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england_n christian_n church_n zion_n 42 3 10.0387 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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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 o●_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
in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a obligation_n i_o know_v of_o to_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v to_o maintain_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n wherever_o i_o find_v it_o and_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n wherein_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o choice_n what_o church_n we_o will_v communicate_v with_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o with_o which_o we_o must_v communicate_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o judge_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n that_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 4._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v plain_o learn_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o separate_a communion_n and_o separate_a church_n for_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v great_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o then_o they_o use_v great_a art_n so_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o separation_n as_o that_o neither_o they_o themselves_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o separation_n be_v as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o indeed_o to_o prove_v a_o separation_n that_o two_o congregation_n meet_v in_o several_a place_n for_o worship_n for_o this_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o yet_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n as_o to_o local_a separation_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n because_o these_o differ_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n for_o thus_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v who_o yet_o be_v schismatic_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o where_o there_o be_v two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n though_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o one_o communion_n and_o where_o church_n own_o each_o other_o communion_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n there_o be_v no_o schism_n though_o they_o be_v as_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o in_o place_n as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o church_n to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o to_o make_v this_o as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o evasion_n and_o subterfuges_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v separate_a and_o schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o endeavour_n hence_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o any_o of_o those_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a groundless_a surmise_n and_o not_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o show_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a divine_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o private_a christian_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 any_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 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 so_o that_o distinct_a and_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o must_v have_v their_o distinct_a bound_n and_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a place_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o a_o new_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v and_o form_v into_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n this_o divide_v christian_a communion_n and_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n these_o church_n can_v be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o form_v and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_a the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n and_o those_o other_o conventicle_n of_o sectary_n which_o be_v among_o we_o they_o be_v church_n in_o a_o church_n church_n form_v out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n by_o which_o mean_v christian_n who_o live_v together_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o several_a church_n 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 all_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v distinct_a church_n under_o their_o distinct_a bishop_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o 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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 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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 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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
and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o divine_a covenant_n this_o will_v not_o justify_v a_o separation_n if_o she_o command_v nothing_o which_o be_v forbid_v for_o the_o very_a authority_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o minister_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o if_o man_n will_v adhere_v to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n in_o opposition_n to_o church-authority_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o have_v best_a consider_v whether_o such_o pride_n and_o opinionativeness_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o excuse_v 3._o whether_o if_o the_o promise_v you_o mention_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o church-governor_n it_o will_v not_o exclude_v the_o civil_a power_n ans_fw-fr there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o church-governor_n and_o to_o civil_a magistrate_n their_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v very_o distinct_a but_o very_o consistent_a 4._o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o whole_a church_n that_o its_o governor_n shall_v never_o impose_v unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o defection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v some_o true_a member_n ans_fw-fr the_o promise_n be_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o know_v of_o the_o matter_n our_o saviour_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v all_o i_o cite_v it_o for_o and_o so_o much_o it_o certain_o prove_v the_o second_o proposition_n you_o raise_v query_n on_o be_v this_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n this_o i_o do_v indeed_o assert_v that_o since_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n therefore_o baptism_n whereby_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n also_o and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o gather_v a_o church_n out_o of_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n before_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o reason_n whereon_o this_o be_v found_v as_o every_o honest_a writer_n shall_v do_v you_o only_o put_v a_o perverse_a comment_n on_o it_o by_o which_o say_v you_o i_o suppose_v you_o mean_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_a from_o such_o and_o live_v in_o a_o distinct_a church-communion_n from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n which_o i_o conceive_v needs_o explain_v but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o the_o fault_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o we_o may_v separate_a from_o any_o church_n of_o baptise_a christian_n if_o their_o communion_n be_v sinful_a which_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o answer_v your_o two_o first_o query_n but_o indeed_o the_o proposition_n as_o assert_v by_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n let_v the_o cause_n be_v what_o it_o will_v just_a or_o unjust_a for_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v the_o man_n for_o gather_v church_n do_v not_o own_o that_o they_o separate_a from_o any_o church_n but_o that_o they_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o and_o which_o no_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n have_v who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o independent_a church_n baptism_n they_o acknowledge_v make_v man_n christian_n at_o large_a but_o not_o church-member_n which_o i_o show_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o absurd_a if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n for_o then_o baptism_n which_o admit_v we_o into_o covenant_n with_o god_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o rebaptize_v christian_n as_o form_v they_o into_o new_a church-society_n this_o i_o suppose_v may_v satisfy_v you_o how_o impertinent_a all_o your_o query_n be_v under_o this_o head_n your_o two_o first_o concern_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v not_o make_v upon_o independent_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v no_o church_n but_o because_o they_o be_v a_o corrupt_a church_n 3._o whether_o every_o bishopric_n in_o england_n be_v not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o the_o national_a ans_fw-fr every_o bishopric_n be_v a_o distinct_a episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o union_n of_o they_o in_o one_o national_a communion_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n within_o a_o national_a but_o one_o national_a church_n which_o you_o may_v see_v explain_v at_o large_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_o vnr_n of_o separation_n 4._o and_o therefore_o independent_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v indeed_o within_o the_o national_a church_n within_o a_o church_n which_o be_v schismatical_a but_o not_o one_o national_a church_n as_o bishopric_n be_v 5._o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o to_o have_v the_o external_n form_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o very_a liberal_a grant_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o catholic_n communion_n because_o they_o be_v schismatic_n 6._o and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o be_o to_o account_v for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o visible_a communion_n with_o that_o one_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o what_o allowance_n christ_n will_v make_v for_o the_o mistake_v of_o honest_a well-meaning_a man_n who_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n i_o can_v determine_v i_o can_v hope_v as_o charitable_o as_o any_o man_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o make_v church-communion_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a bond_n of_o christian_a charity_n 3_o you_o take_v occasion_n for_o your_o next_o query_n from_o what_o i_o say_v of_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n you_o say_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o independent_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o catholic_n communion_n by_o require_v of_o their_o member_n a_o new_a contract_n no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o prove_v indeed_o from_o their_o place_v a_o church-state_n in_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n that_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n for_o no_o other_o christian_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o they_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o i_o prove_v that_o those_o be_v separate_a church_n 32._o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 10._o 32._o which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o and_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n for_o their_o own_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o church-communion_n consist_v in_o church-membership_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o by_o such_o a_o explicit_a independent_a covenant_n than_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o no_o church_n but_o that_o with_o which_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o no_o church_n but_o that_o particular_a independent_a congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n and_o if_o those_o be_v schismatic_n and_o schismatical_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o than_o all_o independent_o must_v be_v schismatic_n for_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o none_o but_o their_o own_o independent_a congregation_n let_v we_o now_o hear_v your_o query_n q._n 1._o whether_o any_o obstacle_n to_o catholic_n communion_n bring_v in_o by_o man_n may_v not_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o deprive_v man_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o covenant_n or_o contract_n ans_fw-fr yes_o it_o may_v but_o with_o this_o material_a difference_n other_o thing_n hinder_v communion_n as_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n this_o independent_a covenant_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v up_o enclose_v and_o break_v christian_a communion_n into_o as_o many_o separate_a church_n and_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v independent_a congregation_n sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n a_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v restore_v by_o remove_v those_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o
