v a_o ordinance_n for_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v another_o man_n no_o way_n i_o or_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o this_o be_v to_o make_v another_o man_n sin_n or_o infirmity_n more_o mine_n than_o my_o own_o thus_o be_v the_o case_n resolve_v 65._o of_o scandal_n a_o discourse_n p._n 65._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n i_o may_v not_o only_o say_v one_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a but_o suffer_v another_o to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v unlawful_a rather_o than_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o necessary_a ordinance_n e._n g._n if_o either_o i_o must_v have_v my_o child_n baptize_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o not_o baptize_v at_o all_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o way_n though_o i_o judge_v it_o a_o unlawful_a addition_n because_o the_o manner_n concern_v he_o that_o do_v it_o not_o i_o at_o least_o not_o so_o much_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v all_o the_o essence_n he_o must_v be_v responsible_a for_o every_o irregularity_n not_o i_o thus_o jacob_n take_v laban_n oath_n though_o by_o his_o idol_n etc._n etc._n 24._o v._o crofton_n reformat_fw-la no_o separate_a p._n 24._o after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v mr._n baxter_n resolâ—â—_n the_o case_n in_o his_o christian_a directory_n pag._n 49._o seven_o they_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o join_v arg._n 7_o with_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n where_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o thus_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n at_o the_o savoy_n 13._o savoy_n savoy_n savoy_n confer_v at_o the_o savoy_n p._n 3_o 12_o 13._o a_o inconvenient_a mode_n of_o worship_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o the_o imposer_n and_o in_o the_o chooser_n and_o voluntary_a user_n that_o may_v offer_v god_n better_o and_o will_v not_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o that_o by_o violence_n be_v necessitate_v to_o offer_v up_o that_o or_o none_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o a_o author_n that_o be_v far_o from_o be_v favourable_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o 64._o separate_a yet_o no_o schism_n p._n 64._o where_o hear_v or_o communion_n in_o sacrament_n no_o where_n enjoy_v but_o only_o in_o such_o church_n that_o be_v so_o corrupt_a as_o you_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a yea_o and_o a_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o you_o so_o far_o as_o possible_o christian_n can_v without_o sin_n according_o mr._n baxter_n declare_v that_o 78._o def._n of_o cure_n part_n 1._o p._n 78._o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n constant_o with_o any_o of_o the_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o that_o have_v honest_a competent_a pastor_n when_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o and_o profess_v for_o his_o own_o part_n be_v i_o say_v he_o in_o armenia_n 6._o part_n 2._o p._n 176._o and_o cure_n p._n 265._o q._n 6._o abassia_n or_o among_o the_o greek_n i_o will_v join_v in_o a_o much_o more_o defective_a form_n than_o our_o liturgy_n rather_o than_o none_o and_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o new-england_n minister_n to_o join_v with_o the_o english_a liturgy_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o church-worship_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o conjecture_v from_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o synod_n etc._n etc._n 5._o defence_n of_o synod_n pref._n p._n 4_o 5._o def._n of_o cure_n part_v 1._o p._n 78._o n._n 6._o p._n 96._o n._n 5._o now_o in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o better_o he_o show_v 1._o when_o it_o be_v so_o by_o a_o necessity_n arise_v
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o it_o be_v for_o better_a edification_n and_o that_o we_o may_v choose_v what_o be_v for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v less_o for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o case_n i_o shall_v show_v from_o they_o p._n 2._o that_o as_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o worship_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n sometime_o they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imaginary_a a_o seem_a contentment_n of_o mind_n as_o one_o 58._o methermenent_fw-la p._n 71._o on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o diâ—is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o conâ—inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
that_o they_o think_v it_o altogether_o unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o stint_a form_n and_o liturgy_n this_o be_v not_o only_o frequent_o affirm_v by_o mr._n ball_n 156._o ball_n ball_n ball_n trial_n p._n 121_o 129_o 140_o 156._o but_o little_o less_o even_a by_o mr._n norton_n 13._o norton_n norton_n norton_n resp_n ad_fw-la apol_n c._n 13._o who_o say_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o embrace_v communion_n with_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n neither_o do_v it_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o a_o believer_n that_o he_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o then_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o all_o church_n so_o mr._n baxter_n etc._n etc._n be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a degree_n 224._o sacril_n desert_n p._n 102._o defence_n part_v 2._o p._n 65._o ball_n trial_n p._n 138._o roger_n 7_o tr._n p._n 224._o of_o pride_n to_o conclude_v that_o almost_o all_o christ_n church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o these_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o to_o this_o day_n have_v offer_v such_o worship_n unto_o god_n as_o that_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o avoid_v it_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o earth_n this_o day_n be_v below_o your_o communion_n for_o use_v form_n and_o that_o even_a calvin_n and_o the_o presbyterian_o cartwright_n hildersham_n and_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v unworthy_a your_o communion_n i_o know_v there_o be_v several_a objection_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o i_o know_v also_o that_o these_o be_v answer_v by_o they_o but_o since_o the_o most_o common_a be_v that_o of_o quench_v and_o stint_v the_o spirit_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v their_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o say_v 1._o to_o say_v that_o person_n shall_v use_v no_o set_a form_n but_o 83._o roger_n 7_o tr._n tr._n 3._o c._n 4._o p._n 223._o ball_n trial_n c._n 5._o p._n 83._o pray_v as_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o fond_a error_n 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n instruct_v we_o what_o to_o ask_v not_o in_o what_o phrase_n of_o speech_n it_o stir_v up_o in_o we_o holy_a desire_n but_o give_v not_o ability_n sudden_o and_o without_o help_n to_o express_v and_o lay_v open_a our_o heart_n in_o a_o fit_a method_n and_o significant_a word_n ability_n of_o speech_n be_v a_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o lord_n bestow_v upon_o good_a and_o bad_a etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v not_o in_o 91._o ibid._n p._n 91._o word_n and_o form_n but_o in_o fervent_a sigh_n and_o groan_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o let_v but_o that_o in_o such_o ibid._n rogers_n ibid._n form_n the_o hearer_n heart_n may_v profitable_o go_v with_o the_o same_o both_o to_o humble_a to_o quicken_v and_o to_o comfort_v and_o dr._n owen_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v 232._o disc_n of_o prayer_n p_o 222_o 231_o 232._o be_v for_o edification_n and_o that_o person_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n 5._o they_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n insist_v upon_o in_o this_o case_n be_v ground_v upon_o mistake_v and_o be_v misapply_v as_o mr._n tomb_n in_o particular_a have_v clear_o manifest_v 238._o theodulia_n p._n 164_o 238._o four_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o the_o english_a liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n both_o as_o to_o the_o liturgy_n itself_o and_o communion_n in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o liturgy_n itself_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v good_a sound_a 35._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n serm._n 6_o p._n 312._o baxt._n def._n pa._n t_o 1._o p._n 29_o 59_o crofton_n refor_o no_o separ_fw-la p._n 25._o t._n d._n jerubbaal_n p_o 35._o and_o divine_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o doctrinal_a passage_n in_o any_o of_o the_o prayer_n that_o may_v not_o bear_v a_o good_a construction_n and_o so_o amen_o may_v be_v say_v to_o it_o as_o dr._n bryan_n with_o other_o do_v maintain_v 2._o that_o as_o no_o church_n for_o this_o 1400_o year_n have_v be_v without_o its_o public_a form_n so_o we_o be_v the_o best_a so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n compare_v the_o doctrine_n 12._o leâ—ter_v of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-engl_n p._n 12._o prayer_n rite_n at_o those_o time_n throughout_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n with_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o short_a that_o we_o find_v in_o mr._n baxter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o 101._o second_o plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 101._o the_o present_a nonconformist_n 3._o that_o which_o be_v account_v faulty_a be_v tolerable_a and_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o edify_v to_o pious_a and_o well-disposed_a person_n tolerable_a so_o mr._n corbet_n the_o worship_n contain_v 58._o plea_n for_o lay-communion_n p._n 2._o v._o ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 9_o p._n 58._o in_o the_o liturgy_n may_v lawful_o be_v partake_v in_o it_o be_v sound_n for_o substance_n in_o the_o main_a and_o the_o mode_n thereof_o be_v laudable_a in_o divers_a form_n and_o order_n and_o passable_a in_o the_o most_o though_o in_o some_o offensive_a inconvenient_a or_o less_o perfect_a acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n 13._o letter_n of_o the_o minist_n in_o old-england_n p._n 13._o in_o they_o that_o join_v with_o the_o prayer_n according_a to_o christ_n command_n and_o liberty_n of_o absence_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v show_v notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n we_o hold_v the_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n edify_v to_o well-disposed_a person_n to_o this_o purpose_n mr._n hildersham_n mr._n rogers_n etc._n etc._n 224l_o treat_n 3._o c._n 4._o p._n 224l_o and_o according_o mr._n corbet_n profess_v his_o own_o experience_n 3._o experience_n experience_n experience_n corbet_n plea_n p._n 3._o though_o i_o judge_v their_o form_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v in_o many_o respect_v less_o perfect_a than_o be_v desire_v yet_o i_o have_v find_v my_o heart_n spiritual_o affect_v and_o raise_v towards_o god_n therein_o and_o more_o especial_o in_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n i_o judge_v this_o form_n may_v be_v use_v formal_o by_o the_o formal_a and_o spiritual_o by_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a it_o be_v my_o part_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v the_o establish_v form_n as_o to_o communion_n in_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v grant_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o renounce_v it_o or_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o and_o that_o so_o to_o do_v be_v a_o sin_n 105._o sin_n sin_n sin_n gifford_n plain_a declaâ—ation_n ball_n be_v trial_n c._n 7._o p._n 121._o sacril_n desert_n p._n 105._o 2._o that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o christendom_n do_v common_o profess_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o english_a church_n in_o the_o liturgy_n if_o they_o come_v among_o we_o where_o it_o be_v use_v 68_o use_v use_v use_v mr_n baxter_n def._n of_o cure_n p._n 68_o 3._o it_o be_v declare_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n that_o they_o ordinary_o and_o constant_o use_v the_o communion-book_n in_o their_o public_a ministration_n 155._o ministration_n ministration_n ministration_n ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 121._o c._n 8._o p._n 155._o and_o that_o the_o people_n general_o be_v in_o their_o day_n satisfy_v in_o it_o 14._o it_o it_o it_o let._n of_o minister_n of_o old-engl_n p._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v declare_v we_o can_v lawful_o not_o only_a hear_v common-prayer_n but_o read_v it_o ourselves_o 157._o ourselves_o ourselves_o ourselves_o mr._n mead_n case_n p._n 7._o m._n humphry_n heal_v paper_n p._n 5._o mr._n baxter_n disp_n 4._o of_o church-gov_a p._n 364._o mr._n s._n fairclough_n life_n p._n 157._o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o several_a objection_n against_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o answer_v return_v to_o they_o by_o the_o old_a and_o present_a nonconformist_n but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v much_o 152._o trial._n c._n 8._o p._n 152._o insist_v upon_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mr._n ball_n and_o their_o reply_n to_o it_o the_o liturgy_n in_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o form_n thereof_o be_v object_n too_o like_a unto_o the_o mass-book_n if_o the_o liturgy_n be_v antichristian_a it_o be_v so_o either_o in_o answ_n respect_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o of_o the_o form_n not_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o that_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o antichrist_n the_o foul_a and_o gross_a error_n be_v purge_v out_o not_o of_o the_o form_n for_o order_n and_o phrase_n of_o
