frequent_v they_o general_o judge_v otherwise_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o faction_n among_o they_o shall_v so_o common_o prevail_v beyond_o interest_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n they_o will_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o keep_v up_o as_o such_o a_o mighty_a secret_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o teacher_n why_o do_v they_o not_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o congregation_n be_v it_o for_o fear_n they_o shall_v have_v none_o leave_v to_o preach_v to_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v of_o mortify_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o condemn_v themselves_o while_o they_o preach_v against_o separation_n in_o a_o separate_a congregation_n this_o i_o confess_v look_v odd_o and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v out_o of_o mere_a shamefacedness_n keep_v he_o from_o declare_v a_o truth_n which_o fly_v in_o his_o face_n while_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v it_o that_o they_o fear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o people_n which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v find_v they_o must_v undergo_v if_o they_o touch_v upon_o this_o subject_a for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o godly_a people_n among_o they_o can_v the_o least_o endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o be_v it_o not_o as_o plain_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o i_o yet_o serve_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v 10._o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o therefore_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o like_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a man_n let_v they_o tell_v the_o people_n plain_o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o time_n if_o they_o find_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v here_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n a_o crime_n this_o be_v which_o if_o true_a be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v expiate_v nor_o can_v man_n give_v great_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o hypocrisy_n insincerity_n and_o government_n by_o corrupt_a end_n and_o design_n than_o by_o such_o abominable_a art_n and_o contrivance_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a it_o can_v but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o animate_v by_o such_o a_o evil_a surmise_n as_o be_v of_o no_o small_a provocation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o reverend_a author_n make_v a_o distinction_n about_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n page_n 20._o between_o what_o be_v require_v of_o minister_n and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v lay-communion_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o do_v not_o confound_v bare_a suspending_a communion_n in_o some_o particular_a rite_n which_o person_n do_v modest_o scruple_n and_o use_v it_o in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a with_o either_o total_a or_o at_o least_o ordinary_a forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n i._n e._n under_o other_o teacher_n and_o by_o other_o rule_n than_o what_o the_o establish_a religion_n allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o appear_v but_o he_o know_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n and_o unite_n ourselves_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v press_v either_o on_o minister_n or_o people_n a_o total_a submission_n unto_o the_o rule_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o rubric_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v require_v of_o they_o all_o when_o this_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o there_o be_v no_o suspend_v of_o communion_n in_o particular_a rite_n to_o be_v allow_v they_o who_o give_v up_o themselves_o hereunto_o must_v observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n to_o a_o tittle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n who_o be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o like_a as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v to_o be_v incline_v thereunto_o to_o give_v indulgence_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o abstinence_n from_o the_o least_o ceremony_n enjoin_v wherefore_o the_o question_n about_o lay-communion_n be_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a according_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n constitution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n to_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o holiday_n to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o christ_n continue_v to_o communicate_v for_o its_o edification_n to_o forego_v all_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n beside_o that_o in_o their_o parish-church_n where_o to_o speak_v with_o modesty_n it_o be_v oft_o time_n scanty_a and_o want_v to_o renounce_v all_o other_o assembly_n wherein_o they_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n to_o desert_n the_o observation_n of_o many_o useful_a gospel-duty_n in_o their_o mutual_a watch_n that_o believer_n of_o the_o same_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o over_o another_o to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o interest_n of_o a_o voluntary_a consent_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o can_v apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o lay-communion_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o indulgence_n if_o the_o rule_n be_v observe_v i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v six_o nonconformist_a minister_n in_o england_n that_o do_v believe_v this_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o embrace_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o instruct_v they_o wherein_o their_o true_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v consist_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o hearty_o wish_v these_o thing_n have_v be_v omit_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v not_o to_o cover_v any_o guilt_n in_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o conscience_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o such_o imputation_n but_o whereas_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v only_a surmise_n and_o suspicion_n and_o the_o evil_n