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 he_o do_v be_v only_o his_o own_o act_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o other_o bishop_n and_o which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o undo_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heat_n and_o warmth_n and_o tendency_n towards_o a_o schism_n but_o no_o schism_n follow_v upon_o it_o among_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o suppose_v pope_n victor_n have_v excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n and_o this_o excommunication_n have_v take_v effect_n this_o can_v not_o make_v the_o asian_a church_n schismatic_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n the_o first_o be_v matter_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o be_v our_o own_o choice_n the_o first_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a punishment_n the_o second_o when_o it_o be_v causeless_a be_v schism_n so_o that_o have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n unless_o the_o asian_a church_n 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
to_o obey_v he_o in_o it_o and_o though_o such_o a_o bishop_n shall_v do_v any_o schismatical_a act_n the_o church_n be_v not_o schismatical_a because_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o gratify_v his_o own_o humour_n and_o passion_n if_o the_o church_n indeed_o unite_v upon_o schismatical_a principle_n as_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v whatever_o the_o bishop_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v schismatic_n the_o church_n be_v so_o too_o but_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o schismatical_a in_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n the_o personal_a schism_n of_o bishop_n can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a and_o though_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o empire_n turn_v christian_n have_v not_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o legal_a constitution_n as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o have_v yet_o a_o constitution_n they_o have_v which_o consist_v either_o of_o apostolical_a rule_n hand_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o confirm_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o usage_n or_o the_o canon_n of_o particular_a council_n which_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v stand_v law_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n provide_v for_o new_a emergent_a difficulty_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o these_o positive_a constitution_n they_o be_v all_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v never_o so_o entire_o in_o the_o bishop_n breast_n that_o what_o he_o do_v shall_v be_v think_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o comply_v with_o those_o law_n by_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o those_o day_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o act_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v observe_v easter_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o asian_a church_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n may_v require_v all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n to_o observe_v easter_n according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o may_v regular_o inflict_v church-censure_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a and_o this_o will_v be_v account_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o canon_n nor_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v communion_n to_o foreign_a church_n who_o observe_v their_o own_o custom_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nay_o there_o be_v the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o former_a time_n against_o it_o for_o anicetus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n receive_v polycarp_n a_o asian_a bishop_n to_o communion_n though_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o when_o victor_n schismatical_o excommunicate_v the_o asian_a church_n for_o this_o different_a observation_n of_o easter_n it_o be_v his_o personal_a act_n not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v no_o such_o law_n and_o own_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o may_v make_v pope_n victor_n a_o schismatic_a it_o can_v not_o make_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n schismatical_a the_o guilt_n go_v no_o far_a than_o victor_n person_n unless_o other_o person_n voluntary_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a by_o abet_v and_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n so_o that_o have_v victor_n persist_v in_o his_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n none_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o himself_o and_o such_o as_o approve_v and_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o the_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o have_v not_o consent_v unto_o it_o have_v be_v innocent_a and_o therefore_o any_o catholic_n peaceable_a christian_n who_o live_v in_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n of_o particular_a bishop_n which_o have_v sometime_o end_v in_o formal_a schism_n and_o denounce_v excommunication_n against_o each_o other_o which_o can_v make_v their_o church_n schismatical_a any_o further_a than_o they_o take_v part_n with_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o personal_a schism_n and_o separation_n than_o a_o church_n schism_n neither_o of_o they_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n though_o they_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o communion_n upon_o some_o personal_a quarrel_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o some_o other_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v catholic_n bishop_n and_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o yet_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a fault_n as_o all_o contention_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n be_v but_o have_v not_o the_o evil_a and_o destructive_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n schism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n without_o communicate_v with_o its_o bishop_n or_o can_v we_o communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n i_o answer_v yes_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o schismatical_a bishop_n without_o communicate_v in_o his_o schism_n when_o schism_n be_v his_o personal_a fault_n our_o communion_n with_o he_o make_v we_o no_o more_o guilty_a of_o it_o than_o of_o any_o other_o personal_a fault_n our_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o while_o we_o take_v care_n to_o communicate_v with_o he_o in_o no_o schismatical_a act_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o personal_a fault_n of_o his_o bishop_n so_o that_o the_o roman_a christian_n may_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o schism_n notwithstanding_o pope_n victor_n schismatical_a excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o remain_v be_v whether_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n may_v have_v communicate_v with_o the_o asiatic_a church_n notwithstanding_o victor_n have_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o if_o they_o can_v not_o than_o they_o must_v inevitable_o partake_v in_o victor_n schism_n if_o his_o sentence_n oblige_v they_o to_o deny_v communion_n to_o the_o asian_a church_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v 2._o that_o those_o who_o condemn_v the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n do_v in_o so_o do_v own_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v one_o way_n and_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o maintain_v communion_n between_o church_n at_o a_o distance_n who_o can_v actual_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o 3._o that_o victor_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o asian_a communion_n have_v come_v to_o rome_n private_a christian_n can_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o actual_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o own_v their_o communion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o their_o fault_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o church_n and_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a that_o the_o asian_o that_o be_v among_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o communion_n but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o they_o for_o this_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o asian_a christian_n but_o be_v only_o a_o force_a suspension_n of_o communion_n 4._o if_o the_o christian_n of_o rome_n shall_v travel_v into_o asia_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o lawful_o communicate_v with_o the_o asian_a church_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o the_o sentence_n be_v void_a of_o itself_o and_o the_o roman_a christian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v not_o under_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o forbear_v
say_v nothing_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o conformity_n not_o only_o make_v such_o conformity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o impute_v to_o the_o church_n the_o damnation_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v upon_o other_o term_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n ordinary_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v assert_v but_o that_o this_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o do_v not_o assert_v for_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v its_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v man_n to_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n because_o christian_n who_o live_v under_o the_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o do_v preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n obedience_n indeed_o and_o subjection_n to_o church-authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o particular_a law_n of_o conformity_n which_o be_v different_a in_o different_a church_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o destroy_v all_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charge_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o destroy_v man_n soul_n if_o any_o person_n be_v so_o humorsom_n and_o peevish_a as_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o such_o reason_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o cavil_n as_o these_o you_o may_v find_v answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v any_o more_o of_o it_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v with_o great_a patience_n answer_v your_o question_n not_o that_o they_o need_v or_o deserve_v any_o answer_n but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v yourself_o too_o much_o despise_v nor_o other_o weak_a people_n think_v your_o question_n unanswered_a and_o now_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v you_o a_o little_a ghostly_a counsel_n too_o which_o you_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o a_o answer_n i_o have_v not_o trouble_v my_o head_n to_o inquire_v scrupulous_o who_o you_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o use_v to_o trust_v common_a fame_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o though_o i_o know_v not_o you_o yet_o i_o perceive_v you_o know_v i_o and_o if_o as_o you_o say_v you_o have_v often_o 1._o p._n 1._o hear_v i_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o as_o you_o hope_v not_o without_o edify_v thereby_o i_o think_v it_o will_v have_v become_v you_o to_o have_v treat_v i_o with_o a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o you_o have_v do_v if_o it_o be_v in_o your_o nature_n to_o be_v civil_a to_o a_o clergyman_n and_o i_o wish_v more_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n than_o for_o i_o you_o have_v do_v so_o for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v learn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o my_o great_a master_n but_o by_o frequent_a trial_n to_o go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o invidious_a and_o spiteful_a reflection_n with_o a_o equal_a mind_n but_o as_o contemptible_a as_o a_o clergyman_n be_v now_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v account_v for_o another_o day_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o you_o have_v a_o great_a spite_n at_o the_o whole_a order_n whatever_o personal_a kindness_n you_o may_v have_v for_o some_o man_n they_o be_v but_o a_o herd_n of_o clergyman_n and_o you_o know_v no_o other_o use_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o to_o oversee_v admonish_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o preface_n preface_n go_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n i_o confess_v this_o way_n of_o raillery_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a and_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mode_n and_o to_o be_v a_o accomplish_a gentleman_n but_o i_o never_o know_v a_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o religious_a who_o dare_v affront_v the_o servant_n for_o their_o master_n sake_n but_o you_o sir_n be_v in_o the_o 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touch_v viz._n the_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a practice_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o go_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n the_o unfruitful_a 11_o eph._n 4._o 11_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o again_o thus_o describe_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o that_o be_v in_o judgement_n to_o condemn_v they_o by_o word_n to_o reprove_v they_o in_o conversation_n to_o avoid_v they_o but_o now_o because_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o heathen_n in_o their_o filthy_a mystery_n nor_o to_o partake_v with_o any_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v