though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n the_o two_o great_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o novatian_a at_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o instead_o hereof_o see_v how_o st._n cyprian_n among_o other_o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatius_fw-la for_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o for_o say_v he_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n where_o one_o be_v make_v already_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o cypr._n epist_n 52._o n._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n 55._o n._n 6._o 9_o declare_v that_o to_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n see_v st._n cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccles_n n._n 3_o 4._o and_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n 162._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o allow_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o hypothesis_n but_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o either_o the_o city_n be_v very_o small_a in_o those_o day_n or_o else_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v in_o the_o ordinary_a city_n which_o mr._n clarkson_n in_o his_o book_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n affirm_v be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o ordinary_a market-town_n in_o england_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_o large_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o christian_n than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o in_o rome_n alexandria_n constantinople_n carthage_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o which_o far_o exceed_v any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o largeness_n and_o number_n of_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a old_a rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n so_o large_a and_o populous_a that_o it_o excel_v london_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o far_o as_o london_n now_o do_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v by_o computation_n at_o that_o time_n above_o 1000000_o inhabitant_n as_o dr._n maurice_n show_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 340._o and_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o one_o consider_v those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a piece_n of_o workmanship_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v there_o the_o ruin_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n as_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o travel_n tell_v we_o who_o gather_v from_o thence_o that_o that_o city_n must_v have_v be_v vast_o populous_a about_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v in_o aurelius_n his_o day_n 50_o mile_n in_o circumference_n dr._n m._n p._n 212._o and_o yet_o will_v mr._n clarkson_n allow_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o this_o great_a city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o of_o alexandria_n which_o be_v 15_o mile_n in_o circumference_n according_a to_o pliny_n l._n 5._o 9_o and_o the_o rest_n all_o great_a far_o than_o london_n now_o be_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o consequence_n give_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v they_o unchristian_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v strange_a that_o christianity_n shall_v make_v no_o better_o a_o progress_n consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o city_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o learned_a father_n of_o those_o age_n and_o their_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a a_o city_n as_o rome_n christianity_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o proselyte_n in_o 300_o year_n than_o can_v meet_v all_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v preach_v there_o for_o many_o year_n the_o very_a quaker_n in_o london_n which_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o old_a rome_n have_v make_v more_o proselyte_n already_o than_o the_o apostle_n in_o much_o long_a time_n for_o be_v all_o the_o quaker_n in_o london_n assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o doubt_v that_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v find_v large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o few_o as_o these_o dissenter_n will_v make_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n in_o less_o than_o 300_o year_n they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o court_n nor_o in_o the_o army_n but_o be_v presecute_v by_o the_o emperor_n all_o that_o time_n unless_o in_o two_o reign_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o human_a cause_n assign_v for_o it_o but_o their_o great_a number_n but_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a city_n entire_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o cesaria_n and_o lydda_n act_v 9_o 35._o and_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n whole_a city_n and_o country_n be_v become_v christian_a as_o eusebius_n affirm_v praep._n evang._n l._n 1._o p._n 12_o 13._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o contain_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n much_o less_o of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n for_o beside_o the_o large_a and_o populous_a city_n every_o bishop_n have_v a_o territory_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o extend_v itself_o for_o several_a mile_n round_o the_o city_n for_o every_o city_n have_v a_o large_a territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n round_o about_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o govern_v the_o city_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v in_o civil_a matter_n so_o far_o do_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n reach_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n see_v can._n apostolic_a 34._o by_o which_o a_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o the_o territory_n under_o it_o and_o see_v can._n antioch_n 9_o &_o 10._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o wall_n or_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o theodoret_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o cyrus_n have_v a_o diocese_n 40_o mile_n square_a and_o yet_o he_o reckon_v his_o episcopacy_n of_o divine_a institution_n see_v his_o epist_n 42._o and_o