charge_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n that_o any_o man_n can_v involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n such_o a_o habit_n of_o mind_n as_o evidence_v man_n to_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o on_o all_o hand_n we_o sometime_o pretend_v unto_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v another_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a want_n of_o sincerity_n pag_n 46._o those_o say_v he_o who_o speak_v now_o most_o against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v ten_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o think_v the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o own_o side_n for_o which_o be_v quote_v a_o answer_n unto_o two_o question_n 1659._o that_o be_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o know_v not_o direct_o who_o he_o intend_v those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v independent_o express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n in_o their_o confession_n make_v 1659._o that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v on_o what_o have_v ensue_v change_v their_o opinion_n therein_o i_o know_v not_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n peruse_v the_o answer_n unto_o the_o two_o question_n direct_v unto_o and_o do_v profess_v myself_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o that_o paper_n there_o be_v thing_n not_o easy_o to_o be_v number_v wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n
and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o edification_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v a_o opinion_n opposite_a unto_o this_o notion_n of_o national_a church_n be_v examine_v and_o confute_v pag._n 17._o ibid._n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n i_o be_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o all_o man_n upon_o this_o subject_a nay_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v read_v very_o few_o of_o they_o though_o i_o never_o avoid_v the_o read_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v against_o the_o way_n and_o order_n which_o i_o approve_v of_o wherefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v who_o have_v maintain_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n we_o account_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o their_o constitution_n and_o form_v that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o union_n none_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v judge_n for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v when_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o on_o which_o account_n church_n at_o this_o time_n will_v be_v dissolve_v almost_o every_o week_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v no_o church-relation_n unto_o one_o another_o meet_v occasional_o for_o divine_a worship_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o it_o may_v be_v within_o a_o hour_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o mean_n another_o bond_n of_o union_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o those_o society_n which_o have_v not_o or_o which_o can_v have_v assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o consideration_n that_o need_v not_o here_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o when_o such_o society_n as_o who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o nor_o yet_o of_o the_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n into_o patriarchates_n and_o diocese_n but_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o that_o prevail_a sword_n which_o on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n erect_v distinct_a kingdom_n and_o dominion_n as_o man_n be_v able_a such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o religious_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o christian_a discipline_n in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v and_o maintain_v a_o union_n by_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o officer_n and_o order_n which_o the_o scripture_n know_v nothing_o of_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o shall_v embrace_v they_o as_o such_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o pass_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a rate_n and_o value_n which_o the_o stamp_n of_o civil_a authority_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o what_o be_v further_o discourse_v by_o the_o author_n on_o this_o subject_a proceed_v no_o further_o but_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o distribution_n of_o all_o dissenter_n into_o two_o party_n 1._o such_o as_o say_v that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n 2._o such_o as_o say_v that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o party_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o different_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o the_o one_o grant_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n separation_n in_o this_o case_n which_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v for_o their_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o principle_n must_v be_v so_o also_o though_o they_o choose_v several_a way_n of_o express_v they_o both_o sort_n intend_v do_v plead_v that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v it_o so_o some_o know_v the_o word_n separation_n to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v as_o unto_o its_o sense_n by_o what_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o do_v not_o contend_v but_o that_o if_o any_o will_v have_v it_o so_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v denominate_v from_o their_o dissent_n unto_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o you_o call_v it_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n how_o best_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v other_o seem_v to_o take_v separation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o schism_n which_o be_v always_o evil_a or_o at_o least_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v their_o right_n to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o their_o state_n take_v from_o what_o they_o agree_v in_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o from_o their_o dissent_n in_o other_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o practice_n suitable_a unto_o that_o dissent_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o