immoral_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v their_o duty_n because_o sometime_o it_o can_v be_v do_v but_o 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themselves_o than_o other_o who_o the_o more_o holy_a they_o be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n how_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o balk_v not_o at_o any_o time_n the_o society_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n who_o when_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o admit_v judas_n into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o full_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o those_o ancient_a schismatic_n the_o novatian_o and_o the_o donatist_n may_v i_o stay_v to_o run_v the_o parallel_n both_o those_o schism_n and_o this_o among_o we_o will_v be_v find_v to_o begin_v on_o the_o same_o principle_n slackness_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o corruption_n in_o manner_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o same_o pretence_n zeal_n for_o purity_n and_o fear_v of_o pollution_n to_o spring_v from_o the_o 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of_o rome_n our_o church_n have_v renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o speak_v the_o great_a distance_n in_o the_o general_a betwixt_o the_o two_o church_n and_o as_o their_o distance_n particular_o in_o government_n be_v manifest_a to_o all_o from_o our_o church_n have_v utter_o cast_v off_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o papacy_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o mighty_a distance_n betwixt_o they_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o show_v this_o in_o each_o of_o these_o distinct_o but_o rather_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o method_n viz._n to_o show_v that_o our_o church_n be_v most_o distant_a from_o and_o opposite_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 1._o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereby_o this_o church_n deprive_v her_o member_n of_o their_o due_a liberty_n and_o miserable_o enslave_v they_o 2._o in_o all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 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enjoyment_n of_o our_o due_a liberty_n in_o believe_v and_o judge_v and_o we_o act_n not_o like_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n injunction_n we_o prove_v not_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v every_o spirit_n which_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o against_o and_o do_v not_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o church_n shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o herself_o because_o she_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n our_o church_n tell_v we_o in_o her_o 19_o article_n that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n have_v err_v so_o also_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v err_v not_o only_o in_o their_o live_n and_o manner_n of_o ceremony_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o church_n acknowledgement_n be_v plain_o employ_v in_o assert_v the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n that_o she_o herself_o must_v needs_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o she_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a impudence_n in_o deny_v it_o 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n impose_v a_o deal_n of_o most_o slavish_a drudgery_n in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o unreasonable_o severe_a task_n and_o cruel_a penance_n as_o to_o her_o ceremony_n they_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o take_v up_o as_o sir_n edwin_n sandys_n have_v observe_v a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n mere_o to_o gaze_v on_o and_o abundance_n of_o they_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o childish_a so_o marvellous_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a as_o that_o they_o can_v natural_o bring_v to_o use_v that_o gentleman_n word_n who_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n of_o they_o in_o the_o popish_a country_n no_o other_o than_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n to_o those_o exercise_n of_o religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v stir_v in_o view_v only_o those_o that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o common_a ritual_a one_o will_v bless_v one_o self_n to_o think_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o christian_n to_o invent_v such_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o popish_a task_n and_o penance_n in_o impose_v of_o which_o the_o priest_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o ordinary_o lay_v the_o most_o severe_a and_o cruel_a one_o on_o the_o light_a offender_n when_o the_o most_o lewd_a and_o scandalous_a come_v off_o with_o a_o bare_a say_n of_o their_o bead_n thrice_o over_o or_o some_o such_o insignificant_a and_o idle_a business_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v nothing_o of_o that_o drudgery_n which_o make_v such_o vassal_n of_o the_o poor_a papist_n her_o rite_n be_v exceed_v few_o and_o those_o plain_a and_o easy_a grave_a and_o manly_a found_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n long_o before_o popery_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n our_o church_n have_v abandon_v the_o five_o popish_a sacrament_n and_o content_v herself_o with_o those_o two_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o her_o 25_o article_n where_o she_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sacrament_n ordain_v of_o christ_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v to_o say_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n those_o five_o common_o call_v sacrament_n that_o be_v to_o say_v confirmation_n penance_n order_n matrimony_n and_o extreme_a vnxion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v for_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o have_v grow_v partly_o of_o the_o corrupt_a follow_v of_o the_o apostle_n partly_o be_v state_n of_o life_n allow_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o yet_o have_v not_o like_a nature_n of_o sacrament_n with_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o visible_a sign_n or_o ceremony_n ordain_v of_o god_n the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o ordain_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v gaze_v upon_o or_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o say_v that_o our_o church_n own_v not_o the_o forementioned_a popish_a sacrament_n be_v imply_v that_o she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o any_o of_o those_o very_o many_o superstitious_a foppery_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o office_n appoint_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o those_o sacrament_n again_o our_o church_n no_o whit_n more_o imitate_v that_o of_o rome_n in_o her_o cruel_a task_n and_o penance_n than_o in_o her_o ceremony_n as_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v show_v in_o short_a in_o our_o church_n few_o rite_n she_o have_v use_v no_o other_o liberty_n but_o what_o she_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o those_o apostolical_a rule_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o edification_n and_o she_o impose_v her_o rite_n not_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v she_o as_o necessary_a and_o as_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o mere_o indifferent_a and_o changeable_a thing_n as_o we_o find_v in_o her_o 34th_o article_n where_o she_o declare_v that_o every_o particular_a or_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v change_n and_o abolish_v ceremony_n or_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v only_o by_o man_n authority_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v and_o this_o article_n begin_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o all_o place_n one_o or_o utter_o like_a for_o at_o all_o time_n they_o have_v be_v divers_a and_o may_v be_v change_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n time_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v ordain_v against_o god_n word_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n subject_n her_o member_n by_o several_a of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o enslave_v passion_n for_o instance_n that_o of_o purgatory_n make_v they_o all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a to_o the_o bondage_n of_o fear_n at_o least_o those_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o to_o entertain_v any_o mistrust_n or_o doubt_v as_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o most_o credulous_a of_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o penance_n and_o indulgence_n her_o doctrine_n of_o auricular_a confession_n subject_n all_o that_o be_v not_o forsake_v of_o all_o modesty_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o shame_n her_o doctrine_n of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o the_o priest_n intention_n must_v needs_o expose_v all_o considerative_a people_n and_o those_o who_o have_v any_o serious_a concern_v about_o their_o state_n hereafter_o to_o great_a anxiety_n and_o solicitude_n but_o these_o doctrine_n be_v all_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o of_o purgatory_n she_o
there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o any_o one_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o who_o judgement_n and_o example_n will_v i_o presume_v sway_n much_o with_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o other_o neighbour-churche_n be_v and_o who_o stand_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o and_o see_v whether_o she_o ought_v to_o reform_v the_o gesture_n prescribe_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n and_o those_o of_o geneva_n and_o helvetia_n stand_v the_o dutch_a general_o sit_v but_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o west-friesland_n they_o stand._n the_o church_n of_o the_o bohemian_a and_o augustan_n confession_n which_o spread_v through_o the_o large_a kingdom_n of_o bohemia_n denmark_n and_o sweden_n through_o norway_n the_o dukedom_n of_o saxony_n lithuany_n and_o the_o ducal_z prussia_n in_o poland_n the_o marquisate_n of_o brandenburg_n in_o germany_n and_o several_a other_o place_n and_o free_a city_n in_o that_o empire_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o retain_v the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v the_o bohemian_a church_n be_v reform_v by_o john_n husse_v and_o jerom_n of_o prague_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n at_o constance_n about_o the_o year_n 1416._o long_v before_o luther_n time_n and_o those_o of_o the_o augsburg_n or_o augustan_n confession_n be_v found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v both_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n enjoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetick_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_v gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a 1583._o 1_o at_o cracow_n anno._n dom._n 1573._o 2_o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3_o wladislaw_n 1583._o as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arrian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_v moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o holl._n harmon_n 4_o synod_n of_o holl._n these_o article_n be_v settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v or_o imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v arbitramur_fw-la vid._n art_n 34_o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect_n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacr._n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o query_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o devotion_n from_o that_o example_n which_o christ_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n for_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v propound_v the_o four_o follow_v particular_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v with_o all_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n to_o make_v good_a 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v so_o as_o that_o the_o conscience_n may_v sure_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o gesture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 3._o that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n first_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o