the_o body_n by_o be_v deny_v all_o communication_n with_o it_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v admit_v a_o member_n of_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o freedom_n and_o not_o be_v permit_v to_o set_v up_o a_o trade_n to_o give_v a_o vote_n or_o to_o act_n in_o any_o other_o case_n as_o other_o member_n do_v what_o will_v be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o foreigner_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o his_o condition_n be_v the_o worse_o by_o be_v mock_v and_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v with_o the_o name_n whilst_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o freeman_n 3._o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o this_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o command_v by_o god_n except_o in_o case_n of_o legal_a uncleanness_n and_o those_o notorious_a crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n to_o observe_v his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o join_v in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o we_o know_v they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n three_o time_n a_o year_n be_v all_o their_o male_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o 17._o exod._n 23._o 14_o 17._o lord_n to_o keep_v three_o solemn_a appoint_a feast_n unto_o he_o many_o of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v no_o other_o qualification_n than_o what_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o foreskin_n for_o again_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n be_v too_o keep_v the_o passover_n none_o 44._o exod._n 12._o 44._o be_v deny_v it_o but_o foreigner_n and_o hire_a servant_n and_o they_o too_o no_o long_o but_o till_o they_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o show_v that_o mere_a circumcision_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o its_o most_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a mystery_n 4._o this_o be_v also_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n as_o be_v plain_o intimate_v unto_o we_o from_o many_o scripture_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n particular_o relate_v to_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o by_o a_o figure_n of_o the_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v put_v to_o signify_v the_o whole_a communion_n but_o the_o thing_n here_o especial_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v as_o comprehensive_a and_o universal_a as_o that_o of_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o one_o spirit_n all_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n so_o all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n again_o in_o another_o place_n allude_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o one_o bread_n all_o the_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o member_n that_o conspire_v to_o make_v up_o the_o one_o body_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o one_o bread_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n yet_o can_v be_v clear_a it_o be_v that_o account_n st._n luke_n give_v we_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o glad_o receive_v st._n peter_n word_n and_o be_v by_o baptism_n add_v to_o the_o church_n they_o all_o the_o three_o thousand_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v of_o the_o number_n continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n 5._o from_o the_o end_n of_o church-membership_a which_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n incorporate_v into_o that_o divine_a society_n and_o entitle_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o end_n that_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o we_o may_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n but_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v without_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n and_o all_o other_o privilege_n and_o duty_n be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v understand_v hence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o edification_n in_o scripture_n be_v usual_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n and_o tho_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o yet_o because_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v usual_o style_v the_o edify_n of_o the_o 12._o eph._n 4._o 12._o church_n and_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n hence_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptable_a 23._o rom._n 10._o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o seed_n but_o of_o incorruptable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o same_o be_v express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v 17._o john_n 17._o 17._o truth_n god_n church_n be_v his_o family_n which_o he_o especial_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o he_o that_o be_v of_o it_o be_v under_o the_o schechina_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o providence_n it_o can_v but_o be_v of_o mighty_a advantage_n towards_o our_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o have_v therein_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o provision_n make_v for_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o dispenser_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o allneed_n and_o all_o capacity_n not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o deceit_n and_o whisper_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n to_o personal_a conjecture_n or_o secret_a insinuation_n but_o to_o have_v the_o public_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o leader_n to_o have_v our_o devotion_n mingle_v with_o the_o concurrent_a prayer_n of_o all_o god_n people_n and_o so_o by_o their_o joint_a force_n after_o a_o tertul._n coimus_fw-la incaetum_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la deum_fw-la quasimanu_fw-la facta_fw-la precationibus_fw-la ambiamus_fw-la orantes_fw-la tertul._n humble_a but_o powerful_a manner_n to_o besiege_v and_o belaguer_v heaven_n to_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n all_o the_o great_a example_n in_o god_n church_n to_o have_v our_o faith_n strengthen_v our_o repentance_n heighten_v our_o love_n inflame_v our_o hope_n and_o our_o comfort_n raise_v by_o the_o holy_a communion_n will_v not_o the_o flame_n of_o other_o kindle_v our_o zeal_n and_o assection_n and_o will_v it_o not_o put_v we_o into_o a_o transport_n of_o devotion_n to_o see_v therein_o christ_n crucify_a before_o our_o eye_n pour_v out_o his_o blood_n for_o we_o bow_v his_o head_n as_o it_o be_v to_o kiss_v and_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n as_o it_o be_v to_o embrace_v all_o that_o be_v penitent_a and_o return_n to_o he_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n that_o can_v be_v have_v but_o in_o church-communion_n to_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n than_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n there_o can_v be_v in_o those_o external_a administration_n and_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o believer_n only_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o use_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n we_o shall_v far_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n hold_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o their_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n we_o be_v not_o now_o discourse_v what_o god_n
and_o vilify_v the_o person_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a jesus_n his_o person_n as_o one_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v obey_v and_o follow_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o merit_n and_o what_o can_v such_o person_n expect_v but_o that_o god_n will_v vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o the_o infinite_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o great_a undertake_n in_o some_o remarkable_a way_n upon_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n by_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n or_o in_o the_o next_o without_o repentance_n by_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 30._o their_o eternal_a damnation_n obj._n but_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o come_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o save_a grace_n though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n and_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v yet_o 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upon_o he_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o it_o what_o a_o mighty_a evil_n must_v sin_v needs_o be_v when_o nothing_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v it_o but_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a malignity_n must_v sin_n have_v in_o it_o when_o it_o lay_v on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o omnipotency_n such_o a_o load_n of_o wrath_n as_o make_v he_o complain_v and_o sweat_v and_o groan_v and_o die_v again_o here_o we_o repeat_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o god_n solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o afresh_o to_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o a_o new_a oath_n to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o covenant_n we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a love_n for_o sin_n and_o death_n that_o can_v break_v through_o all_o these_o bond_n and_o obligation_n to_o come_v at_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o some_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n remain_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o or_o the_o negligence_n and_o connivance_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v chief_o pretend_v be_v that_o the_o viciousness_n of_o those_o member_n do_v derive_v a_o stain_n and_o defilement_n on_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o pollute_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o themselves_o here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o other_o sin_n and_o then_o upon_o that_o condition_n that_o we_o can_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o sinful_a company_n now_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o good_a man_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o mix_a assembly_n that_o the_o communion_n receive_v no_o perjudice_n by_o the_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o its_o member_n they_o be_v frequent_o to_o exhort_v and_o advise_v they_o for_o this_o end_n be_v we_o place_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o though_o to_o instruct_v the_o flock_n god_n have_v appoint_v a_o whole_a order_n of_o man_n on_o purpose_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n und_fw-ge to_o good_a 24._o heb._n 3._o 13._o heb._n 10._o 24._o work_n they_o be_v prudent_o and_o with_o much_o affection_n to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o rude_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o they_o without_o disturbance_n so_o run_v the_o precept_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n but_o thou_o shall_v rebuke_v thy_o brother_n 17._o leu._n 19_o 17._o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o be_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n say_v the_o apostle_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n 1._o gal._n 6._o 1._o consider_v that_o thou_o also_o may_v be_v tempt_v they_o be_v to_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o their_o reformation_n this_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o a_o good_a man_n he_o can_v see_v god_n dishhonour_v his_o law_n trample_v upon_o his_o brother_n wilful_o undo_v himself_o but_o he_o must_v be_v deep_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o river_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n say_v the_o psalmist_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o when_o in_o ezekiel_n time_n the_o jewish_a church_n both_o priest_n and_o people_n be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v it_o as_o the_o particular_a mark_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o upright_a not_o that_o they_o separate_v but_o sigh_v and_o cry_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v do_v in_o she_o of_o the_o same_o holy_a 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to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o man_n mind_n reflect_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v and_o judge_v whether_o he_o be_v innocent_a or_o culpable_a in_o the_o matter_n he_o reflect_v upon_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a than_o this_o i_o have_v now_o give_v this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o scripture_n about_o it_o but_o what_o do_v confirm_v this_o notion_n if_o indeed_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o conscience_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o a_o sear_v conscience_n or_o the_o like_a then_o it_o include_v more_o both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o common_a language_n than_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v but_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v as_o be_v 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and_o last_o we_o call_v a_o thing_n lawful_a or_o indifferent_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n either_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n so_o that_o undeniable_o the_o great_a nay_o i_o say_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n consider_v either_o as_o it_o command_v action_n or_o forbid_v they_o or_o as_o it_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o conscience_n there_o be_v this_o needful_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o viz._n in_o what_o sense_n we_o take_v or_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n now_o to_o this_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o here_o understand_v god_n will_n for_o the_o government_n of_o man_n action_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o that_o will_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v declare_v to_o man_n two_o way_n either_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o revelation_n so_o that_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o part_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n reveal_v law_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o mean_v those_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a which_o god_n have_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o their_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n eternal_o good_a in_o themselves_o such_o as_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n to_o stand_v to_o our_o covenant_n to_o live_v peaceable_o in_o the_o government_n from_o which_o we_o receive_v protection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o will_v be_v eternal_o evil_a the_o head_n of_o all_o which_o thing_n thus_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v write_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convince_v that_o to_o practise_v these_o thing_n will_v always_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o practise_v they_o will_v always_o be_v evil_a and_o a_o sin_n now_o all_o these_o head_n and_o principle_n put_v together_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n that_o mankind_n have_v before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n by_o more_o particular_a revelation_n and_o this_o be_v that_o law_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o have_v a_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o their_o act_v according_a to_o which_o or_o contrary_a to_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o do_v either_o accuse_v they_o or_o excuse_v 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not_o act_n according_a to_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o this_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a we_o either_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o we_o make_v a_o wrong_a one_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o call_v our_o judgement_n a_o right_a conscience_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o call_v it_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o for_o those_o case_n where_o we_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_n and_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n but_o indeed_o