he_o have_v within_o his_o diocese_n 800_o parish_n church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o epist_n 113._o to_o leo._n this_o be_v a_o instance_n so_o clear_a against_o our_o dissenter_n that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o first_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n which_o objection_n be_v full_o remove_v by_o dr._n still_v fleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 256._o and_o by_o dr._n maur._n def._n of_o dioc._n episc_n p._n 396._o and_o this_o epist_n of_o theod._n prove_v to_o be_v his_o own_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o other_o write_n and_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o liberatus_n who_o infallible_o know_v theodoret_n style_n and_o write_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v authentic_a but_o when_o people_n be_v drown_v rather_o than_o sink_v they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o a_o bulrush_n the_o other_o exception_n they_o take_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o a_o single_a diocese_n but_o of_o a_o province_n and_o that_o theodoret_n be_v a_o archbishop_n but_o that_o cyprus_n of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o bishop_n be_v no_o metropolis_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o theodoret_n primate_n of_o a_o province_n but_o under_o a_o metropolitan_a appear_v by_o his_o 16_o ep._n and_o by_o his_o 81_o 82_o 34_o 94_o and_o 161._o alexander_n be_v then_o his_o metropolitan_a but_o theodoret_n be_v
fear_v many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o which_o make_v they_o use_v that_o posture_n so_o seldom_o in_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v in_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n scarce_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n not_o even_o at_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o be_v not_o often_o their_o usual_a posture_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n be_v either_o stand_a or_o loll_v on_o their_o elbow_n and_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o even_o of_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o though_o they_o be_v the_o very_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o all_o sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n and_o many_o of_o they_o with_o their_o hat_n on_o but_o pray_v how_o come_v the_o posture_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fit_a posture_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o the_o posture_n christ_n use_v no_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v most_o learned_a man_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o christ_n give_v it_o lean_v which_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v any_o one_o set_a posture_n for_o lean_v be_v a_o mean_a as_o it_o be_v between_z kneeling_z and_o stand_v and_o seem_v to_o incline_v equal_o to_o both_o why_o do_v they_o not_o take_v it_o lean_v as_o christ_n do_v and_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n why_o do_v they_o not_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n if_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o without_o sin_n why_o not_o another_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o will_v they_o not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n take_v it_o either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v as_o be_v posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o because_o they_o do_v our_o english_a dissenter_n will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o posture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o irreverent_a and_o far_a from_o adoration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o sit_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o ease_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o we_o own_v it_o be_v a_o feast_n but_o not_o a_o common_a but_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o not_o in_o the_o posture_n we_o use_v at_o our_o common_a table_n but_o in_o a_o more_o decent_a and_o reverend_a posture_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o this_o matter_n vine_n in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o say_v it_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o vary_v in_o occasional_a circumstance_n in_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o posture_n etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n have_v several_a time_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o herewith_o agree_v hooker_n in_o his_o eccles_n polity_n lib._n 5._o p._n 366._o as_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o admission_n into_o society_n to_o use_v some_o particular_a ceremony_n therefore_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n we_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o use_v it_o as_o a_o dedicative_a sign_n to_o god_n we_o only_o as_o a_o token_n or_o declarative_a sign_n to_o man_n they_o use_v it_o before_o baptism_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o it_o we_o after_o and_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o baptism_n but_o allow_v the_o baptism_n to_o be_v good_a without_o it_o and_o it_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o private_a baptism_n if_o it_o be_v scruple_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o since_o these_o ceremony_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v scruple_v by_o the_o dissenter_n why_o will_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o convenient_a that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v think_v necessary_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v aside_o to_o humour_v some_o over_o scrupulous_a and_o restless_a mind_n and_o who_o it_o be_v like_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v be_v that_o grant_v second_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o do_v allow_v and_o practice_v they_o than_o such_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n as_o the_o dissenter_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o there_o be_v as_o insignificant_a ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v now_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n scruple_n concern_v they_o as_o the_o love_n feast_n and_o holy_a kiss_n etc._n etc._n till_o abolish_v by_o general_a consent_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o