both_o party_n intend_v be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o for_o their_o dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n as_o they_o will_v otherwise_o occur_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o progress_n i_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o charge_n itself_o lay_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o arguing_n whereby_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v confirm_v the_o charge_n be_v that_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o that_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n of_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n so_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n thereby_o of_o great_a evil_n confusion_n disturbance_n among_o ourselves_o and_o of_o danger_n unto_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n whence_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o they_o shall_v etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o far_o mutual_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_v difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o shall_v be_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n or_o distance_n without_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v aright_o on_o who_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v for_o that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n because_o they_o do_v so_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o plain_a term_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o imposition_n of_o term_n of_o communion_n without_o any_o obligation_n in_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o
plead_v on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o dismiss_v the_o especial_a charge_n here_o manage_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v that_o they_o allow_v that_o to_o live_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o such_o church_n as_o many_o at_o least_o of_o we_o be_v be_v a_o sin_n yet_o that_o themselves_o so_o do_v which_o be_v manifest_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v 1_o that_o this_o concession_n respect_v only_o parochial_a church_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o only_o but_o the_o conformity_n in_o general_n require_v of_o we_o respect_v the_o constitution_n government_n discipline_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o diocesan_n church_n therein_o 2_o person_n who_o thus_o express_v themselves_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v the_o interpretation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n word_n and_o expression_n for_o if_o they_o do_v judge_v that_o such_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n as_o namely_o a_o causeless_a renounce_v of_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o a_o condemnation_n of_o they_o as_o no_o church_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n set_v up_o church_n against_o they_o which_o they_o know_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o may_v both_o honest_o and_o wise_o deny_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n nor_o will_v their_o present_a practice_n prove_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o separation_n as_o unto_o distinct_a local_a presential_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o do_v all_o of_o they_o deny_v those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o now_o intend_v be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n but_o on_o this_o account_n i_o can_v see_v the_o least_o contradiction_n between_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o brethren_n nor_o wherein_o they_o be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o concession_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o too_o much_o earnestness_n to_o keep_v up_o all_o possible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n forgive_v they_o that_o wrong_n yet_o i_o say_v not_o this_o as_o though_o these_o who_o be_v here_o suppose_v to_o own_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o as_o zealous_a also_o for_o communion_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o body_n of_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n as_o they_o be_v 3_o that_o which_o animate_v this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o which_o be_v the_o edge_n of_o this_o charge_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n do_v conceal_v from_o the_o people_n what_o their_o judgement_n be_v about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o this_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o i_o can_v understand_v for_o that_o it_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v prove_v only_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v from_o what_o they_o have_v write_v and_o publish_v in_o print_n unto_o that_o purpose_n and_o certain_o what_o man_n so_o publish_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o can_v have_v no_o design_n to_o conceal_v from_o any_o especial_o not_o from_o they_o who_o usual_o attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o read_v their_o book_n with_o diligence_n but_o this_o have_v be_v speak_v unto_o before_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o seek_v for_o no_o shelter_n nor_o countenance_n from_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o any_o concern_v the_o oblige_a power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n insist_o on_o pag._n 42_o 43_o 44._o for_o we_o acknowledge_v no_o rule_n of_o conscience_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n their_o state_n power_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o divine_a revelation_n only_o that_o be_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o sure_a enough_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o rule_n so_o as_o that_o we_o desire_v no_o great_a assurance_n in_o any_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o rule_n we_o understand_v both_o the_o express_a word_n of_o it_o and_o whatever_o may_v by_o just_a and_o lawful_a consequence_n be_v educe_v from_o they_o this_o rule_n we_o attend_v unto_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o it_o with_o all_o the_o diligence_n we_o be_v able_a and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v usual_o and_o true_o plead_v as_o necessary_a unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o a_o