prebendary_n of_o exon._n the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v &_o resolve_v part_n ii_o wherein_o these_o query_n be_v consider_v iv_o whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n v._o whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o receive_v kneel_v because_o this_o gesture_n be_v first_o introduce_v by_o idolater_n and_o be_v still_o notorious_o abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o idolatrous_a end_n and_o purpose_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 take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o query_n iu._n whether_o kneel_v command_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n the_o only_a way_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v or_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n be_v diligent_o to_o consult_v the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o from_o they_o make_v a_o faithful_a report_n of_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n for_o when_o once_o these_o be_v make_v manifest_a it_o will_v be_v very_o easy_a by_o compare_v thing_n together_o to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v consistent_a or_o contrary_a one_o to_o another_o whether_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v agreeable_a or_o repugnant_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o answer_n therefore_o to_o this_o question_n my_o business_n be_v to_o give_v a_o plain_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o early_a age_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o oblige_v her_o communicant_n to_o kneel_v do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o practice_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o this_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o our_o custom_n at_o present_a be_v 2._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o premise_v somewhat_o concern_v this_o query_n in_o general_a and_o somewhat_o for_o explication_n of_o a_o term_n contain_v in_o it_o viz._n what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n as_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o in_o general_a it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o require_v such_o a_o answer_n that_o not_o one_o among_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v due_o qualify_v to_o 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the_o church_n as_o popish_a and_o anti-christian_n for_o enjoin_v such_o ceremony_n and_o pretend_v they_o have_v much_o rather_o endure_v any_o extremity_n than_o submit_v their_o neck_n to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a yoke_n but_o how_o hard_o be_v the_o government_n put_v to_o it_o to_o please_v such_o humoursome_a person_n when_o our_o governor_n tread_v in_o the_o very_a step_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o bless_a martyr_n than_o they_o be_v popish_a and_o antichristian_a and_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o conform_v and_o at_o other_o time_n they_o can_v conform_v because_o they_o require_v they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v never_o require_v nor_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o all_o precede_a generation_n till_o transubstantiation_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o to_o follow_v antiquity_n be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o conformity_n at_o some_o time_n and_o not_o to_o 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month_n space_n be_v grant_v to_o berengarius_fw-la to_o consider_v in_o and_o a_o fast_o appoint_v to_o the_o cardinal_n that_o god_n will_v show_v by_o some_o sign_n from_o heaven_n who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o pope_n or_o berengarius_fw-la it_o seem_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pope_n 135._o b●nno_fw-la card._n in_o vita_fw-la hild._n epis_n dunelm_n hist_o trans_fw-la p._n 135._o infallibility_n be_v not_o know_v to_o that_o age_n and_o that_o of_o the_o corporal_a presence_n much_o doubt_v but_o however_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v conclude_v upon_o that_o from_o the_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a write_n of_o those_o man_n paschasius_fw-la and_o amalarius_fw-la do_v that_o monstrous_a error_n of_o transubstantiation_n spring_n which_o afterward_o come_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o the_o time_n then_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o contain_v this_o discourse_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o 700_o year_n after_o 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since_o i_o give_v away_o 500_o year_n wherein_o the_o pure_a ancient_a catholic_n faith_n touch_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n begin_v to_o decline_v and_o be_v by_o various_a art_n and_o trick_n at_o last_o foul_o corrupt_v which_o piece_n of_o liberality_n i_o need_v not_o have_v exercise_v but_o that_o i_o design_v pure_o to_o convince_v not_o to_o contend_v let_v we_o therefore_o bring_v this_o matter_n under_o examination_n and_o see_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o 700_o year_n after_o christ_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n and_o what_o i_o shall_v produce_v out_o of_o antiquity_n may_v be_v convenient_o place_v under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n according_a to_o the_o method_n propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1_o that_o notwithstanding_o several_a nonconformist_n well_o esteem_v of_o for_o learning_n have_v in_o their_o write_n bold_o assert_v kneel_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o antiquity_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o use_v a_o adore_v posture_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a by_o this_o follow_a account_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v with_o all_o possible_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n and_o i_o declare_v beforehand_o to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o will_v offer_v nothing_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o other_o which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v in_o my_o conscience_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o i_o will_v not_o use_v a_o fallacy_n to_o serve_v the_o cause_n though_o i_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v never_o be_v detect_v by_o any_o of_o our_o separate_a brethren_n in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o first_o century_n or_o 100_o year_n wherein_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o under_o great_a uncertainty_n what_o the_o particular_a gesture_n be_v which_o they_o use_v at_o the_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v in_o my_o answer_n 17._o part_n 1._o p._n 17._o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o query_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o desire_v those_o who_o urge_v a_o common_a table-gesture_n and_o particular_o sit_v which_o be_v a_o usual_a posture_n at_o meal_n among_o those_o eastern_a nation_n as_o well_o as_o among_o we_o now_o to_o observe_v that_o sit_v be_v esteem_v a_o very_a irreverend_a posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o few_o instance_n the_o ancient_a loadicean_n other_o which_o meet_v under_o pope_n sylvester_n 1._o between_o the_o neocaesarian_a synod_n and_o the_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a that_o be_v between_o the_o year_n 314_o and_o 325_o as_o some_o learned_a man_n think_v or_o anno_fw-la dom._n 365._o after_o the_o first_o general_n nicaene_n council_n as_o other_o synod_n find_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o lovefeast_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o lord_n supper_n prohibit_v absolute_o the_o say_a feast_n and_o the_o lie_v upon_o couch_n in_o the_o church_n as_o their_o manner_n be_v of_o solemnize_n those_o feast_n the_o word_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v these_o the_o feast_n of_o charity_n ought_v 28._o can._n 28._o not_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o lord_n house_n or_o in_o the_o church_n neither_o may_v you_o eat_v or_o make_v couch_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n this_o be_v afterward_o forbid_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o both_o these_o provincial_n or_o national_a council_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o 6_o trullan_n council_n and_o that_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 74._o can._n 74._o upon_o which_o in_o some_o time_n the_o custom_n dwindle_v to_o nothing_o now_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v these_o holy_a bishop_n and_o ancient_a father_n to_o prohibit_v these_o feast_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o use_n of_o a_o discumb_a posture_n upon_o bed_n or_o couch_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v too_o a_o ordinary_a table-gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o time_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n take_v from_o the_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n the_o animosity_n and_o excess_n that_o accompany_v these_o feast_n and_o which_o both_o poor_a and_o rich_a be_v guilty_a of_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o their_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a food_n between_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o ordinary_a meal_n they_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o same_o abuse_n which_o have_v creep_v in_o so_o early_o into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o reprove_v continue_v and_o spread_v till_o the_o church_n by_o her_o censure_n and_o decree_v oppose_v the_o grow_a evil_n and_o root_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o mischievous_a effect_n to_o these_o canon_n of_o council_n if_o we_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o particular_a bishop_n who_o live_v in_o those_o first_o age_n and_o who_o speak_v not_o their_o own_o private_a sense_n and_o opinion_n but_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n we_o shall_v plain_o discern_v that_o sit_v be_v account_v a_o irreverent_a posture_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n which_o immediate_o 155._o flor._n ann._n d._n 155._o succeed_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o hint_n that_o the_o people_n sit_v at_o the_o sermon_n and_o while_o the_o lesson_n be_v read_v when_o he_o inform_v we_o concern_v the_o christian_a assembly_n in_o his_o 2._o apol._n 2._o time_n and_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o the_o exhortatory_n sermon_n of_o the_o bishop_n we_o rise_v up_o say_v he_o all_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n he_o do_v not_o indeed_o signify_v what_o the_o particular_a gesture_n be_v which_o they_o use_v at_o their_o prayer_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v and_o they_o may_v kneel_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o it_o be_v customary_a among_o we_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o sermon_n and_o during_o the_o read_n of_o the_o lesson_n and_o after_o they_o be_v end_v we_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o rise_v up_o all_o together_o and_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o we_o stand_v and_o not_o kneel_v he_o will_v conclude_v
plain_a account_n in_o these_o word_n let_v the_o bishop_n give_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sacrifice_n by_o which_o name_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v call_v in_o primitive_a time_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o that_o receive_v say_v amen_o then_o let_v the_o deacon_n take_v the_o cup_n and_o at_o the_o delivery_n say_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o cup_n of_o life_n and_o let_v he_o that_o drink_v say_v amen_o now_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o these_o constitution_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n adulterate_v yet_o it_o be_v allow_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v very_o sincere_a and_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o pure_a practice_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n that_o they_o give_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a account_n in_o this_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n we_o may_v rest_v full_o satisfy_v from_o the_o concure_a evidence_n of_o other_o ancient_a writer_n who_o live_v in_o the_o four_o century_n for_o both_o st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n 1541._o ambr._n de_fw-fr sacr._n lib_n 4._o c._n 5._o p._n 440._o to._n 4._o st._n cyril_n hiero._n catech._n mystag_n 5._o universa_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la accepto_fw-la christi_fw-la sanguine_a dicit_fw-la amen_o resp_n ad_fw-la orosi_fw-la quest_n 49._o to._n 4._o p._n 691._o basil_n 1541._o make_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o people_n say_v amen_o when_o the_o minister_n say_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o universal_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o cup_n be_v deliver_v and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n record_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o be_v very_o apposite_a to_o our_o purpose_n i_o will_v set_v down_o for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o novatius_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o rightful_a bishop_n cornelius_n set_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o become_v the_o head_n novato_fw-la epist_n cornel._n ad_fw-la fab._n apud_fw-la euseb_n eccles_n hist_o lib._n 6._o c._n 35._o de_fw-la novato_fw-la of_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o unnatural_a schism_n and_o the_o better_a to_o secure_v to_o he_o the_o proselyte_n he_o have_v gain_v he_o alter_v the_o usual_a form_n of_o prayer_n at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o substitute_v a_o new-fangled_a oath_n which_o he_o oblige_v every_o communicant_a to_o take_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o receive_n which_o among_o other_o wicked_a action_n be_v particulary_a take_v notice_n of_o and_o charge_v upon_o he_o by_o cornelius_n as_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o and_o the_o most_o villainous_a innovation_n when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v say_v he_o to_o offer_v sacrafice_n i._n e._n to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o to_o distribute_v to_o every_o one_o his_o part_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o he_o constrain_v those_o person_n who_o unhappy_o side_v with_o he_o to_o take_v a_o oath_n instead_o of_o