their_o own_o divine_n at_o westminster_n tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 111._o the_o next_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v for_o that_o we_o tie_v up_o our_o minister_n to_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o argument_n which_o they_o common_o use_v against_o write_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o they_o say_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o they_o call_v preach_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v humane_a because_o subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o error_n but_o if_o so_o then_o must_v we_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o write_a prayer_n but_o the_o whole_a bible_n too_o unless_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n for_o all_o translation_n of_o it_o be_v humane_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o also_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o pastor_n must_v be_v exclude_v for_o the_o error_n in_o the_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o pastor_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n must_v be_v also_o exclude_v another_o argument_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o outward_a help_n in_o the_o action_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n they_o say_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o write_v form_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a help_n be_v sinful_a but_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o voice_n of_o another_o that_o pray_v or_o fast_v or_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o or_o kneel_v be_v prayer_n itself_o or_o only_o outward_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o more_o fervent_a sure_o they_o be_v outward_a help_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n again_o they_o say_v read_v a_o prayer_n can_v be_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o pour_v forth_o supplication_n to_o god_n the_o other_o a_o receive_n in_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v but_o when_o one_o hear_v a_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o another_o his_o hear_n do_v receive_v it_o into_o his_o soul_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n he_o do_v power_n it_o forth_o as_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n why_o then_o may_v not_o this_o be_v do_v as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v read_v as_o when_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o so_o why_o will_v they_o hear_v the_o extempore_o prayer_n of_o another_o man_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n as_o any_o write_a form_n can_v be_v doubtless_o it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o as_o much_o stint_v when_o they_o join_v in_o this_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v join_v in_o a_o write_a form_n but_o since_o our_o
between_o they_o be_v not_o this_o true_o the_o case_n among_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o this_o be_v truth_n which_o i_o say_v how_o can_v these_o man_n pretend_v then_o that_o they_o have_v use_v all_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n they_o who_o real_o scruple_n thing_n out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v sincere_o willing_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o best_a friend_n who_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o violent_a passion_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o for_o their_o kindness_n return_v most_o reproachful_a bitter_a language_n both_o on_o the_o person_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a and_o the_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o sacred_a which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o their_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o even_o in_o common_a discourse_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v spare_v our_o breath_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n better_o than_o we_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o will_v not_o be_v wheedle_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v truth_n mr._n baxter_n himself_o have_v own_a as_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 81._o where_o he_o affirm_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o who_o think_v that_o his_o own_o or_o other_o reason_v will_v ever_o change_v all_o the_o true_o honest_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n know_v so_o little_a of_o matter_n or_o of_o man_n or_o of_o conscience_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o priest_n what_o will_v they_o say_v now_o to_o this_o will_v their_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n nay_o far_o when_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o for_o shame_n it_o be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o even_o of_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o every_o particular_a dissenter_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n what_o then_o must_v they_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o this_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o by_o any_o christian_a church_n since_o their_o time_n not_o even_o by_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o nor_o advise_v other_o to_o do_v so_o say_v vine_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o who_o scruple_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n and_o allow_v none_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o set_n up_o because_o they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1648._o use_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v now_o see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 111._o and_o when_o the_o independent_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o beg_v that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v separate_a congregation_n the_o assembly_n positive_o refuse_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o say_v they_o to_o desire_v separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o own_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v but_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n see_v the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 51_o etc._n etc._n for_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v they_o