the_o establish_v worship_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o if_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o about_o conscience_n be_v admit_v then_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o no_o man_n among_o we_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v say_v conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v action_n whether_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o since_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v action_n or_o neither_o command_v they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v judge_n what_o action_n be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n and_o what_o be_v indifferent_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o command_v and_o make_v a_o duty_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o go_v against_o a_o man_n conscience_n to_o do_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o god_n law_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o forbid_v and_o so_o make_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o man_n only_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n that_o can_v true_o say_v he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v say_v it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o only_o such_o a_o one_o as_o real_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o some_o law_n of_o god_n if_o 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his_o duty_n by_o god_n law_n as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o other_o and_o not_o with_o we_o then_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o can_v without_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n that_o be_v without_o sin_n join_v with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o same_o account_n which_o we_o give_v of_o its_o be_v against_o any_o man_n conscience_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o further_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o our_o proposition_n that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o case_n where_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o also_o in_o the_o case_n where_o he_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o those_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v of_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n one_o must_v be_v persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o conformity_n be_v forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o man_n who_o thus_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n have_v real_o entertain_v this_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n i_o grant_v that_o it_o must_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o conform_v so_o long_o as_o he_o doubt_v but_o then_o this_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n we_o be_v contend_v for_o for_o therefore_o it_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o doubt_v as_o he_o do_v because_o he_o believe_v he_o shall_v sin_n against_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v but_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n to_o act_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o two_o exception_n which_o be_v all_o i_o can_v think_v of_o it_o will_v still_o remain_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v join_v with_o it_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n now_o if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o and_o indeed_o how_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o will_v be_v leave_v that_o can_v be_v able_a with_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n and_o in_o our_o sacrament_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o who_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o private_a grudge_n or_o pique_n because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v or_o have_v receive_v some_o disappointment_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o church_n or_o by_o the_o man_n that_o be_v favourer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o pet_n will_v join_v themselves_o to_o another_o communion_n all_o those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o turn_n more_o effectual_o by_o be_v of_o another_o way_n as_o for_o instance_n they_o can_v thereby_o better_a please_v a_o relation_n from_o who_o they_o have_v expectance_n they_o can_v better_o advance_v their_o trade_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n they_o can_v better_o procure_v a_o reputation_n or_o regain_v one_o that_o be_v sink_v in_o a_o word_n all_o those_o that_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n of_o pride_n or_o interest_n or_o passion_n or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n do_v refuse_v we_o their_o company_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n i_o say_v all_o such_o be_v certain_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n in_o the_o second_o place_n all_o those_o lay_v people_n who_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o account_n that_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o they_o most_o love_n and_o reverence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o exercise_n their_o function_n among_o we_o who_o pretence_n it_o be_v that_o if_o these_o good_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o teach_v in_o our_o church_n they_o will_v come_v to_o our_o congregation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o that_o be_v refuse_v they_o will_v hear_v they_o where_o they_o can_v i_o say_v all_o these_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o however_o it_o may_v real_o and_o true_o be_v against_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o minister_n to_o conform_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o than_o of_o ordinary_a people_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o know_v no_o ill_a in_o conformity_n but_o only_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o three_o place_n all_o those_o that_o refuse_v our_o communion_n upon_o a_o mere_a dislike_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o our_o church_n office_n they_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n like_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n and_o they_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o object_n against_o our_o form_n in_o particular_a they_o do_v not_o like_o our_o ceremony_n they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o surplice_n or_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o they_o all_o these_o man_n likewise_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o they_o do_v
persuasion_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n will_v justify_v any_o man_n separation_n from_o we_o or_o how_o far_o it_o will_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n either_o to_o their_o communicate_v or_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n this_o be_v our_o second_o point_n and_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o will_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n as_o they_o say_v obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o our_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n require_v of_o they_o as_o condition_n of_o communicate_v with_o we_o which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v or_o to_o use_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o appoint_v for_o this_o be_v to_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o stint_v the_o spirit_n in_o prayer_n which_o all_o those_o that_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n must_v necessary_o do_v it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o use_v any_o significant_a ceremony_n in_o religion_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v new_a sacrament_n it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o be_v direct_o to_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n example_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o savour_v beside_o of_o popish_a idolatry_n since_o therefore_o there_o be_v these_o sinful_a thing_n in_o our_o worship_n and_o those_o too_o impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n how_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o if_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o we_o will_v we_o have_v they_o join_v with_o we_o in_o these_o practice_n which_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n where_o then_o be_v their_o conscience_n they_o may_v perhaps_o by_o this_o mean_n show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o what_o will_v become_v of_o their_o fidelity_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o do_n in_o these_o matter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o refuse_v we_o their_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o thing_n stand_v thus_o with_o they_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o herein_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o may_v justify_v their_o proceed_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n let_v we_o say_v what_o we_o please_v this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o must_v grant_v they_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o that_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v right_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o except_v against_o in_o our_o communion_n be_v real_o unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o their_o not_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o in_o that_o case_n separation_n be_v not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n we_o be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n and_o second_o suppose_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a one_o we_o think_v they_o can_v without_o sin_n join_v in_o our_o communion_n for_o even_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n as_o we_o have_v show_v bind_v thus_o far_o that_o a_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n act_n in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o grant_v they_o and_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a advantage_n of_o they_o but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o point_n we_o stand_v upon_o and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v render_v this_o whole_a plea_n for_o nonconformity_n upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o i_o have_v now_o open_v it_o whole_o insufficient_a viz._n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o our_o governor_n do_v indeed_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n communion_n but_o what_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o without_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n then_o i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o real_o believe_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o dare_v not_o join_v with_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o province_n here_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o ceremony_n our_o order_n and_o rule_n in_o administer_a sacrament_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o communion_n this_o have_v be_v do_v several_a time_n and_o of_o late_a by_o several_a person_n which_o have_v treat_v of_o all_o these_o particular_a matter_n and_o who_o have_v show_v with_o great_a clearness_n and_o strength_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o church_n appointment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o least_o inconsistent_a with_o or_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v for_o gravity_n decency_n purity_n and_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n the_o most_o approvable_a and_o the_o least_o exceptionable_a of_o any_o church_n constitution_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o this_o be_v the_o point_n i_o be_o concern_v in_o whether_o suppose_v it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o that_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v i_o say_v suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n whether_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o acquit_v any_o man_n from_o sin_n that_o withdraw_v from_o that_o communion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o through_o his_o mistake_n he_o believe_v he_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n or_o thus_o whether_o will_v any_o man_n persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v sinful_a term_n require_v in_o our_o communion_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o any_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o this_o be_v the_o general_a question_n true_o put_v and_o this_o i_o give_v as_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o that_o in_o general_a speak_v a_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n do_v not_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o god_n law_n or_o justify_v any_o man_n transgression_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o that_o if_o god_n law_n do_v command_v i_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n where_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o and_o i_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o break_v it_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o i_o think_v i_o have_v my_o misperswasion_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o discharge_v i_o from_o my_o obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o acquit_v i_o from_o sin_n before_o god_n if_o i_o break_v it_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o have_v full_o show_v before_o in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o by_o way_n of_o further_a confirmation_n ask_v this_o question_n be_v st._n paul_n guilty_a of_o sin_n or_o no_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n be_v very_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o any_o will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o this_o because_o he_o do_v but_o act_n according_a to_o his_o conscience_n they_o contradict_v his_o own_o express_a word_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n and_o that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o say_v that_o he_o do_v sin_n in_o do_v this_o then_o they_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o duty_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o practise_v it_o if_o real_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v against_o god_n law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n persuasion_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a will_v