right_a understanding_n thereof_o and_o if_o any_o one_o can_v inform_v we_o of_o any_o thing_n require_v of_o we_o thereby_o which_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v we_o shall_v with_o all_o readiness_n comply_v therewithal_o we_o have_v no_o prejudices_fw-la no_o outward_a temptation_n that_o shall_v bias_n our_o mind_n and_o inclination_n unto_o those_o principle_n and_o practice_n on_o they_o which_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o guide_v and_o direct_v unto_o by_o this_o rule_n but_o all_o such_o consideration_n as_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o moderate_a desire_n even_o of_o food_n and_o raiment_n do_v lie_n against_o we_o we_o be_v hereon_o full_o satisfy_v that_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n about_o these_o thing_n as_o will_v preserve_v we_o from_o evil_a or_o sin_n against_o he_o from_o be_v hurtful_a or_o useless_a unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o submit_v unto_o the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o it_o wherefore_o we_o seek_v no_o relief_n in_o we_o plead_v no_o excuse_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o do_v abide_v by_o it_o that_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n what_o be_v their_o power_n and_o what_o their_o force_n to_o oblige_v we_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o humane_a command_n i_o know_v not_o of_o any_o far_o concern_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o consideration_n which_o he_o propose_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o advice_n which_o he_o give_v they_o in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o have_v weigh_v they_o impartial_o unto_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o find_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o any_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o the_o nonconformist_n for_o their_o absolute_a compliance_n withal_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v move_v the_o nonconformist_n unto_o such_o compliance_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o but_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n to_o ourselves_o that_o during_o these_o difference_n among_o we_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o other_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a nor_o entertain_v severe_a thought_n in_o ourselves_o of_o they_o from_o who_o we_o differ_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a that_o both_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o such_o advice_n one_o head_n of_o his_o advice_n i_o confess_v may_v be_v if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v more_o acceptable_a with_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n if_o it_o have_v not_o come_v in_o the_o close_a of_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o be_v and_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v always_o complain_v of_o their_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n pag._n 54._o for_o they_o say_v after_o so_o many_o of_o they_o have_v die_v in_o common_a gaol_n so_o many_o have_v endure_v long_a imprisonment_n not_o a_o few_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o same_o durance_n so_o many_o drive_v from_o their_o habitation_n into_o a_o wander_a condition_n to_o preserve_v for_o a_o while_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o person_n so_o many_o have_v be_v reduce_v unto_o want_n and_o penury_n by_o the_o take_n away_o of_o their_o good_n and_o from_o some_o the_o very_a instrument_n of_o their_o livelihood_n after_o the_o prosecution_n which_o have_v be_v against_o they_o in_o all_o court_n of_o justice_n in_o this_o nation_n on_o information_n endictment_n and_o suit_n to_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o persecute_v and_o ruin_n of_o some_o after_o so_o many_o minister_n and_o their_o family_n have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o utmost_a outward_a straits_n which_o nature_n can_v subsist_v under_o after_o all_o their_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o
person_n of_o any_o it_o be_v indeed_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n to_o bring_v revile_v or_o rail_v accusation_n against_o any_o neither_o will_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a give_v countenance_n to_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o other_o which_o be_v seldom_o use_v but_o by_o man_n of_o very_a mean_a consideration_n but_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v not_o use_v even_o great_a severity_n in_o reflection_n on_o a_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n and_o that_o unprovoke_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o person_n on_o a_o religious_a account_n can_v be_v more_o severe_o reflect_v on_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o design_n than_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v in_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v see_v a_o collection_n make_v of_o such_o reflection_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o wherein_o they_o appear_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a resemblance_n or_o representation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n 2._o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o popular_a auditory_a consist_v in_o general_n on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v as_o the_o good_a of_o union_n the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o causeless_a separation_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v indifferent_o serve_v any_o party_n until_o it_o be_v determine_v where_o the_o original_a fault_n and_o mistake_n do_v lie_v i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v so_o dress_v as_o to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o door_n of_o nonconformist_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o a_o application_n unto_o their_o disadvantage_n but_o nothing_o that_o by_o way_n of_o argument_n testimony_n or_o instance_n be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o charge_n mention_v and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 3._o some_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o author_n unto_o his_o text_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v his_o complaint_n p._n 2._o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o many_o sad_a