it_o than_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n ib._n p._n 68_o 73_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n justify_v themselves_o in_o so_o do_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o hereby_o than_o what_o they_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v ib._n p._n 115._o so_o that_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o serious_a deliberation_n their_o set_n up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v conquer_v be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v press_v far_o by_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o desire_v they_o to_o answer_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o than_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n to_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o man_n different_a judgement_n or_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 116._o agreeable_a hereto_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o where_o they_o have_v the_o power_n as_o in_o new-england_n no_o separation_n be_v there_o allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v and_o by_o their_o tell_n mr._n williams_n a_o famous_a minister_n among_o they_o that_o if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v he_o but_o separation_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conquer_v his_o scruple_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o and_o so_o away_o they_o banish_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v after_o due_a pain_n take_v to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o concern_v they_o justify_v their_o non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v real_o no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v forsake_v the_o church_n and_o frequent_v separate_a meeting_n be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o by_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n gifford_n corbet_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o heretofore_o for_o first_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o separate_v from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v the_o scripture_n allow_v separation_n only_o in_o these_o three_o case_n first_o in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n impose_v instead_o of_o true_a and_o three_o in_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o where_o these_o three_o be_v want_v nothing_o will_v justify_v separation_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalced._n 17_o 20_o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2_o 5._o cod._n
withdraw_a themselves_o from_o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v real_a schism_n we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o a_o comparison_n of_o your_o order_n with_o that_o under_o which_o we_o live_v all_o be_v subject_a to_o inconvenience_n we_o have_v she_o as_o well_o as_o you_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n which_o by_o a_o indispensible_a necessity_n and_o by_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n do_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o pre-eminence_n see_v both_o these_o letter_n and_o a_o three_o from_o mounseur_fw-fr l'_fw-mi angle_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o large_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v misch_n of_o separ_fw-la thus_o much_o for_o the_o foreign_a divine_n now_o we_o will_v come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v what_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v first_o then_o several_a of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n do_v sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o they_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n notwithstanding_o any_o defilement_n or_o unwarrant_v power_n of_o church_n government_n exercise_v therein_o see_v the_o apologetical_a narrative_n p._n 5_o 6._o again_o they_o own_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o 56._o and_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a be_v a_o duty_n see_v paper_n for_o accomm_n p._n 47_o 51_o 56._o sometime_o a_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o baxter_n be_v defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 38._o and_o 64._o corbet_n of_o schism_n p._n 41._o peace-offering_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congreg_n party_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o p._n 10._o true_a way_n of_o conc._n part_n 3._o c._n 1._o sect_n 40._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o last_o answer_n to_o bagshaw_n p._n 30_o 31._o have_v these_o word_n you_o little_o know_v what_o pernicious_a design_n the_o devil_n have_v upon_o you_o in_o persuade_v you_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v uphold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o bring_v they_o as_o low_a in_o reality_n and_o reputation_n as_o you_o can_v and_o contract_v the_o religious_a interest_n all_o into_o private_a meeting_n and_o see_v also_o mr._n baxter_n be_v plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o last_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o book_n of_o evangelical_n love_n p._n 54._o acknowledge_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n measure_v it_o by_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a i_o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o own_o write_n how_o will_v they_o now_o justify_v their_o separation_n or_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n what_o will_v they_o say_v to_o this_o be_v schism_n not_o a_o sin_n or_o be_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o not_o schism_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o schism_n why_o then_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n know_v better_a what_o be_v schism_n than_o all_o the_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v for_o i_o have_v show_v from_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o sound_a a_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n doubtless_o these_o man_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v flatter_v we_o for_o they_o be_v stranger_n who_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o and_o man_n of_o more_o piety_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o indulge_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o these_o learned_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o