not_o excuse_v he_o from_o guilt_n in_o not_o practise_v it_o if_o indeed_o god_n law_n have_v make_v it_o a_o duty_n so_o that_o it_o infinite_o concern_v all_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o consider_v very_o well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n schism_n undoubted_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n a_o sin_n against_o which_o there_o be_v as_o many_o hard_a thing_n say_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n as_o against_o any_o other_o sin_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o let_v those_o that_o forsake_v our_o communion_n and_o set_v up_o or_o join_v with_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o we_o i_o say_v let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n they_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o their_o separation_n proceed_v upon_o good_a ground_n if_o they_o will_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o always_o enough_o to_o excuse_v they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v sinful_a condition_n impose_v in_o our_o communion_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v for_o unless_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o their_o believe_v so_o will_v not_o cancel_v their_o obligation_n to_o our_o church_n communion_n or_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o this_o may_v perhaps_o at_o the_o first_o hear_n seem_v very_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o many_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a for_o all_o that_o and_o will_v appear_v a_o little_a more_o evident_a if_o we_o put_v the_o case_n in_o another_o instance_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o roman-catholick_n persuasion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o popery_n and_o hearty_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a one_o wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n do_v pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o image_n do_v pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v give_v divine_a adoration_n to_o the_o consecrate_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n as_o real_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n and_o deity_n be_v personal_o unite_v be_v now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o guilty_a of_o idolatry_n in_o these_o practice_n or_o be_v he_o not_o he_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v not_o he_o will_v abhor_v these_o practice_n if_o he_o do_v in_o the_o least_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v they_o as_o idolatrous_a nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v forbid_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o good_a catholic_n unless_o he_o thus_o worship_n image_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o host_n well_o now_o the_o point_n be_v whether_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o he_o do_v be_v upon_o that_o account_n acquit_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n we_o all_o grant_v that_o if_o he_o have_v such_o clear_a information_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o protestant_n have_v he_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o idolater_n if_o he_o shall_v contitinue_v in_o these_o practice_n but_o whether_o his_o belief_n and_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v these_o thing_n do_v not_o excuse_v he_o and_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v idolatry_n that_o will_v otherwise_o be_v so_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n but_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o make_v any_o great_a question_n of_o it_o for_o we_o do_v charge_v the_o papist_n indiscriminate_o with_o idolatry_n in_o their_o worship_n notwithstanding_o their_o disclaim_n it_o notwithstanding_o their_o profession_n to_o worship_n god_n no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v real_o take_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o the_o consecrate_a element_n and_o those_o other_o object_n and_o we_o charge_v they_o right_o in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v real_o idolatry_n by_o god_n word_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v be_v idolatry_n in_o any_o man_n to_o do_v they_o let_v his_o opinion_n about_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will._n a_o man_n ignorance_n or_o mistake_v or_o false_a opinion_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v neither_o make_v that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v nor_o that_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v all_o that_o it_o will_v do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o extenuate_v the_o transgression_n that_o be_v commit_v upon_o the_o account_n thereof_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o for_o any_o man_n to_o withdraw_v his_o communion_n from_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o with_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v that_o be_v as_o proper_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o any_o man_n therefore_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o that_o church_n without_o sin_n yet_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o schismatic_a for_o all_o this_o than_o the_o other_o man_n be_v a_o idolater_n that_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o adore_v image_n and_o those_o other_o undue_a object_n of_o divine_a worship_n among_o the_o romanist_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n ignorance_n or_o misperswasion_n will_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o culpability_n of_o it_o more_o or_o less_o excuse_v the_o man_n person_n before_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o it_o can_v in_o the_o least_o make_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v schism_n to_o be_v no_o schism_n no_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o case_n it_o make_v that_o to_o be_v no_o idolatry_n which_o god_n word_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v idolatry_n well_o now_o admit_v all_o this_o here_o come_v the_o pinch_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v a_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v conform_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o transgressor_n if_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o comply_v against_o his_o conscience_n you_o grant_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o comply_v than_o you_o say_v he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a and_o so_o be_v a_o sinner_n upon_o that_o account_n why_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v often_o true_a and_o here_o be_v that_o dilemma_n which_o man_n by_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v abuse_v with_o evil_a principle_n and_o persuasion_n do_v frequent_o run_v themselves_o into_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o act_n nor_o forbear_v act_v they_o can_v neither_o obey_v nor_o disobey_v without_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o error_n and_o false_a principle_n which_o mislead_v the_o man_n be_v depose_v and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v better_a inform_v and_o then_o he_o may_v both_o do_v his_o duty_n which_o god_n law_n require_v of_o he_o and_o avoid_v sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n but_o how_o be_v this_o to_o be_v do_v why_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o use_v conscientious_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o common_a prudence_n will_v recommend_v to_o a_o man_n for_o the_o gain_v instruction_n and_o information_n to_o himself_o about_o any_o point_n that_o he_o desire_v thorough_o to_o understand_v that_o be_v to_o say_v free_v his_o mind_n from_o all_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a prepossession_n and_o apply_v himself_o serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o the_o get_v right_a notion_n and_o sentiment_n about_o his_o duty_n in_o these_o matter_n consider_v without_o prejudice_n what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n call_v in_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o the_o able_a and_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n serious_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o that_o he_o be_v undoubted_o convince_v to_o
endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n aright_o in_o the_o matter_n that_o offend_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o withdraw_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o lawful_a governor_n and_o his_o communion_n from_o those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o public_a under_o they_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o justify_v a_o man_n separation_n that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n be_v real_o against_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sinner_n notwithstanding_o that_o for_o leave_v our_o assembly_n if_o it_o shall_v prove_v at_o last_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o notion_n what_o therefore_o shall_v every_o dissenter_n among_o we_o do_v that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v what_o be_v there_o that_o more_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v than_o present_o to_o set_v about_o the_o true_a inform_v of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o point_n where_o he_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v for_o â—ear_v he_o be_v find_v to_o live_v in_o a_o grievous_a sin_n all_o the_o time_n he_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n that_o live_v out_o of_o our_o communion_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o such_o frivolous_a pretence_n as_o these_o that_o as_o for_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n they_o do_v agree_v with_o we_o and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n these_o be_v nice_a controvert_v point_n point_n dispute_v pro_fw-la and_o contra_fw-la among_o the_o divine_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o they_o nay_o perhaps_o if_o they_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o ability_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o something_o of_o this_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o their_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v so_o too_o but_o still_o schism_n be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o certain_o without_o repentance_n be_v damn_v for_o that_o as_o for_o be_v a_o heretic_n in_o his_o opinion_n or_o a_o drunkard_n for_o instance_n in_o his_o manner_n sure_o i_o be_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n think_v so_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o the_o business_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a conformity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o who_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o doubt_n will_v have_v be_v very_o well_o please_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o dust_n raise_v no_o dispute_n or_o contention_n move_v in_o these_o matter_n but_o that_o every_o member_n will_v have_v do_v his_o duty_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o in_o his_o station_n or_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v arise_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v debate_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o never_o have_v proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o stress_n upon_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n about_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n we_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n that_o never_o understand_v how_o to_o justify_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o to_o defend_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n against_o all_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o all_o that_o we_o say_v be_v that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v scruple_n and_o except_v against_o the_o use_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o lie_v upon_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o possible_o can_v to_o