reflection_n when_o neither_o the_o misery_n we_o have_v feel_v nor_o the_o calamity_n we_o fear_v neither_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o nor_o the_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o nor_o the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o have_v abate_v man_n heat_n or_o allay_v their_o passion_n or_o make_v they_o more_o willing_a to_o unite_v with_o our_o establish_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o some_o stand_n at_o a_o great_a dastance_n if_o not_o defiance_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v willing_o by_o we_o that_o the_o warning_n and_o call_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v great_a and_o marvellous_a and_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o enquiry_n whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o that_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v immediate_o in_o all_o thing_n comply_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o when_o he_o who_o search_v their_o heart_n do_v know_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o displeasure_n what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o they_o to_o call_v the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unto_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o reconcile_a all_o protestant_a dissenter_n what_o if_o god_n shall_v in_o they_o testify_v against_o all_o the_o atheism_n profaneness_n sensuality_n that_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n unto_o the_o public_a scandal_n of_o it_o with_o the_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v due_o consider_v the_o person_n guilty_a of_o they_o be_v no_o way_n proceed_v against_o by_o any_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o any_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o from_o such_o horrible_a pollution_n once_o attempt_v every_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o law_n gospel_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o they_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o do_v with_o consider_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o a_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o both_o in_o person_n and_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o on_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o no_o such_o reformation_n be_v so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o conscientious_a man_n to_o unite_v themselves_o absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z or_o as_o can_v reform_v itself_o in_o such_o a_o degenerate_a state_n as_o that_o which_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n open_o and_o visible_o fall_v into_o and_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o our_o brethren_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o to_o call_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o expect_v and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v into_o the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o unite_n all_o protestant_n in_o the_o only_a band_n of_o evangelical_n union_n order_n and_o communion_n unless_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v endeavour_v and_o until_o they_o be_v enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o effect_v a_o reformà tion_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n as_o unto_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n shall_v unite_v with_o the_o church_n however_o establish_v and_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o those_o many_o warning_n and_o call_n of_o god_n may_v have_v some_o respect_n unto_o these_o abomination_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nation_n yea_o such_o as_o without_o a_o due_a reformation_n of_o they_o will_v issue_v in_o our_o desolation_n i_o do_v know_v that_o with_o the_o nonconformist_n also_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a addition_n unto_o their_o sin_n as_o also_o a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o guilt_n if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o warning_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n so_o as_o to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o return_v whole_o unto_o god_n from_o all_o their_o wander_n but_o as_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o charge_v on_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o interest_n hatred_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o ruin_n suggest_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o adversary_n or_o be_v use_v by_o some_o against_o their_o science_n and_o conscience_n to_o further_a that_o end_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n to_o be_v raise_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o their_o opinion_n practice_n or_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n do_v atheism_n abound_v among_o we_o it_o be_v from_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n make_v by_o nonconformist_n be_v there_o danger_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n come_v on_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v for_o nonconformity_n so_o be_v it_o of_o old_a with_o the_o christian_n si_fw-mi tiber_n ascendit_fw-la in_o maenis_fw-la si_fw-la nilus_n non_fw-la ascendit_fw-la in_o arva_fw-la si_fw-la coelum_fw-la stetit_fw-la si_fw-la terra_fw-la movit_fw-la si_fw-la fame_fw-la si_fw-la lues_fw-la statim_fw-la christianos_n ad_fw-la leonem_fw-la 4._o the_o immediate_a introduction_n unto_o the_o open_n of_o his_o text_n be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n occasion_v by_o the_o judaize_v christian_n who_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v unto_o his_o account_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o that_o case_n as_o it_o may_v have_v any_o respect_n unto_o our_o present_a difference_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v 1_o that_o those_o with_o and_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n deal_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v principal_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v own_a the_o gospel_n profess_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v receive_v many_o of_o they_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o taste_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o do_v join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o christian_n i_o only_o mention_v