offer_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n according_a to_o custom_n and_o instead_o of_o say_v amen_o he_o force_v every_o communicant_a when_o he_o receive_v the_o bread_n to_o say_v i_o will_v never_o return_v to_o cornelius_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v from_o these_o plain_a instance_n we_o may_v see_v how_o close_o our_o church_n follow_v the_o step_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n in_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v to_o be_v use_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o cup_n to_o the_o people_n which_o run_v thus_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n preserve_v thy_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n which_o last_o clause_n be_v add_v by_o latter_a time_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n to_o that_o short_a form_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v every_o christian_n interest_n as_o well_o as_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o such_o a_o prayer_n and_o return_v a_o hearty_a amen_o to_o it_o i_o will_v now_o brief_o sum_v up_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o antiquity_n in_o justification_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n and_o observe_v where_o it_o direct_v we_o to_o fix_v and_o what_o to_o resolve_v upon_o and_o in_o this_o order_n it_o lie_v sit_v be_v adjudge_v by_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n a_o very_a unfit_a and_o irreverent_a posture_n to_o be_v use_v in_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n when_o they_o be_v solemn_o engage_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v esteem_v the_o most_o solemn_a act_n or_o branch_n of_o christian_a worship_n the_o primitive_a christian_n general_o use_v stand_v at_o their_o public_a devotion_n only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o all_o that_o space_n of_o time_n that_o fall_v between_o easter_n and_o whitsunday_n at_o all_o other_o time_n in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n kneel_v be_v their_o worship_a posture_n and_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n every_o day_n and_o particular_o on_o their_o state_v weekly_a fast_n which_o they_o keep_v every_o wednesday_n and_o friday_n when_o to_o stand_v be_v think_v as_o great_a a_o irregularity_n as_o to_o kneel_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o last_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v deliver_v and_o receive_v with_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o on_o those_o day_n when_o they_o constant_o pray_v kneel_v all_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v consider_v i_o think_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o design_v viz._n that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o sit_v be_v general_o condemn_v as_o a_o indecent_a and_o irreverent_a gesture_n by_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v say_v that_o prostration_n or_o lie_v flat_a upon_o the_o ground_n be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v or_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o stand_v or_o kneel_v as_o for_o stand_v all_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o be_v use_v only_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o in_o pentecost_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v draw_v not_o from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o from_o the_o day_n and_o festival_n season_n when_o they_o do_v more_o particular_o communicate_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n open_o testify_v their_o belief_n of_o that_o great_a article_n at_o such_o time_n therefore_o they_o choose_v stand_v as_o be_v a_o gesture_n suitable_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o as_o a_o emblem_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v that_o on_o their_o common_a and_o ordinary_a day_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o invite_v or_o oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o sacrament_n in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o use_v kneel_v that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a posture_n they_o use_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n viz._n stand_v both_o at_o their_o prayer_n and_o at_o the_o sacrament_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o for_o fifty_o day_n after_o easter_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v they_o do_v not_o observe_v one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n at_o all_o other_o time_n viz._n that_o as_o at_o such_o time_n they_o do_v constant_o kneel_v at_o their_o prayer_n so_o they_o do_v also_o constant_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v and_o receive_v in_o a_o prayer_n from_o the_o strength_n of_o these_o premise_n i_o may_v howsoever_o promise_v myself_o thus_o much_o success_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v careful_o weigh_v and_o peruse_v they_o with_o a_o teachable_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n shall_v find_v himself_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o primitive_a church_n use_v at_o some_o time_n to_o kneel_v as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n than_o that_o they_o never_o do_v kneel_v at_o all_o or_o that_o such_o a_o posture_n be_v never_o use_v nor_o hear_v of_o but_o exclude_v from_o their_o congregation_n as_o some_o great_a advocate_n for_o sit_v have_v confident_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o second_o suppose_v they_o never_o do_v kneel_v as_o we_o do_v yet_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o adore_a posture_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v sufficient_o justify_v the_o present_a
to_o idolatry_n but_o here_o a_o few_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v to_o prevent_v cavil_n and_o mistake_v 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o thing_n see_v the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o present_a question_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o we_o to_o kneel_v whether_o that_o gesture_n have_v be_v ever_o use_v or_o abuse_v by_o idolater_n or_o no._n 2._o i_o grant_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v pure_a 443._o see_v dr._n fal._n lib._n eccles_n p._n 443._o from_o all_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o defilement_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n and_o that_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a which_o either_o in_o the_o design_n of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o or_o in_o their_o own_o present_a tendency_n do_v direct_o promote_v or_o propagate_v such_o corruption_n do_v in_o that_o case_n become_v thing_n unlawful_a to_o follow_v idolater_n in_o what_o they_o think_v or_o do_v amiss_o to_o follow_v they_o general_o in_o what_o they_o do_v without_o other_o reason_n than_o only_o the_o like_n we_o have_v to_o the_o pattern_n of_o their_o example_n which_o like_v do_v intimate_v a_o more_o universal_a approbation_n than_o be_v allowable_a in_o these_o case_n i_o think_v with_o the_o reverend_n mr._n hooker_n conformity_n 165._o hook_n ecles_n pol._n l._n 4._o p._n 165._o with_o idolater_n be_v evil_a and_o blame-worthy_a in_o any_o christian_a church_n but_o except_v these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o blame-worthy_a in_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o agree_v with_o idolater_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n which_o they_o abuse_v and_o consequent_o our_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v or_o charge_v with_o idolatry_n for_o her_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o use_v the_o same_o ceremony_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v abuse_v the_o say_a ceremony_n to_o sinful_a end_n or_o that_o the_o ceremony_n use_v and_o appoint_v by_o our_o church_n natural_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o corruption_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v ill_o design_v or_o that_o she_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o be_v godly_a comely_a profitable_a but_o overlook_v all_o this_o have_v a_o eye_n pure_o to_o the_o example_n of_o idolatrous_a papist_n in_o what_o they_o do_v amiss_o now_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a against_o our_o church_n who_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v herself_o by_o the_o open_a declaration_n she_o have_v print_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v but_o any_o man_n consult_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n 18._o art_n 20._o art_n 34._o canon_n 18._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n just_a after_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n the_o two_o excellent_a discourse_n that_o follow_v it_o concen_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o reason_n she_o have_v publish_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion-service_n for_o enjoin_v her_o communicant_n to_o receive_v kneel_v i_o say_v let_v any_o man_n peruse_v these_o and_o he_o will_v receive_v ample_a satisfaction_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o appoint_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n do_v not_o steer_v by_o the_o example_n of_o idolater_n nor_o enjoin_v they_o out_o of_o any_o ill_a design_n or_o to_o any_o ill_a end_n but_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n and_o rite_n as_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o therefore_o sinful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o in_o general_n no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o than_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a go_n no_o say_v the_o dissenter_n we_o except_v all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o forementioned_a but_o say_v i_o it_o be_v a_o silly_a exception_n and_o avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practice_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o have_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o position_n that_o the_o idolatrous_a abuse_n of_o any_o thing_n render_v the_o use_n of_o it_o sinful_a to_o all_o that_o know_v it_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o effect_n first_o it_o intrench_v great_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n as_o dear_a to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o the_o apple_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o i_o wonder_v they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o affirm_v that_o no_o earthly_a power_n can_v right_o restrain_v the_o use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v lawful_a become_v sinful_a when_o impose_v and_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n give_v that_o power_n to_o stranger_n both_o heathen_n and_o papist_n which_o they_o take_v away_o from_o their_o own_o rightful_a prince_n and_o lawful_a superior_n a_o idolater_n may_v yoke_v they_o when_o a_o protestant_a prince_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o and_o what_o more_o heavy_a and_o intolerable_a yoke_n can_v be_v clap_v on_o our_o neck_n than_o this_o that_o another_o man_n abuse_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n though_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n render_v the_o use_n of_o it_o sinful_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n let_v st._n paul_n determine_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 25_o 27_o 28_o 29._o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n shall_v be_v more_o defile_v by_o idolater_n than_o meat_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o why_o shall_v one_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v and_o not_o the_o other_o certain_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v grant_v they_o