get_v satisfaction_n about_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o his_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o nay_o even_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n if_o he_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o communion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o pretend_v that_o these_o be_v subtle_a point_n and_o above_o their_o reach_n and_o capacity_n and_o they_o have_v not_o understanding_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o dive_v into_o they_o why_o in_o god_n name_n who_o desire_v they_o we_o say_v that_o they_o may_v innocent_o enough_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o their_o governor_n in_o these_o point_n as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o hundred_o other_o without_o ever_o dive_v into_o they_o but_o since_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v wit_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o these_o thing_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o deny_v their_o obedience_n to_o those_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v so_o much_o honesty_n as_o serious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v themselves_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n too_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o we_o desire_v it_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o the_o horrible_a inconvenience_n and_o mischief_n that_o arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o division_n and_o separation_n which_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o to_o conclude_v if_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o famous_a precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a do_v oblige_v christian_n it_o do_v especial_o in_o this_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o goodness_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o the_o case_n where_o his_o superior_n have_v lay_v their_o command_n upon_o he_o for_o there_o he_o can_v disobey_v without_o sin_n unless_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reconcile_v their_o command_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n but_o upon_o the_o best_a mean_n he_o have_v use_v he_o find_v they_o irreconcilable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o disobey_v till_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o case_n that_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a criminal_a schism_n finis_fw-la a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n the_o second_o part_n concern_v a_o doubt_v conscience_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o dissenter_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_v church_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v lawful_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n i_o now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o a_o less_o reason_n viz._n because_o they_o doubt_v whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o or_o no_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o doubt_v they_o dare_v not_o come_v near_o we_o because_o they_o fear_v they_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o action_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o this_o indeed_o a_o short_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o let_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v as_o great_a as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v it_o yet_o if_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v be_v real_o a_o duty_n than_o a_o man_n doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o justify_v his_o separation_n from_o it_o for_o if_o a_o manssetled_a persuasion_n that_o a_o action_n be_v unlawful_a will_v not_o ordinary_o acquit_v he_o from_o sin_n if_o he_o omit_v that_o action_n suppose_v god_n law_n have_v command_v it_o as_o i_o there_o show_v much_o less_o will_v a_o man_n bare_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n justify_v his_o omission_n of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o because_o this_o answer_n seem_v rather_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n than_o to_o untie_v it_o it_o be_v my_o meaning_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n particular_o to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v this_o plea_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n and_o to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o conformity_n that_o will_v otherwise_o conform_v hope_v that_o some_o reader_n who_o case_n this_o
have_v weight_n enough_o with_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o that_o side_n and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o abstract_o consider_v be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a when_o it_o come_v clothe_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o i_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o usury_n and_o law_n suit_v and_o twenty_o more_o may_v be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n if_o this_o now_o be_v admit_v for_o truth_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o there_o be_v so_o many_o great_a advantage_n both_o to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n and_o likewise_o so_o many_o both_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o separation_n that_o if_o in_o any_o case_n these_o consideration_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o overbalance_n a_o simple_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v sufficient_a weight_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o sway_v by_o they_o do_v not_o act_n so_o reasonable_o as_o he_o may_v do_v for_o my_o part_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o foolish_o do_v of_o any_o man_n that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v utter_o uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n as_o every_o one_o that_o doubt_v be_v shall_v be_v so_o confident_a of_o his_o point_n as_o to_o venture_v upon_o it_o no_o less_o a_o stake_n than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o he_o live_v and_o the_o security_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v and_o withal_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o last_o the_o fortune_n also_o of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o wise_a venture_n as_o this_o do_v every_o one_o among_o we_o make_v that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfuless_a of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v in_o our_o communion_n do_v persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o government_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_v dissenter_n they_o be_v wise_a enough_o as_o to_o the_o world_n in_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o wise_a in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o be_v i_o dare_v say_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_n their_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n it_o will_v be_v but_o little_a either_o to_o their_o comfort_n or_o their_o reputation_n at_o the_o long_o run_v to_o have_v it_o say_v of_o they_o that_o beside_o the_o disturbance_n they_o have_v all_o along_o occasion_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o unity_n they_o have_v also_o bring_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n into_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o just_a prosecution_n of_o law_n they_o have_v draw_v upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v altogether_o uncertain_a and_o unresolved_a about_o but_o this_o will_v appear_v much_o clear_a when_o we_o have_v set_v the_o doubt_n about_o conformity_n upon_o the_o right_a foot_n viz._n considere_v it_o as_o a_o double_a doubt_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o come_v now_o to_o do_v in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v other_o dissenter_n who_o as_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n do_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n of_o this_o question_n as_o they_o doubt_v on_o one_o hand_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n to_o conform_v to_o our_o worship_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o it_o which_o they_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n to_o conform_v to_o it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o land_n do_v require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o of_o these_o as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v likewise_o two_o sort_n some_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o and_o consequent_o must_v doubt_v equal_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o conform_v or_o no._n other_o doubt_v unequal_o that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o two_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n now_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o case_n the_o answer_n be_v very_o short_a and_o it_o be_v this_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n on_o both_o side_n be_v pretty_a equal_a in_o that_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n do_v always_o turn_v the_o balance_n on_o its_o own_o side_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a for_o the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o he_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o he_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o for_o this_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o three_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o be_v in_o the_o other_o case_n where_o the_o doubt_n be_v unequal_a and_o here_o the_o case_n be_v this_o as_o the_o man_n apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n so_o he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v because_o it_o do_v appear_v more_o probable_a to_o he_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o a_o great_a probobility_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v always_o to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o less_o but_o to_o this_o likewise_o we_o be_v ready_o provide_v of_o a_o answer_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n viz._n that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o where_o the_o balance_n be_v so_o far_o incline_v one_o way_n the_o authority_n of_o our_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o have_v weight_n enough_o to_o cast_v it_o on_o its_o own_o side_n yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o church_n communion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v the_o law_n than_o of_o obey_v they_o as_o will_n with_o any_o impartial_a conscientious_a man_n outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o create_v a_o persuasion_n and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o he_o rather_o to_o conform_v how_o strong_a soever_o his_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o doubt_n then_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n vide_fw-la three_o proposition_n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n pag._n 27._o this_o be_v the_o issue_n upon_o which_o we_o will_v try_v the_o point_n before_o we_o and_o i_o refuse_v no_o indifferent_a man_n that_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o be_v umpire_n between_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o to_o this_o controversy_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v we_o suppose_v and_o admit_v that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v these_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o establish_v worship_n do_v real_o doubt_v on_o the_o true_a side_n and_o that_o he_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o he_o shall_v conform_v to_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v admit_v likewise_o that_o that_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n in_o dispute_n be_v wonderful_o obscure_o declare_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a prohibition_n either_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o book_n of_o god_n about_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v now_o contest_v so_o that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v conclude_v from_o consequence_n and_o those_o consequence_n likewise_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o the_o catholic_n church_n from_o christ_n time_n till_o our_o reformation_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o for_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o either_o these_o or_o the_o like_a usage_n have_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o all_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n either_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n ever_o condemn_v they_o as_o sinful_a or_o indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a christian_a do_v ever_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n these_o consequence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v unlawful_a