she_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o godly_a upright_a man_n will_v rash_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o those_o be_v which_o relate_v to_o religion_n before_o they_o be_v true_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o beside_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o man_n by_o themselves_o because_o the_o most_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o their_o principle_n of_o separation_n must_v they_o believe_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o no_o thorough_o accomplish_v divine_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o reform_a national_a church_n much_o less_o of_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o dispute_n it_o appear_v before_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beforementioned_a be_v in_o england_n for_o some_o year_n and_o frequent_v both_o the_o church_n and_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o both_o in_o order_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o since_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n true_a and_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n lay_v aside_o all_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o of_o we_o concern_v it_o and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o union_n but_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n all_o over_o the_o world_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v not_o the_o business_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o dispute_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o every_o little_a imposition_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o conform_v at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o submit_v the_o fitness_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o to_o who_o god_n almighty_a have_v entrust_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v convenient_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v than_o private_a man_n can_v be_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o not_o the_o people_n god_n will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o impose_v upon_o his_o people_n thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n but_o will_v never_o condemn_v we_o for_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n as_o he_o have_v place_v over_o we_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o without_o which_o man_n can_v be_v save_v now_o in_o case_n our_o governor_n command_v we_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v godly_a sober_a life_n according_a
this_o the_o college_n appoint_v other_o tutor_n or_o public_a lecturer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o public_a hall_n some_o for_o philosophy_n some_o for_o disputation_n and_o other_o exercise_n these_o public_a tutor_n be_v change_v every_o year_n which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o student_n by_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o several_a method_n and_o opinion_n of_o such_o variety_n of_o learned_a men._n thus_o they_o spend_v the_o first_o four_o year_n and_o then_o after_o very_o strict_a examination_n by_o all_o the_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v in_o the_o public_a hall_n for_o six_o day_n together_o if_o they_o be_v find_v qualify_v they_o commence_v bachelor_n of_o art_n if_o not_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o next_o year_n after_o they_o have_v take_v their_o bachelor_n degree_n they_o begin_v to_o apply_v themselves_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n but_o be_v still_o oblige_v to_o public_a lecture_n for_o hebrew_n greek_a and_o other_o part_n of_o learn_v necessary_a for_o that_o study_n and_o to_o public_a disputation_n and_o thus_o they_o spend_v three_o year_n more_o and_o then_o after_o a_o strict_a and_o public_a examination_n as_o before_o if_o they_o be_v find_v qualify_v they_o commence_v master_n of_o art_n or_o doctor_n of_o philosophy_n and_o here_o observe_v that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o take_v his_o degree_n in_o any_o of_o the_o university_n unless_o he_o be_v thorough_o qualify_v for_o it_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o favour_n in_o the_o case_n because_o the_o examination_n be_v public_a before_o all_o the_o fellow_n and_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o college_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v to_o take_v any_o degree_n in_o any_o of_o the_o college_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o every_o man_n particular_o who_o have_v ever_o take_v the_o degree_n of_o master_n of_o art_n in_o that_o college_n if_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o where_n in_o or_o about_o the_o town_n and_o any_o one_o of_o these_o if_o he_o can_v show_v reason_n for_o it_o as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o scandalous_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o of_o not_o sufficient_a learning_n or_o such_o like_a may_v stop_v he_o of_o his_o degree_n after_o they_o have_v take_v their_o master_n of_o art_n degree_n then_o be_v the_o time_n they_o usual_o enter_v into_o holy_a order_n some_o few_o there_o be_v who_o be_v admit_v into_o deacon_n order_n after_o they_o have_v commence_v bachelor_n of_o art_n but_o these_o be_v few_o and_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o young_a raw_a fellow_n so_o that_o general_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v man_n who_o have_v spend_v at_o least_o seven_o year_n in_o the_o study_n of_o university_n learning_n in_o one_o of_o the_o two_o most_o famous_a 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that_o study_n be_v after_o some_o few_o year_n oblige_v to_o attend_v neither_o do_v these_o learned_a man_n trust_v only_o to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n but_o they_o have_v careful_o settle_v a_o correspondence_n with_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beyond_o sea_n these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o education_n which_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v general_o breed_v after_o this_o manner_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n perhaps_o or_o some_o such_o person_n who_o live_v obscure_o in_o some_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o country_n get_v 30_o