strong_o enforce_v upon_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o prayer_n which_o among_o they_o be_v better_o compose_v and_o more_o fervent_o send_v up_o unto_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o devotion_n which_o there_o be_v better_o frame_v and_o order_v to_o affect_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o true_o christian_n man_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v explain_v and_o premise_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n will_v be_v find_v true_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o question_n stand_v be_v false_a viz._n there_o be_v not_o better_a edification_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n than_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o apt_a and_o fit_a the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v to_o edify_v man_n soul_n 2._o that_o this_o constitution_n be_v well_o use_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o 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nothing_o that_o be_v nice_a and_o obscure_a fit_a only_a for_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a be_v bring_v into_o our_o creed_n all_o who_o article_n be_v primitive_a and_o of_o divine_a right_n none_o of_o they_o pure_o speculative_a or_o curious_a but_o plain_a and_o useful_a in_o order_n to_o practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n we_o love_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o be_v but_o yesterday_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v all_o truth_n but_o we_o can_v call_v that_o the_o highpriest_n which_o be_v but_o the_o fringe_n of_o his_o garment_n we_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o early_a christian_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o they_o be_v very_o secure_a that_o this_o will_v save_v they_o and_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v disguise_v or_o deface_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o descend_a age_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o former_a shape_n and_o complexion_n we_o cast_v out_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n out_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o niceness_n out_o of_o our_o creed_n that_o creed_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a day_n of_o christianity_n believe_v and_o be_v secure_a of_o heaven_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o add_v no_o more_o that_o faith_n this_o church_n maintain_v which_o will_v sufficient_o and_o effectual_o edify_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 2._o the_o necessity_n she_o lay_v upon_o a_o good_a life_n and_o work_n for_o this_o be_v the_o solemn_a intention_n of_o all_o religion_n our_o creed_n our_o prayer_n our_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o devotion_n her_o creed_n be_v such_o that_o all_o its_o article_n so_o direct_o or_o by_o natural_a 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nice_o about_o the_o preference_n nor_o dispute_v critical_o the_o mode_n how_o joint_o they_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o plain_o determine_v that_o without_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n she_o not_o only_o keep_v to_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o to_o a_o conversation_n of_o equal_a firmness_n and_o solidity_n her_o festival_n be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o virtue_n of_o excellent_a man_n and_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n her_o ceremony_n which_o be_v principal_o design_v for_o decency_n may_v also_o remind_v we_o of_o those_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n her_o collect_v and_o petition_n be_v for_o grace_n to_o subdue_v our_o folly_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o resolution_n for_o holiness_n her_o discipline_n be_v to_o lash_v the_o sturdy_a into_o sobriety_n and_o goodness_n and_o her_o homily_n be_v plain_o and_o smart_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o impiety_n and_o to_o persuade_v a_o true_a christian_a deportment_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o her_o whole_a constitution_n aim_v at_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a she_o flatter_v and_o lull_v no_o man_n asleep_o in_o vice_n but_o tell_v all_o secure_a sinner_n plain_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v nor_o receive_v aright_o that_o they_o be_v not_o absolve_v that_o their_o person_n be_v not_o justify_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o true_a hope_n of_o heaven_n except_o they_o purify_v themselves_o and_o be_v real_o just_a and_o good_a she_o neither_o use_v nor_o allow_v any_o nice_a distinction_n in_o plain_a duty_n to_o baffle_v our_o obedience_n nor_o suffer_v a_o cunning_a head_n to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n and_o teach_v man_n learned_o to_o sin_n but_o urge_v plain_a virtue_n lay_v down_o distinct_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o teach_v by_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n without_o call_v they_o mean_a duty_n or_o ordinary_a morality_n to_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o faith_n she_o set_v no_o abstruse_a and_o fantastic_a character_n nor_o any_o mark_n who_o truth_n must_v be_v fetch_v in_o by_o long_a deduction_n and_o consequence_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o no_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o mean_a christian_a can_v easy_o judge_v of_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v edify_v by_o such_o a_o church_n press_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n not_o only_o thereby_o enforce_v peace_n and_o justice_n pity_n and_o tenderness_n humility_n and_o kindness_n one_o towards_o another_o but_o she_o make_v king_n safe_a and_o subject_n more_o secure_a condemn_v both_o tyranny_n and_o disobedience_n parent_n more_o obey_v and_o
of_o ancient_a friend_n etc._n friend_n friend_n friend_n see_v spirit_n of_o the_o hart._n p._n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n george_n fox_n declare_v he_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v who_o he_o please_v ●7_z please_v please_v please_v p●7_n ●7_z and_o say_v in_o a_o great_a assembly_n 41._o assembly_n assembly_n assembly_n p._n 41._o that_o he_o never_o like_v the_o word_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o will_v have_v no_o liberty_n give_v to_o presbyterian_o papist_n independent_o and_o baptist_n from_o the_o subordinate_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n i_o pass_v it_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o dissenter_n the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o principal_a and_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o the_o removal_n of_o popery_n a_o very_a good_a and_o commendable_a end_n and_o i_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o prosper_v all_o christian_n who_o pursue_v it_o by_o fit_a and_o lawful_a way_n but_o the_o method_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o so_o well_o 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christi_fw-la singular_a etc._n etc._n be_v wont_a to_o praise_v it_o in_o a_o more_o excellent_a metaphor_n and_o to_o call_v it_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o consider_v man_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n than_o some_o other_o of_o the_o reformation_n can_v give_v a_o more_o full_a and_o unperplexed_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o romanist_n than_o some_o other_o church_n who_o be_v cramp_v in_o a_o few_o point_n unwary_o admit_v if_o therefore_o dissension_n put_v out_o this_o eye_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n the_o dark_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o popery_n will_v the_o soon_o spread_v themselves_o over_o reform_a christendom_n at_o home_n the_o dissettlement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v soon_o introduce_v than_o root_n out_o popery_n i_o be_o constrain_v thus_o to_o judge_v by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n first_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v out_o popery_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o this_o church_n be_v like_o the_o preposterous_a way_n of_o secure_v the_o vineyard_n by_o pull_v up_o of_o the_o fence_n or_o of_o keep_v out_o the_o enemy_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o bulwark_n under_o that_o name_n this_o church_n be_v common_o speak_v of_o and_o they_o do_v not_o flatter_v it_o who_o give_v it_o that_o title_n ●ts_v constitution_n be_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v strong_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o if_o such_o a_o church_n have_v not_o ability_n with_o god_n assistance_n to_o resist_v the_o assault_n of_o romish_a power_n much_o less_o have_v they_o who_o dissent_v from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v fanaticism_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o religious_a frenzy_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o more_o probable_a mean_n and_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v give_v to_o mean_n which_o be_v much_o less_o probable_a supernatural_a aid_n and_o success_n god_n support_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o weak_a mean_n if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n he_o have_v put_v into_o our_o power_n against_o a_o bad_a cause_n though_o external_o potent_a but_o he_o who_o in_o case_n of_o emergence_n assi_v honest_a impotence_n and_o infirmity_n will_v never_o work_v miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o man_n presumption_n and_o indiscretion_n the_o romanist_n be_v a_o mighty_a body_n of_o man_n and_o though_o there_o be_v intestine_a feud_n betwixt_o the_o secular_a and_o regular_a clergy_n as_o likewise_o betwixt_o the_o several_a order_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a into_o one_o common_a polity_n and_o graft_v into_o that_o one_o stock_n of_o the_o papal_a headship_n they_o be_v favour_v in_o many_o place_n by_o great_a man_n they_o have_v variety_n of_o learning_n they_o pretend_v to_o great_a antiquity_n to_o miracle_n to_o martyr_n without_o number_n to_o extraordinary_a charity_n and_o mortification_n they_o have_v the_o nerve_n of_o worldly_a power_n that_o be_v bank_n of_o money_n and_o a_o large_a revenue_n they_o 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from_o she_o into_o any_o extreme_a which_o be_v a_o national_a body_n already_o form_v a_o body_n both_o christian_n and_o legal_a a_o body_n which_o commend_v itself_o to_o the_o civil_a power_n by_o the_o loyalty_n of_o its_o constitution_n a_o body_n which_o have_v in_o it_o great_a number_n of_o people_n judicious_o devout_a and_o who_o be_v judge_v only_o to_o be_v few_o 26._o few_o few_o few_o see_v l._n de_fw-fr moulin_n advances_n etc._n etc._n p._n 26._o because_o they_o be_v not_o noysie_a but_o prudent_a though_o true_o exemplary_a in_o their_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n something_o more_o considerable_a than_o number_n for_o union_n be_v strong_a than_o multitude_n take_v the_o character_n of_o this_o church_n from_o monsieur_n daille_n 98._o daille_n daille_n daille_n de_fw-fr confess_v advers._fw-la h._n hammond_n c._n 1._o p._n 97._o 98._o a_o man_n who_o circumstance_n where_o not_o likely_a to_o lead_v he_o in_o this_o matter_n into_o any_o partiality_n of_o judgement_n and_o who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o learned_a controversy_n with_o one_o of_o our_o divine_n the_o character_n be_v this_o as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n purge_v from_o foreign_a wicked_a superstitious_a worship_n and_o error_n either_o impious_a or_o dangerous_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n approve_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o illustrious_a martyr_n abound_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o with_o most_o frequent_a example_n of_o good_a work_n flourish_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o time_n i_o have_v always_o have_v it_o in_o just_a esteem_n and_o till_o i_o die_v i_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o due_a veneration_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o make_v observation_n upon_o other_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v displease_v at_o we_o which_o so_o much_o excel_v they_o now_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v have_v less_o strength_n in_o it_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o popery_n than_o a_o inferior_a number_n of_o divide_a party_n of_o which_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o most_o accomplish_v be_v neither_o so_o primitive_a nor_o so_o learned_a nor_o so_o unite_v nor_o so_o numerous_a nor_o so_o legal_a and_o against_o which_o it_o will_v be_v object_v by_o the_o roman_n that_o it_o be_v of_o yesterday_o among_o these_o party_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v not_o full_o declare_v themselves_o and_o who_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o a_o reserve_v for_o the_o romish_a religion_n against_o a_o favourable_a opportunity_n though_o sometime_o they_o speak_v of_o rome_n as_o of_o babylon_n i_o mean_v those_o people_n who_o be_v call_v quaker_n who_o speak_v in_o general_a of_o their_o light_n