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o thing_n stand_v with_o we_o unity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o establish_v way_n seem_v to_o bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o both_o as_o i_o hint_v before_o and_o to_o be_v a_o probable_a mean_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o many_o danger_n with_o which_o our_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v threaten_v well_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o our_o governor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o lawful_a however_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n to_o doubt_v that_o there_o be_v and_o in_o a_o zealous_a indulgence_n to_o these_o doubt_n we_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o open_a disobedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a governous_a and_o to_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptise_a i_o say_v admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v thus_o what_o kind_n of_o sin_n shall_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o then_o why_o certain_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n than_o causeless_o divide_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n against_o which_o we_o be_v so_o severe_o caution_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o as_o plain_a law_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n viz._n of_o all_o those_o that_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o wrath._n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n i_o say_v these_o plain_a law_n we_o disobey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n thus_o our_o saviour_n own_o countryman_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o kindred_n who_o know_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n mark_v 6._o 3._o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o speak_v and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v believe_v on_o he_o have_v they_o not_o know_v his_o mean_a original_a and_o employment_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o our_o lord_n st._n john_n 6._o 61._o have_v discourse_v of_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o take_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a carnal_a sense_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v at_o he_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n or_o the_o messiah_n who_o will_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o turn_v cannibal_n thus_o again_o our_o saviour_n before_o the_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v tell_v his_o disciple_n st._n matt._n 26._o 31._o all_o of_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v because_o of_o i_o this_o night_n that_o be_v shall_v fly_v away_o and_o shameful_o forsake_v i_o when_o you_o behold_v my_o hard_a usage_n and_o dismal_a suffering_n so_o christ_n crucify_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o to_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n that_o be_v they_o have_v set_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n on_o a_o temporal_a earthly_a king_n and_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o former_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o prince_n and_o saviour_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o curse_a and_o ignominious_a death_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o who_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n mark_v 4._o 17._o and_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n be_v present_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v that_o be_v be_v ready_a to_o leave_v and_o renounce_v that_o profession_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o cost_v they_o so_o dear_a after_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o most_o stumble_v the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v the_o danger_n moses_n law_n and_o their_o temple_n worship_n and_o the_o singular_a preeminence_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o of_o be_v undermine_v by_o christianity_n they_o be_v strange_o wed_v to_o their_o legal_a observance_n fond_a of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o peculiarity_n which_o distinguish_v their_o nation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v jealous_a of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o encroach_v upon_o their_o privilege_n or_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o uncircumcised_a world_n this_o mighty_o offend_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o against_o christianity_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_a convert_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v afraid_a of_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n or_o be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o scare_v they_o from_o christianity_n as_o when_o it_o come_v attend_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o be_v do_v discourage_v they_o from_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o continue_v in_o his_o faith_n now_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o these_o different_a apprehension_n among_o the_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o that_o first_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 15._o and_o of_o those_o direction_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v rom._n 14._o concern_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o weak_a brethren_n another_o case_n there_o be_v concern_v eat_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n discourse_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 8._o and_o 10._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n though_o as_o ordinary_a meat_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o who_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n do_v eat_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n offer_v to_o a_o idol_n for_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n so_o weak_a as_o not_o yet_o to_o have_v quite_o leave_v off_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o a_o christian_n eat_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o such_o a_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o error_n who_o conscience_n be_v weak_a be_v defile_v of_o who_o soul_n st._n paul_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o great_a regard_n that_o he_o will_v eat_v no_o such_o meat_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n last_v rather_o than_o lay_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n before_o or_o wound_v their_o weak_a conscience_n in_o all_o these_o place_n and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v name_v for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o interpreter_n and_o those_o that_o have_v write_v large_o on_o this_o subject_n no_o less_o than_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o sin_n into_o which_o these_o weak_a christian_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o fall_v and_o by_o a_o undue_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o another_o forsake_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n lose_v a_o disciple_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n perish_v be_v the_o proper_a sin_n of_o offend_a or_o give_v scandal_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o which_o be_v revel_v 2._o 14._o where_o balaam_n be_v say_v to_o have_v teach_v balac_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o scandal_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o relate_v othis_fw-la entice_v they_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n to_o fornication_n and_o idolatry_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n provoke_v god_n against_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o most_o general_a sense_n to_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v any_o one_o be_v to_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o sin_n and_o consequent_o his_o ruin_n and_o undo_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o word_n hence_o i_o shall_v conclude_v these_o few_o thing_n 1._o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o hard_a it_o be_v to_o scandalize_v they_o those_o be_v not_o such_o godly_a person_n as_o they_o will_v be_v think_v who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o be_v offend_v for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v reckon_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o knowledge_n or_o goodness_n who_o be_v so_o easy_o upon_o every_o occasion_n draw_v or_o tempt_v to_o sin_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o tell_v the_o separatist_n in_o his_o cure_n of_o church_n division_n usual_o say_v he_o man_n talk_v most_o against_o scandalize_a those_o who_o they_o account_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o best_a be_v least_o in_o danger_n of_o sin_v and_o so_o they_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a or_o else_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o suppose_v a_o separatist_n shall_v say_v if_o you_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o parish_n minister_n or_o church_n in_o england_n it_o will_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o many_o good_a people_n i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o one_o why_o call_v you_o those_o good_a people_n that_o be_v easy_o draw_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n nay_o that_o will_v sin_n because_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n therefore_o if_o you_o know_v what_o you_o say_v you_o make_v the_o separatist_n almost_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o will_v sin_n against_o god_n because_o another_o will_v not_o sin_v the_o great_a thing_n our_o nonconformist_n pretend_v unto_o above_o other_o man_n be_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o they_o must_v mean_v if_o they_o mean_v any_o virtue_n by_o it_o a_o great_a fear_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a security_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v by_o what_o other_o man_n do_v that_o be_v against_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o do_v real_o disparage_v and_o severe_o reflect_v upon_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v thus_o afraid_a of_o give_v they_o offence_n as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v with_o sense_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._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 where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
face_n at_o our_o devotion_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a rule_n they_o may_v then_o with_o a_o better_a grace_n though_o with_o little_a reason_n find_v fault_n with_o our_o conformity_n as_o offensive_a to_o they_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v exasperate_v or_o provoke_v any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o satisfaction_n i_o design_v i_o very_o well_o know_v their_o weakness_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n however_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n profess_v religion_n and_o godliness_n that_o have_v do_v such_o scandalous_a thing_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n dissenter_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_v particular_n 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o conformity_n i_o will_v desire_v they_o so_o to_o order_v their_o return_n to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o those_o who_o they_o forsake_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o that_o all_o may_v see_v they_o conform_v with_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n or_o to_o save_v their_o purse_n or_o to_o get_v into_o a_o office_n or_o to_o capacitate_v they_o to_o vote_n or_o the_o like_a for_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o conformity_n as_o some_o practice_n and_o call_v occasional_a communion_n which_o be_v come_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n be_v true_o scandalous_a to_o all_o good_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n etc._n etc._n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o second_o part._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v and_o reflect_v back_o upon_o separation_n and_o that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o that_o have_v be_v so_o usual_o urge_v by_o dissenter_n in_o this_o case_n assert_v to_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o vindicate_v from_o favour_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o have_v beed_o quote_v by_o they_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o to_o the_o christian-reader_n thou_o be_v not_o ignorant_a i_o suppose_v that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o a_o far_o better_a pen_n a_o author_n that_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v with_o that_o accuracy_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o become_v a_o person_n of_o his_o character_n and_o therefore_o may_v wonder_v what_o so_o mean_v a_o scribe_n have_v to_o do_v after_o he_o i_o have_v but_o this_o answer_n only_o to_o give_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o affectation_n nor_o conceit_n of_o this_o paper_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n this_o discourse_n be_v show_v to_o some_o person_n both_o friend_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o author_n who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a that_o the_o subject_n be_v undertake_v by_o another_o and_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v stay_v till_o it_o be_v see_v what_o that_o discourse_n expect_v then_o will_v be_v with_o a_o design_n to_o suppress_v it_o whole_o have_v the_o method_n or_o the_o management_n be_v near_o alike_o which_o because_o it_o be_v not_o and_o because_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o hit_v one_o fancy_n may_v not_o do_v so_o to_o another_o or_o not_o to_o all_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o venture_v this_o to_o the_o public_a also_o which_o the_o author_n do_v with_o prayer_n for_o and_o true_a charity_n unto_o all_o that_o need_v such_o discourse_n beseech_v god_n that_o they_o may_v honest_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o of_o late_a to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o most_o material_a scruple_n and_o objection_n and_o that_o they_o may_v find_v a_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o charge_n of_o scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n by_o conformity_n refell_v there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o more_o trouble_n and_o distract_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n than_o how_o to_o govern_v themselves_o and_o order_v their_o action_n with_o respect_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v indifferent_a in_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_o good_a or_o evil_n or_o be_v make_v so_o by_o some_o plain_a command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o our_o great_a law_n giver_n all_o party_n be_v soon_o agree_v and_o there_o need_v not_o any_o question_n or_o dispute_v between_o they_o in_o these_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o suppose_v man_n honest_a there_o can_v be_v any_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o but_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v whole_o undetermined_a by_o god_n and_o neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o just_a and_o natural_a consequence_n either_o enjoin_v or_o prohibit_v by_o any_o law_n of_o he_o there_o man_n sail_v not_o by_o so_o plain_a a_o compass_n but_o have_v a_o large_a scope_n and_o may_v more_o easy_o mistake_v their_o course_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v less_o than_o a_o good_a service_n to_o man_n to_o direct_v they_o safe_o in_o this_o unbeaten_a tract_n and_o to_o prescribe_v to_o they_o such_o rule_n to_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o attend_v they_o can_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n this_o be_v our_o apostle_n charitable_a design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o respect_n in_o manage_v this_o present_a argument_n viz._n 1_o cor._n 10._o and_o by_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o it_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v those_o great_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n discourse_n be_v indeed_o but_o of_o one_o particular_a instance_n of_o these_o i_o e._n the_o eat_n or_o not_o eat_v thing_n that_o have_v