or_o 40_o boy_n together_o and_o there_o he_o teach_v they_o common_a school-learning_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v towards_o 20_o year_n of_o age_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o enter_v they_o into_o the_o university_n he_o enter_v they_o in_o another_o chamber_n perhaps_o 5_o or_o 6_o at_o a_o time_n and_o there_o he_o teach_v they_o university_n learning_n as_o they_o call_v it_o for_o 2_o or_o 3_o year_n it_o may_v be_v without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o library_n but_o the_o good_a man_n closet_n or_o any_o conversation_n more_o than_o with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o master_n if_o he_o will_n honour_n they_o so_o far_o and_o his_o assistant_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o have_v one_o and_o so_o after_o 2_o or_o 3_o year_n study_v at_o this_o rate_n they_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n among_o they_o and_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n and_o government_n of_o a_o church_n i_o own_o there_o be_v some_o few_o among_o they_o who_o have_v have_v better_a education_n than_o this_o be_v but_o these_o be_v the_o general_a method_n take_v for_o breed_v up_o of_o divine_n on_o both_o side_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o none_o will_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_n whether_o in_o matter_n that_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o antiquity_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o dissenter_n do_v whether_o i_o say_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v mistake_v all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o those_o of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 222._o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o a_o few_o good_a man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o raw_a injudicious_a sort_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o infect_v with_o proud_a overvalue_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o godliness_n and_o such_o as_o have_v have_v least_o time_n and_o study_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o great_a understanding_n and_o such_o who_o show_v themselves_o the_o proud_a censurer_n of_o other_o and_o least_o tender_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o break_v all_o to_o piece_n among_o themselves_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o these_o be_v in_o the_o right_n as_o the_o main_a body_n of_o agree_v humble_a godly_a peaceable_a studious_a minister_n who_o have_v have_v long_a time_n and_o better_a mean_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n even_o the_o church_n have_v more_o promise_n from_o christ_n than_o particular_a divide_v person_n have_v see_v all_o this_o and_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o this_o book_n aforesaid_a write_v by_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o so_o that_o have_v we_o no_o other_o authority_n on_o our_o side_n than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o rely_v upon_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n but_o it_o appear_v before_o that_o we_o have_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n on_o our_o side_n and_o if_o that_o will_v turn_v the_o scale_n god_n almighty_n must_v work_v a_o miracle_n for_o their_o conversion_n as_o he_o do_v for_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n as_o to_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o obviate_v this_o but_o by_o down_o right_o disclaim_v at_o the_o university_n learning_n and_o call_v they_o sophistical_a divine_n who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o vain_a and_o curious_a arts._n 14._o arts._n his_o book_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n note_v all_o the_o brownist_n say_v the_o same_o so_o do_v the_o donatist_n in_o st._n augustine_n time_n condemn_v human_a learning_n but_o st._n augustine_n condemn_v their_o folly_n herein_o in_o his_o one_a book_n against_o cresconius_n ch_n 14._o see_v brown_n in_o his_o
preface_n to_o his_o book_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 124._o tell_v we_o of_o a_o church_n in_o new_a england_n that_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o preacher_n have_v human_a learning_n but_o perhaps_o some_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v own_v that_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v general_o more_o learned_a than_o those_o among_o they_o one_o of_o the_o most_o competent_a judge_n among_o they_o mr._n baxter_n have_v own_a it_o fair_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o a_o certain_a letter_n p._n 18._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v seldom_o hear_v any_o but_o very_o good_a and_o well_o study_v sermon_n in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n complain_v public_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o injudiciousness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o too_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o his_o sacral_n desert_n p._n 86._o yet_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o they_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o all_o in_o ignorance_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o church_n preferment_n this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a censure_n to_o say_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o godly_a minister_n as_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v many_o of_o they_o die_v martyr_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o villain_n as_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o church_n preferment_n but_o how_o can_v self-interest_n oblige_v the_o clergy_n to_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n that_o must_v move_v they_o to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n doubtless_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n will_v answer_v that_o end_n much_o better_o for_o whereas_o now_o the_o parson_n vicar_n and_o curate_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n etc._n etc._n not_o even_o in_o their_o own_o parish_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n change_v to_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n every_o pastor_n will_v become_v a_o absolute_a bishop_n and_o accountable_a to_o none_o for_o what_o he_o do_v if_o it_o be_v covetousness_n