brabant_n husbandry_n remain_v not_o now_o any_o long_a a_o question_n it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n contzen_n 9_o contzen_n contzen_n contzen_n contz_n polit._n l._n 2._o chap._n 18._o sect._n 9_o to_o make_v as_o much_o use_n of_o the_o division_n of_o enemy_n as_o of_o the_o agreement_n of_o friend_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o they_o manage_v themselves_o they_o endeavour_v to_o widen_v the_o breach_n in_o order_n to_o the_o introduce_v of_o popery_n into_o a_o divide_a nation_n they_o will_v have_v hope_n as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v division_n they_o will_v believe_v whilst_o they_o see_v the_o humour_n be_v in_o conflict_n that_o the_o body_n will_v be_v at_o last_o dissolve_v if_o they_o will_v hope_v for_o resettlement_n as_o they_o declare_v they_o do_v upon_o such_o inconsiderable_a ground_n as_o the_o print_n of_o a_o monasticon_fw-la 140._o monasticon_fw-la monasticon_fw-la monasticon_fw-la journal_n des_fw-fr scavans_n de_fw-fr l'_fw-fr ann._n 1665._o p._n 140._o or_o the_o provincial_n etc._n provincial_n provincial_n provincial_n journ_v &c_n &c_n de_fw-fr l'_fw-fr an._n 1666._o p._n 2●0_n 233._o etc._n etc._n of_o lynwood_n among_o we_o though_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o history_n rather_o than_o of_o title_n or_o law_n what_o will_v they_o not_o expect_v from_o our_o un_fw-we christian_n distemper_n and_o from_o our_o forbear_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_a church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n by_o this_o artifice_n it_o be_v that_o they_o gain_v proselyte_n they_o expose_v the_o protestant_n as_o a_o disunited_a people_n they_o demand_v of_o injudicious_a man_n how_o they_o can_v in_o prudence_n join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n among_o themselves_o though_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o there_o be_v much_o more_o agreement_n than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o they_o say_v there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o more_o 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foresee_v all_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o when_o the_o vessel_n be_v stir_v the_o lees_n come_v up_o which_o lie_v before_o undiscerned_a in_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o liquor_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o fine_v but_o rather_o render_v less_o pure_a by_o motion_n in_o the_o body_n spiritual_a or_o civil_a then_o politician_n use_v conscientious_a instrument_n no_o further_o than_o they_o serve_v a_o present_a purpose_n and_o for_o new_a purpose_v they_o find_v new_a instrument_n one_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n 1647._o divine_n divine_n divine_n d._n j._n l._n on_o psal_n 4_o 4._o feb._n 24._o a._n 1647._o discourse_v on_o this_o manner_n at_o a_o public_a fast_o have_v not_o these_o trumpet_n and_o these_o poor_a pitcher_n have_v their_o share_n and_o a_o good_a share_n too_o in_o bring_v down_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o the_o camp_n of_o midian_a and_o have_v not_o they_o like_o the_o story_n in_o ezekiel_n if_o i_o may_v so_o 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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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this_o church_n but_o your_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n to_o obey_v civil_a magistrate_n but_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a law_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v obey_v the_o king_n of_o england_n france_n or_o spain_n therefore_o french_a or_o english_a subject_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o obey_v their_o own_o prince_n oh_o what_o comfortable_a doctrine_n be_v this_o to_o some_o man_n you_o proceed_v but_o you_o will_v say_v which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o much_o to_o the_o question_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o communicate_v if_o communion_n may_v be_v have_v yes_o i_o do_v say_v this_o and_o i_o believe_v by_o this_o time_n you_o see_v or_o at_o least_o other_o will_v see_v that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o the_o question_n but_o then_o query_n whether_o the_o dissenter_n may_v not_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v if_o the_o communion_n be_v not_o clog_v with_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o 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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
thing_n and_o somewhat_o favour_v by_o scripture_n and_o by_o experience_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o such_o convenience_n advantage_n and_o security_n to_o religion_n that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v more_o than_o once_o say_v 36._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n epist_n serm._n on_o gal._n 6._o 10._o p._n 24._o defence_n p._n 21._o par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 36._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o that_o will_v preserve_v religion_n here_o in_o its_o due_a advantage_n must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o soundness_n concord_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o parish-church_n and_o mr._n corbet_n say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n of_o several_a nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o nullify_n and_o tread_v down_o the_o parish-church_n be_v a_o popish_a design_n but_o whatever_o opinion_n other_o may_v have_v of_o that_o form_n yet_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n and_o another_o agree_v that_o the_o church_n so_o call_v be_v or_o may_v be_v true_a church_n this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n thus_o say_v a_o late_a 103._o late_a late_a late_a troughton_n apol._n p._n 103._o writer_n who_o though_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o national_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o do_v admit_v as_o he_o needs_o must_v at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o such_o intolerable_a corruption_n as_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o they_o and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o other_o respect_v opposite_a enough_o to_o the_o church_n do_v so_o declare_v it_o be_v say_v mr._n baxter_n the_o parish_n church_n that_o have_v the_o liturgy_n 49._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o v._o letter_n of_o minister_n of_o old_a england_n to_o new_a p._n 49._o which_o mr._n h._n jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o congregational_a party_n write_v for_o communion_n with_o against_o fr._n johnson_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o call_v they_o separatist_n against_o who_o he_o write_v the_o same_o i_o may_v say_v of_o mr._n bradshaw_n dr._n ames_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n who_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n think_v be_v favourable_a to_o their_o way_n and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a apologist_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o general_a sense_n ●17_n apol._n c._n 4._o p._n ●17_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v that_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n general_o be_v true_a church_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o people_n be_v christian_n and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n their_o minister_n be_v true_a minister_n such_o as_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v degrade_v but_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o for_o those_o of_o new-england_n mr._n baxter_n do_v say_v that_o 177._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2_o p._n 177._o their_o own_o expression_n signify_v that_o they_o take_v the_o english_a parish_n that_o have_v godly_a minister_n for_o true_a church_n though_o faulty_a mr._n cotton_n profess_v that_o robinson_n denial_n of_o 8._o way_n clear_v p._n 8._o the_o parishional_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v never_o receive_v into_o any_o heart_n among_o they_o and_o otherwhere_o say_v we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o 1641._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o print_v 1641._o and_o the_o pape_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v the_o five_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v 47._o declare_v declare_v declare_v apologet._n narr_n v._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n and_o part_n 1._o p._n 47._o we_o have_v this_o sincere_a profession_n to_o make_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o defilement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n do_v never_o work_v in_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parochial_a congregation_n thereof_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o dr._n t._n goodwin_n 489._o on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 477_o 488_o 489._o do_v condemn_v it_o as_o a_o error_n in_o those_o who_o hold_v particular_a church_n those_o you_o call_v parish-church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o upon_o that_o ground_n forbear_v all_o church-communion_n with_o they_o in_o hear_v or_o in_o any_o other_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v i_o acquit_v myself_o before_o from_o this_o and_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n but_o have_v be_v also_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o valuable_a in_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n itself_o or_o those_o that_o minister_n in_o it_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n thus_o write_v all_o the_o know_a 6._o pag._n 6._o church_n in_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v our_o church_n for_o their_o sister_n and_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n dr._n goodwin_n say_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o ibid._n ibid._n church_n so_o state_v i._n e._n parish-church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n true_a minister_n and_o their_o order_n such_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o too_o in_o the_o sense_n speak_v of_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o church_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v all_o as_o full_a of_o mixture_n as_o we_o and_o mr._n j._n goodwin_n say_v visit_v zion_n college_n visit_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n than_o in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o character_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v then_o mr._n bradshaw_n 97._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separate_a p._n 97._o give_v it_o our_o church_n be_v not_o inferior_a for_o number_n of_o able_a man_n yea_o and_o painful_a minister_n to_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o foreign_a part_n etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o the_o number_n of_o such_o be_v much_o advance_v since_o his_o time_n but_o i_o can_v say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a than_o i_o find_v in_o a_o page_n or_o two_o of_o a_o author_n i_o must_v frequent_o 263._o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o church_n division_n dir._n 56._o p._n 263._o use_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o church_n true_a church_n the_o ministry_n a_o true_a ministry_n the_o doctrine_n sound_n and_o orthodox_n the_o worship_n in_o the_o main_a good_a and_o allowable_a and_o the_o defect_n such_o as_o render_v not_o the_o ordinance_n unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o ineffectual_a to_o we_o i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o say_v towards_o the_o prove_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n lawful_a and_o to_o justify_v those_o that_o do_v join_v in_o it_o which_o bring_v to_o the_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v ii_o what_o opinion_n the_o sober_a and_o eminent_a nonconformist_n ii_o sect._n ii_o have_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o they_o general_o hold_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v own_a by_o all_o they_o that_o hold_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o to_o own_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o to_o separate_v total_o from_o it_o will_v be_v to_o own_o and_o disow_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o say_v the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n thus_o to_o 47._o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 47._o depart_v from_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o such_o but_o rather_o by_o depart_v to_o declare_v they_o not_o to_o be_v such_o and_o say_v mr._n baxter_n nothing_o will_v 464._o reason_n for_o the_o christian_a relig._n p._n 464._o warrant_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o case_n in_o total_a separation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o
be_v p._n 4._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n this_o be_v a_o 235._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 235._o plea_n say_v mr._n vine_n that_o be_v plausible_a to_o easy_a capacity_n because_o it_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o holiness_n of_o ordinance_n and_o people_n but_o what_o the_o eminent_a dissenter_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v mr._n vines_n say_v it_o be_v donatistical_n and_o other_o as_o mr._n brinsley_n and_o mr._n jenkin_n that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a 97._o brinsley_n arraignment_n p._n 37_o 38._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._o 19_o baily_n dissuasive_a p._n 22._o sacril_n desert_n p._n 97._o plea_n or_o pretence_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o all_o schismatic_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v untaught_a it_o as_o mr._n baxter_n do_v advise_v and_o as_o they_o do_v disclaim_v it_o so_o they_o declare_v that_o those_o that_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n do_v it_o very_o unjust_o 131._o unjust_o unjust_o unjust_o caw●rey's_n reformation_n promote_v p._n 131._o that_o the_o scandal_n of_o professor_n be_v ground_n of_o mourning_n but_o not_o of_o separation_n 496._o separation_n separation_n separation_n manton_n on_o judas_n p._n 496._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o cast_v out_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o one_o to_o leave_v the_o church_n though_o such_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o 2._o out_o out_o out_o vine_n on_o sacrament_n p._n 242_o platform_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o v._o cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 2._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scanlous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o there_o be_v say_v mr._n burrough_n 242._o burrough_n burrough_n burrough_n gospel-worship_n serm_n 11._o p._n 242._o a_o error_n on_o both_o side_n either_o those_o that_o think_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o at_o all_o with_o who_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n or_o those_o that_o if_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v the_o scandalous_a away_o and_o yet_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o come_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v not_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o this_o both_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o so_o far_o agree_v in_o and_o for_o this_o their_o opinion_n they_o urge_v several_a