which_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v so_o indeed_o particular_a person_n and_o party_n of_o man_n may_v mistake_v and_o it_o be_v notorious_a often_o do_v call_v that_o a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v not_o so_o like_a to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o and_o be_v offend_v public_o with_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n to_o which_o we_o may_v cast_v in_o this_o consideration_n to_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o other_o every_o offence_n to_o a_o single_a private_a person_n or_o person_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o no_o man_n can_v offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o sin_v grievous_o and_o be_v direct_o guilty_a of_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o will_v have_v consider_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v this_o 1._o that_o the_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a and_o uninstruct_v person_n by_o conformity_n to_o our_o church_n and_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v causeless_a and_o whole_o without_o any_o just_a reason_n conformity_n be_v neither_o a_o sin_n nor_o causal_n of_o any_o nor_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v now_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n tie_v on_o we_o by_o the_o command_v and_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v do_v whatever_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o other_o that_o no_o snare_n or_o possibility_n of_o offence_n to_o some_o man_n by_o it_o ought_v to_o supersede_n our_o care_n or_o can_v atone_v the_o sin_n of_o neglect_v of_o it_o that_o we_o can_v forbear_v it_o now_o for_o fear_v of_o offend_v other_o without_o grievous_o offend_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n 3._o that_o our_o refuse_v to_o conform_v will_v great_o offend_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v so_o not_o only_o our_o own_o national_a church_n of_o england_n but_o even_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o too_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o some_o declaration_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o they_o of_o late_a who_o can_v but_o grieve_v to_o see_v their_o great_a bulwark_n and_o the_o whole_a reformation_n so_o batter_v and_o weaken_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o such_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o give_v to_o the_o great_a enemy_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o preponderate_v all_o the_o scruple_n and_o fear_n and_o fancy_a possibility_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o private_a person_n of_o our_o own_o party_n by_o it_o and_o last_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o discover_v itself_o in_o a_o speedy_a conscientious_a care_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o our_o causeless_a separation_n and_o division_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a scandal_n and_o give_v offence_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o no_o long_o go_v on_o mad_o to_o contrive_v our_o own_o ruin_n in_o pull_v down_o those_o wall_n and_o make_v those_o breach_n in_o our_o church_n bank_n at_o which_o the_o enemy_n may_v and_z without_o god_n immediate_a interposition_n will_v sudden_o break_v in_o as_o a_o mighty_a resistless_a torrent_n that_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o doctrine_n be_v orthodox_n and_o government_n apostolical_a and_o who_o term_n of_o communion_n none_o of_o we_o dare_v term_n sinful_a in_o which_o we_o may_v acceptable_o serve_v our_o god_n and_o happy_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n live_v happy_o and_o die_v comfortable_o and_o pass_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n triumphant_a above_o which_o sing_v incessant_a hallelujah_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o let_v we_o also_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o â—he_n late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 16._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 17._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n a_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_z discourse_n late_o write_v to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n the_o second_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o b._n tooke_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_v communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o
&_o pap._n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la p._n 31._o before_o these_o unhappy_a war_n begin_v yield_v to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o cross_n and_o make_v many_o material_a alteration_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o those_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v unalterable_a and_o obligatory_a upon_o all_o christian_n as_o such_o or_o that_o the_o lay_v they_o aside_o for_o the_o bring_n about_o some_o great_a good_n will_v be_v offensive_a to_o god_n i_o will_v to_o god_n our_o brethren_n at_o least_o will_v but_o meet_v we_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o throw_v off_o those_o superstitious_a prejudices_fw-la they_o may_v have_v conceive_v against_o they_o and_o think_v that_o as_o the_o lay_v they_o aside_o will_v not_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n so_o the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v be_v so_o neither_o forgive_v the_o expression_n of_o superstitious_a prejudices_fw-la for_o i_o must_v suppose_v we_o put_v too_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o indifferent_a rite_n when_o we_o think_v that_o either_o the_o use_n or_o rejection_n of_o they_o will_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n unless_o there_o be_v other_o accident_n of_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n to_o authority_n that_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n otherwise_o the_o imagination_n we_o may_v have_v of_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n must_v look_v like_o what_o the_o greek_n express_v superstition_n by_o i_o mean_v a_o causeless_a dread_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o passage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o calvin_n that_o it_o be_v equal_o superstitious_a to_o condemn_v thing_n indifferent_a as_o unholy_a and_o to_o command_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v infinite_o precept_n in_o 2_o precept_n a_o noble_a conquest_n over_o ourselves_o a_o proper_a regain_n that_o christian_a liberty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v redeem_v and_o will_v be_v of_o far_o happy_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o possess_v ourselves_o with_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o believe_v we_o can_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o the_o least_o measure_n by_o scruple_v what_o he_o have_v interpose_v no_o command_n to_o make_v they_o either_o obligatory_a or_o unlawful_a finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o several_a case_n etc._n etc._n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 15._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v the_o second_o part._n 16._o the_o case_n of_o â—ay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n consider_v 17._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n etc._n etc._n 18._o a_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n viz._n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v symbolise_v so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o modest_a examination_n of_o that_o resolution_n 19_o the_o case_n of_o compel_a man_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 5._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 6._o a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n 7._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n london_n print_v by_o m._n flesher_n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1684._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_a communion_n my_o design_n in_o this_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o awaken_v man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o more_o frequent_a receive_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a because_o in_o this_o last_o age_n by_o the_o unwary_a discourse_n of_o some_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o such_o doubt_n and_o fear_n have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o utter_o to_o deter_v many_o and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o discourage_v almost_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n and_o danger_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o visible_a abatement_n of_o piety_n by_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n of_o our_o growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o it_o and_o to_o the_o mighty_a scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o general_a disuse_n and_o contempt_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o solemn_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o treat_v of_o these_o four_o point_n first_o of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o the_o apostle_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o eat_v this_o 26._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 26._o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n we_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v second_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o a_o frequent_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v signify_v in_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n which_o expression_n consider_v and_o compare_v together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o their_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v which_o objection_n be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v wherefore_o whosoever_o
condemn_v with_o the_o world_n for_o as_o he_o that_o partake_v worthy_o of_o this_o sacrament_n confirm_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o he_o that_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o due_a reverence_n and_o without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a continue_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n whilst_o he_o commemorate_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n this_o man_n aggravate_v and_o seal_v his_o own_o damnation_n because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o by_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o but_o by_o renew_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v crucify_a to_o himself_o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n and_o when_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v and_o pass_v final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n such_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a wretch_n as_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o dear_a love_n of_o their_o die_a lord_n nor_o be_v engage_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n by_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n with_o pilate_n and_o judas_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o soldier_n who_o be_v the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o severe_a threaten_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o deter_v all_o those_o from_o their_o sin_n who_o think_v of_o engage_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o so_o solemn_a and_o holy_a a_o covenant_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v man_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n forsake_v their_o sin_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n ii_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o frequent_a observance_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o institution_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o employ_v in_o these_o word_n as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n yet_o if_o we_o compare_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o usage_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o communicate_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n so_o often_o as_o they_o solemn_o meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n they_o plain_o suppose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n or_o rather_o imply_v a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v it_o for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o any_o law_n or_o institution_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n which_o follow_v immediate_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o obligation_n hereunto_o and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o suitable_a practice_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n and_o force_n of_o persuasion_n i_o can_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o among_o christian_n be_v grow_v so_o general_a and_o a_o great_a many_o person_n from_o a_o superstitious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v by_o degree_n fall_v into_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v a_o threefold_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n to_o frequent_a communion_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n