that_o move_v they_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v that_o be_v all_o the_o parson_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n make_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a notion_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitan_a bishopric_n and_o their_o dean_n and_o chapter_n dissolve_v and_o their_o revenue_n superadd_v to_o the_o present_a income_n of_o every_o parish_n minister_n or_o pastor_n their_o church_n live_n will_v be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o valuable_a than_o now_o they_o be_v why_o do_v they_o not_o then_o set_v about_o this_o change_n of_o church_n government_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a it_o will_v better_v answer_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n to_o pull_v down_o episcopacy_n than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o poor_a subjection_n that_o now_o they_o do_v here_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o let_v they_o they_o know_v the_o sweet_a of_o a_o fat_a bishopric_n too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o i_o warrant_v they_o but_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bishop_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o think_v to_o be_v so_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o convocation_n and_o doubtless_o may_v carry_v it_o against_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o bishop_n as_o 27._o be_v they_o not_o persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o therefore_o since_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o self-interest_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n it_o be_v safe_a sure_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o take_v their_o word_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o judgement_n than_o to_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o breach_n between_o we_o as_o wide_a as_o they_o can_v many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o fortune_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o get_v a_o live_n and_o man_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v loser_n by_o a_o union_n between_o we_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o which_o side_n it_o will_v whether_o they_o conform_v to_o we_o or_o we_o to_o they_o for_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v lawful_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n shall_v continue_v therein_o still_o as_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o other_o who_o be_v as_o deserve_v as_o they_o and_o lawful_o settle_v in_o their_o cure_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o nor_o that_o parish_n shall_v be_v divide_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o church_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v than_o ordinary_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o shall_v it_o please_v god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o we_o but_o many_o of_o they_o i_o doubt_v can_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a their_o interest_n oblige_v the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v open_a the_o breach_n as_o wide_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o real_o do_v so_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v own_a they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o write_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v and_o also_o by_o their_o pretend_v to_o quote_v authority_n for_o what_o they_o say_v and_o either_o not_o mention_v the_o chapter_n or_o page_n where_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o else_o alter_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n if_o any_o one_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v they_o look_v into_o dr._n maurice_n his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episc_n p._n 237._o 335._o 353._o 377._o 396._o 442._o 444._o how_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o congregational_a or_o independent_a way_n have_v misrepresent_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o author_n you_o may_v find_v more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o dr._n comber_n defence_n of_o liturgy_n one_a part_n and_o see_v how_o false_o mr._n baxter_n have_v translate_v theodoret_n epistle_n to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n dr._n stillingfleet_n his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 261._o and_o how_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o doctor_n be_v own_o word_n ib._n 131._o 132_o and_o 126._o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o necessary_a but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o the_o case_n seem_v doubtful_a and_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n agree_v on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n only_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o deceive_v we_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o that_o i_o have_v take_v all_o the_o pain_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o inform_v myself_o true_o of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v the_o thing_n scruple_v to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a moment_n than_o i_o now_o find_v they_o to_o be_v and_o though_o i_o for_o my_o own_o part_n be_o satisfy_v in_o
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ainsworth_n who_o all_o left_a england_n to_o gather_v separate_a church_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o low-countries_n but_o scarce_o have_v be_v well_o there_o till_o they_o fall_v out_o all_o among_o themselves_o one_o man_n and_o his_o company_n be_v accurse_v and_o avoid_v by_o the_o other_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o one_o church_n receive_v the_o person_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o other_o till_o they_o become_v ridiculous_a to_o spectator_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o return_v into_o england_n this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o relate_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 51_o 52_o etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o ever_o since_o king_n james_n the_o second_v accession_n to_o the_o crown_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hope_n that_o they_o 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