argument_n first_o it_o be_v no_o where_n command_v but_o be_v a_o vain_a arg._n 1_o pretend_v to_o holiness_n above_o rule_n and_o example_n say_v 31._o on_o sacrament_n p._n 246._o p._n 31._o mr._n vines_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o say_v because_o there_o be_v no_o command_n it_o be_v no_o duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v not_o this_o word_n come_v forth_o in_o any_o of_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n against_o which_o christ_n say_v he_o have_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o impure_a be_v not_o call_v forth_o into_o the_o pure_a but_o there_o be_v promise_v make_v to_o they_o that_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o the_o impure_a part_n for_o we_o may_v not_o make_v every_o disease_n the_o plague_n shall_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n forsake_v the_o lord_n presence_n because_o satan_n come_v also_o among_o they_o etc._n etc._n the_o provincial_a assembly_n of_o london_n do_v affirm_v in_o the_o 47._o vindicat._n of_o presbyt_fw-la govern_v p._n 134._o brinsly_n arraign_v p._n 47._o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v such_o a_o profane_a mixture_n at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o we_o believe_v few_o if_o any_o of_o our_o congregation_n can_v be_v charge_v withal_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o persuade_v the_o godly_a party_n to_o separate_a much_o less_o to_o gather_v 71._o v._o firmin_n separate_a examine_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church-reformat_a p._n 71._o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o church_n from_o which_o consideration_n mr._n tomb_n conclude_v 74._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v theodulia_n p._n 74._o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o any_o person_n to_o join_v in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n with_o any_o if_o he_o have_v no_o command_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o that_o service_n because_o of_o their_o presence_n nor_o power_n to_o exclude_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o duty_n there_o perform_v nay_o they_o do_v not_o only_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v not_o command_v but_o that_o it_o be_v forbid_v and_o unlawful_a so_o mr._n hooker_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o 9_o survey_v of_o discipline_n pres_n a._n 3._o platform_n c._n 14._o §._o 9_o sin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n be_v unlawful_a so_o the_o new-england_n minister_n do_v declare_v as_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v tolerate_v be_v not_o present_o necessary_a so_o for_o the_o member_n thereof_o otherwise_o worthy_a hereupon_o to_o abstain_v from_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unlawful_a second_o they_o plead_v that_o the_o communicate_v in_o arg._n 2_o god_n service_n with_o open_a sinner_n who_o the_o godly_a in_o some_o of_o our_o assembly_n be_v enforce_v to_o communicate_v with_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o profane_a 53._o grave_a confut._n part_n 3._o p._n 53._o or_o to_o pollute_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n so_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n so_o mr._n vine_n the_o presence_n 32._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 242._o &_o p._n 31_o 32._o of_o wicked_a man_n at_o god_n ordinance_n pollute_v not_o they_o that_o be_v neither_o accessary_a to_o their_o sin_n nor_o yet_o to_o their_o presence_n there_o this_o mr._n burrough_n disclaim_v 237._o gospel-worship_n serm._n 11._o p._n 236_o 237._o you_o be_v not_o defile_v by_o the_o mere_a presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a deceit_n and_o gull_n that_o some_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o thus_o be_v you_o defile_v if_o you_o do_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o uttermost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o purge_v they_o out_o but_o if_o this_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n person_n be_v in_o it_o be_v universal_o grant_v that_o the_o innocent_a shall_v not_o suffer_v for_o the_o nocent_a so_o mr._n ball_n the_o precept_n of_o debar_v scandalous_a offender_n 205._o trial_n c._n 10._o p._n 191_o 205._o bind_v they_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v this_o power_n and_o they_o only_o so_o far_o as_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o presbyt_fw-la v._o jean_n discourse_n on_o the_o lord_n supper_n rutherford_n right_a of_o presbyt_fw-la their_o power_n but_o god_n regular_o do_v not_o leave_v that_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a 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may_v be_v better_o secure_v to_o this_o i_o only_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o now_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o at_o present_a stand_n among_o we_o we_o have_v a_o church_n settle_a and_o establish_v by_o law_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v sinful_a be_v enjoin_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o superior_n be_v how_o far_o they_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n or_o scruple_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v that_o be_v another_o question_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o what_o private_a member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o do_v and_o then_o i_o say_v scruple_v the_o use_n of_o some_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n will_v not_o justify_v our_o leave_v it_o nay_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o it_o be_v our_o best_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o such_o order_n notwithstanding_o our_o scruple_n but_o i_o 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galatia_n yet_o no_o one_o member_n of_o they_o be_v ever_o command_v to_o come_v out_o or_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n to_o join_v in_o a_o pure_a congregation_n or_o to_o avoid_v mix_v communion_n or_o for_o better_a edification_n for_o man_n to_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v certain_o a_o worse_a fault_n than_o to_o kneel_v at_o it_o or_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o advise_v any_o to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n but_o only_o every_o one_o to_o examine_v himself_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n submit_v to_o a_o hundred_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o our_o mind_n or_o we_o have_v rather_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n so_o desirable_a in_o itself_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n for_o our_o common_a interest_n and_o safety_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o what_o i_o may_v without_o 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church-division_n as_o they_o be_v of_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n or_o any_o other_o enormous_a crime_n and_o do_v man_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o schism_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n let_v we_o therefore_o divert_v our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n upon_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a that_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o pray_v by_o a_o book_n be_v such_o why_o then_o have_v man_n such_o invincible_a scruple_n about_o one_o and_o none_o at_o all_o about_o the_o other_o they_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o separate_a assembly_n which_o sure_o be_v more_o like_a to_o schismatical_a conventicle_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n be_v to_o idolatry_n let_v man_n be_v as_o scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a of_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n of_o subjection_n 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other_o they_o divide_v from_o we_o now_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o then_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o finis_fw-la 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 london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n and_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v concern_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o mention_v any_o one_o thing_n require_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n judge_v by_o they_o absolute_o sinful_a on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o justifiable_a they_o either_o put_v we_o off_o with_o some_o inconvenience_n inexpedience_n or_o corruption_n as_o they_o call_v they_o some_o thing_n appoint_v and_o use_v which_o in_o their_o opinion_n render_v our_o service_n less_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o chief_a of_o which_o exception_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o several_a discourse_n late_o write_v with_o great_a temper_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o do_v not_o see_v but_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o and_o devout_o our_o way_n and_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v long_o join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o at_o least_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o be_v by_o law_n require_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o st._n matt._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom_n 14._o 15._o now_o this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n i_o have_v undertake_v brief_o to_o consider_v where_o i_o once_o for_o all_o suppose_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n that_o nothing_o be_v among_o we_o impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o sinful_a require_v by_o our_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n that_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o discourse_v therefore_o at_o this_o present_a only_a with_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v well_o enough_o join_v with_o we_o but_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n and_o be_v dissatisfy_v at_o the_o use_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n nor_o do_v i_o design_v exact_o to_o handle_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n or_o elaborate_o explain_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o or_o state_n the_o case_n there_o treat_v of_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o superior_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o charge_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o there_o do_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_a from_o his_o parish_n church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o three_o how_o
danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_a whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n this_o great_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o quite_o forget_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n even_o lose_v among_o christian_n so_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o england_n may_v just_o have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o woman_n at_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n they_o have_v take_v away_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o but_o sure_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v when_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v great_a but_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o habitual_a indisposition_n and_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o true_o represent_v and_o very_o much_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o do_v not_o deter_v the_o corinthian_n from_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o it_o without_o due_a reverence_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o to_o come_v better_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o after_o that_o terrible_a declaration_n in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o add_v therefore_o let_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o let_v they_o come_v prepare_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a meal_n but_o to_o a_o solemn_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o perform_v so_o sacred_a a_o action_n in_o a_o undue_a manner_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n of_o prayer_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a danger_n in_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o any_o of_o these_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o same_o caution_n concern_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o damnable_a to_o such_o person_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n from_o hence_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n not_o to_o pray_v not_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v endanger_v and_o aggravate_v his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n from_o this_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o give_v over_o pray_v and_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a that_o he_o that_o pray_v unworthy_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o by_o his_o indevout_a prayer_n and_o unfruitful_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n do_v further_a and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a as_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a perform_v this_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o he_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o increase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v