each_o of_o they_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o of_o the_o great_a force_n imaginable_a to_o engage_v we_o hereunto_o 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o a_o plain_a precept_n and_o most_o solemn_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o great_a lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v as_o st._n james_n call_v he_o he_o have_v bid_v we_o do_v this_o and_o s._n paul_n who_o declare_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n admonish_v we_o to_o do_v it_o often_o now_o for_o any_o man_n that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o the_o open_a and_o continue_a contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a law_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o profession_n to_o such_o our_o lord_n may_v say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v how_o far_o the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o institution_n or_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o about_o it_o may_v extenuate_v this_o neglect_n be_v another_o consideration_n but_o after_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o have_v the_o law_n plain_o lay_v before_o we_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a institution_n from_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o oblige_v hereunto_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o assistence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o in_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n we_o neglect_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o confirm_v and_o convey_v these_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n shall_v oblige_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n 3._o we_o be_v likewise_o particular_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o careful_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a thing_n our_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o man_n use_v religious_o to_o observe_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v what_o he_o desire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n nay_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n of_o all_o mankind_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o grievous_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a death_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o we_o who_o be_v go_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o this_o so_o little_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a to_o we_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n bid_v we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v we_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o when_o he_o have_v only_o commend_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a action_n as_o a_o fit_a representation_n and_o memorial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o have_v only_o enjoin_v we_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o meet_v at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o to_o resolve_v to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v he_o no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrible_a ingratitude_n neglect_v this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o
have_v be_v heretofore_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o our_o church_n her_o rite_n and_o usage_n that_o yet_o general_o lie_v by_o the_o wall_n little_o know_v and_o less_o read_v by_o those_o that_o so_o much_o cry_v out_o against_o she_o and_o at_o this_o time_n how_o many_o excellent_a discourse_n have_v be_v publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o dissenter_n write_v with_o the_o great_a temper_n and_o moderation_n with_o the_o utmost_a plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n with_o all_o imaginable_a evidence_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_v so_o short_a as_o not_o to_o require_v any_o considerable_a portion_n either_o of_o time_n or_o cost_n so_o suit_v to_o present_a circumstance_n as_o to_o obviate_v every_o material_a objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mere_a stranger_n to_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o just_a to_o themselves_o or_o we_o as_o 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measure_n that_o they_o meet_v withal_o i_o confess_v can_v i_o meet_v with_o a_o person_n that_o have_v bring_v himself_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o unbyas'dness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o temper_n and_o that_o design_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o seek_v and_o find_v the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o intrigue_n and_o interest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a party_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o have_v with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a mind_n read_v whatever_o may_v probable_o conduce_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n fair_o propose_v his_o scruple_n and_o modest_o consult_v with_o those_o that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o advise_v he_o and_o humble_o beg_v the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v still_o labour_v under_o his_o old_a dissatisfaction_n i_o shall_v hearty_o pity_v and_o pray_v for_o such_o a_o man_n and_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o improve_v all_o my_o interest_n for_o favour_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o he_o but_o such_o person_n as_o these_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v but_o thin_a sow_v and_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n it_o may_v be_v suppose_v there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o iii_o three_o we_o desire_v that_o before_o they_o go_v on_o to_o accuse_v our_o church_n with_o drive_v they_o into_o separation_n they_o will_v direct_o charge_v she_o with_o impose_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n and_o unless_o they_o do_v this_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o make_v it_o good_a for_o bare_o to_o accuse_v i_o hope_v be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o see_v not_o which_o way_n they_o can_v possible_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o whole_a protestant_a reformation_n defend_v their_o departure_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n infinite_o corrupt_v in_o several_a of_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n new_a article_n of_o faith_n introduce_v and_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n its_o worship_n overgrow_v with_o very_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n not_o only_o over-numerous_a but_o many_o of_o they_o advance_v into_o proper_a and_o direct_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o beside_o its_o member_n require_v to_o join_v and_o communicate_v in_o these_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n nay_o and_o all_o proposal_n and_o attempt_n towards_o a_o reformation_n obstinate_o reject_v and_o throw_v out_o in_o which_o case_n they_o do_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o justice_n depart_v from_o she_o which_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o they_o than_o instead_o of_o worship_v image_n to_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o instead_o of_o the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o learned_a 233._o amyrald_n de_fw-fr secess_n ab_fw-la eccles_n rom._n pag._n 233._o protestant_a divine_a of_o great_a name_n and_o note_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o have_v there_o be_v no_o other_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n beside_o their_o useless_a ceremony_n in_o baptism_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o measure_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n indeed_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n command_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v prohibit_v or_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v then_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v good_a warrant_n and_o authority_n but_o where_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o these_o prohibition_n not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o nor_o indeed_o do_v we_o find_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n of_o late_a very_o forward_o to_o fasten_v this_o charge_n and_o much_o less_o to_o prove_v it_o whatever_o unwary_a say_n may_v fall_v from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o disputation_n or_o be_v suggest_v by_o indirect_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a insinuation_n and_o if_o our_o church_n command_v nothing_o that_o render_v her_o communion_n sinful_a then_o certain_o separation_n from_o she_o must_v be_v unlawful_a because_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v express_v and_o indispensable_a duty_n and_o a_o few_o private_a suspicion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o sway_v against_o plain_n public_a and_o necessary_a duty_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o reject_v communicate_v with_o those_o with_o who_o christ_n himself_o do_v not_o refuse_v communion_n this_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v once_o think_v good_a doctrine_n by_o the_o chief_a of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o when_o time_n be_v reason_v thus_o against_o those_o that_o subdivide_v from_o they_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 130._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n 1649._o p._n 130._o we_o why_o do_v you_o separate_a 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_a from_o the_o body_n separate_a from_o the_o head_n also_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o speak_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v offend_v you_o yet_o we_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n call_v those_o division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n wherein_o christian_n do_v not_o separate_v into_o divers_a form_v congregation_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n schism_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o may_v not_o your_o
church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o have_v not_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o exception_n as_o those_o that_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n at_o this_o day_n nay_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n if_o any_o at_o all_o require_v by_o our_o constitution_n which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v it_o my_o design_n i_o may_v demonstrate_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n but_o it_o be_v full_o do_v by_o other_o hand_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o as_o a_o specimen_fw-la instance_n in_o one_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v so_o much_o boggle_v at_o viz._n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v a_o common_a and_o customary_a rite_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tertullian_n and_o st._n cyprian_n the_o latter_a whereof_o say_v oft_o enough_o that_o be_v regenerate_v 3._o cypr._n adv_o demetr_v p._n 203._o de_fw-la 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gainful_a office_n or_o a_o place_n of_o trust_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o lash_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n these_o be_v end_n so_o very_o vile_a and_o sordid_a so_o horrible_a a_o prostitution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o most_o venerable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o deliberate_a a_o way_n of_o sin_v even_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o suspect_v any_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o man_n of_o proflâ—gate_n and_o atheistical_a mindâ—_n who_o have_v put_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v all_o reverence_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v fain_o belâ—eve_v that_o when_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o principle_n that_o bring_v they_o thither_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o why_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o bring_v they_o thither_o at_o one_o time_n shall_v not_o bring_v they_o also_o at_o another_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v their_o company_n at_o that_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a ordinance_n but_o when_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o the_o prospect_n of_o some_o secular_a advantage_n prompt_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v common_o blame_v in_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o they_o can_v dispense_v with_o oath_n and_o receive_v sacrament_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n shall_v ever_o lie_v at_o the_o door_n of_o protestant_n and_o especial_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v most_o to_o abhor_v popish_a practice_n and_o who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o to_o be_v account_v not_o to_o make_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n than_o other_o men._n now_o i_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v or_o rather_o inconstant_a brethren_n to_o reason_v a_o little_a if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a why_o do_v they_o enter_v into_o it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a why_o do_v they_o forsake_v it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n have_v tie_v upon_o we_o and_o who_o command_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v not_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n thing_n that_o ought_v great_o to_o sway_v with_o all_o sober_a humble_a and_o consider_v christian_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o muâ—â—_n as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o be_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o shall_v peace_n be_v break_v only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v most_o entire_a and_o that_o by_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o within_o their_o power_n be_v they_o satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o 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