for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o in_o a_o pretend_a sinless_a perfection_n they_o deny_v any_o necessiy_a of_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n say_v pamphlet_n i_o charge_v not_o every_o particular_a quaker_n with_o all_o these_o error_n for_o many_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o hold_v but_o mention_v what_o i_o find_v assert_v in_o their_o print_a pamphlet_n the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v sufficient_a hereunto_o and_o scoff_n at_o they_o that_o pray_v for_o more_o bid_v they_o heed_n that_o only_o and_o it_o will_v lead_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n sabbath_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n they_o cast_v off_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n last_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n they_o turn_v into_o allegory_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o other_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n &_o therefore_o christian_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o that_o way_n thus_o where_o difference_n be_v in_o point_n destructive_a to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o against_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o closure_n and_o agreement_n but_o a_o total_a withdraw_n be_v necessary_a so_o far_o as_o civil_a relation_n and_o office_n will_v permit_v we_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v these_o other_o persuasion_n and_o party_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n yet_o differ_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v less_o necessary_a though_o some_o be_v of_o great_a and_o some_o of_o less_o moment_n than_o other_o these_o difference_n be_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o â—n_a matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o poiâ—ts_n oâ—_n doctrine_n we_o have_v arminian_o antinomian_o etc._n etc._n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n we_o have_v anabaptist_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o err_v only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n independent_o presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n now_o about_o these_o differ_a way_n take_v these_o brief_a direction_n suitable_a to_o those_o general_a rule_n before_o lay_v down_o 1._o account_v they_o all_o as_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o life_n answerable_a let_v not_o any_o evil_a representation_n of_o their_o opinion_n or_o wave_n or_o odious_a and_o invidious_a consequence_n draw_v from_o their_o principle_n but_o disow_v by_o they_o so_o far_o alienate_v your_o heart_n from_o they_o as_o not_o to_o account_v they_o christian_n &_o brethren_n see_v they_o retain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n though_o they_o build_v on_o the_o precious_a foundation_n wood_n hay_o stubble_n who_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n free_a from_o error_n what_o church_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n 2._o have_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_a friendship_n for_o those_o in_o who_o principle_n be_v great_a purity_n that_o come_v nigh_a the_o rule_n and_o who_o most_o follow_v after_o peace_n &_o holiness_n and_o lay_v out_o themselves_o more_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o their_o private_a persuasion_n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o with_o the_o wild_a fire_n of_o their_o zeal_n will_v set_v the_o church_n on_o a_o flame_n and_o be_v more_o for_o make_v proselyte_n for_o their_o own_o way_n then_o for_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n avoid_v they_o 3._o if_o god_n cast_v your_o lot_n into_o these_o place_n or_o country_n where_o those_o profession_n or_o way_n be_v set_v up_o &_o you_o can_v enjoy_v that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n that_o you_o approve_v as_o most_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o unqueâ—â—inable_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n there_o in_o france_n &_o holland_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o germany_n with_o the_o lutheran_n &_o in_o other_o country_n with_o those_o other_o persuasion_n before_o name_v provide_v the_o condition_n of_o thy_o communion_n be_v not_o to_o give_v thy_o allowance_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o in_o that_o particular_a thou_o may_v be_v forbear_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n where_o many_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n be_v if_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v preserve_v ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v with_o a_o due_a care_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o a_o church_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v enjoin_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o corruption_n find_v there_o and_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o other_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v unjust_o tax_v for_o withdraw_v from_o her_o communion_n for_o laxness_n of_o discipline_n or_o other_o corruption_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v therein_o this_o duty_n our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v teach_v by_o she_o own_o practice_n who_o have_v ever_o own_v the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n for_o sister-churche_n &_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n though_o differ_v from_o she_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n direction_n suit_v thereunto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o those_o different_a way_n and_o persuasion_n find_v among_o private_a person_n without_o and_o against_o the_o own_n and_o approbation_n of_o authority_n and_o give_v advice_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o proâ—ession_n public_o set_v up_o by_o authority_n and_o â—hat_n have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o â—his_fw-la land_n no_o sober_a person_n can_v gainsay_v but_o this_o deserve_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o in_o authority_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o it_o in_o their_o dominion_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v enjoin_v we_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o welfare_n who_o may_v else_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v need_v to_o see_v to_o it_o if_o we_o obey_v that_o we_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v that_o we_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o as_o evil_a doer_n and_o partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o groundless_o make_v a_o rent_n therein_o and_o thereby_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o procure_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o for_o all_o division_n tend_v to_o destruction_n it_o will_v therefore_o serious_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o christian_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n or_o whether_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o necessary_a and_o how_o far_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o question_n we_o shall_v take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o and_o also_o of_o what_o thing_n they_o disallow_v and_o dislike_v in_o she_o and_o then_o cast_v up_o whether_o it_o will_v warrant_v separation_n or_o how_o far_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o concord_n we_o have_v proceed_v upon_o with_o those_o of_o the_o other_o profession_n before_o name_v and_o first_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o all_o dissenter_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o sobriety_n in_o they_o but_o that_o here_o be_v to_o be_v find_v 1._o a_o clear_a profession_n of_o all_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v account_v among_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yea_o such_o a_o poor_a confession_n of_o other_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n as_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o great_a purity_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o here_o also_o be_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n embrace_v with_o much_o great_a honour_n than_o in_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n 2._o homily_n of_o time_n and_o place_n of_o prayer_n part_n 2._o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o preach_a prayer_n sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o
reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n page_n 23._o chap._n 5._o further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v among_o christian_n a_o discovery_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practical_a duty_n of_o godliness_n general_o embrace_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n with_o advice_n in_o reference_n unto_o they_o page_n 30_o chap._n 6._o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secundary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problemaical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 4._o rule_n about_o this_o page_n 41_o chap._n 7._o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o pag._n 50._o chap._n 8._o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o of_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o direction_n suit_v thereunto_o page_n 81_o chap_n 9_o wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n to_o preserve_v christian_n from_o rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o discourse_n page_n 89._o chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_v once_o religion_n the_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o israelite_n apply_v to_o we_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o grand_a concernment_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o man_n nature_n lay_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n thereof_o in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a but_o do_v place_n this_o among_o the_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v interress_v in_o insomuch_o as_o some_o observe_v religion_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o man_n then_o reason_n all_o man_n and_o only_a man_n have_v a_o smatch_n of_o religion_n whereas_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v find_v in_o many_o beast_n lactant._n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la solus_fw-la home_n sapientia_fw-la instructus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la religionem_fw-la solus_fw-la intelligat_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la est_fw-la hominis_fw-la atque_fw-la bruterum_fw-la vel_fw-la pracipua_fw-la vel_fw-la sola_fw-la distantia_fw-la but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n all_o do_v profess_v themselves_o interest_v in_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n man_n be_v at_o great_a difference_n about_o some_o take_v up_o one_o religion_n and_o some_o another_o as_o please_v themselves_o best_a yea_o each_o nation_n almost_o have_v choose_v a_o peculiar_a deity_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o serve_v baal_n another_o dagon_n other_o moloch_n or_o ashtaroth_n &c_n &c_n some_o worship_v the_o sun_n other_o the_o moon_n or_o star_n and_o almost_o every_o creature_n whence_o they_o receive_v any_o benefit_n and_o some_o have_v not_o be_v want_v that_o have_v adore_v the_o devil_n himself_o how_o great_o then_o do_v it_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o god_n he_o intend_v to_o serve_v and_o of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o he_o may_v first_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a god_n and_o then_o cleave_v to_o he_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o barnabas_n exhort_v act_v 11.23_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n thereof_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a knowing_z and_z acknowledge_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o or_o his_o mistake_n about_o it_o according_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n himself_n john_n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v so_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v unto_o godliness_n thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n &_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o israelite_n the_o vanity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o no_o nation_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n have_v great_a discovery_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o they_o have_v both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o oracle_n instruct_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o his_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n as_o also_o by_o his_o mighty_a work_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n divide_v the_o red-sea_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v other_o god_n even_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n who_o god_n cast_v out_o before_o they_o a_o pregnant_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n though_o but_o forty_o day_n before_o they_o hear_v the_o law_n proclaim_v in_o the_o great_a solemnity_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o thunder_n lightning_n and_o earthquake_n which_o wrought_v such_o plyableness_n in_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o profess_v whatever_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v to_o they_o that_o that_o they_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o yet_o when_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o while_n withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o mount_n they_o quick_o turn_v and_o make_v they_o a_o calf_n to_o worship_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o joshua_n his_o successor_n he_o become_v jealous_a over_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o be_v fearful_a that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o strong_a bond_n josh_n 24._o he_o bid_v they_o verse_n 15._o choose_v deliberate_o what_o god_n they_o will_v serve_v direct_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v deliberate_o choose_v jehovah_n for_o their_o god_n he_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n verse_n 25._o and_o set_v up_o a_o last_a remembrance_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o do_v show_v what_o a_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o we_o even_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o they_o former_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 3.12_o though_o we_o have_v as_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v and_o great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n by_o gospel-light_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o our_o heart_n be_v equal_o fickle_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o galathian_o to_o turn_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o another_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o another_o god_n the_o world_n our_o lust_n or_o satan_n to_o serve_v they_o more_o than_o the_o true_a god_n therefore_o this_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n may_v be_v as_o seasonable_a to_o we_o now_o as_o to_o they_o former_o viz._n to_o choose_v deliberate_o and_o serious_o what_o god_n we_o will_v serve_v and_o then_o to_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o or_o wise_o to_o choose_v that_o religion_n we_o will_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o and_o then_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o fix_v therein_o so_o as_o by_o no_o storm_n of_o temptation_n we_o be_v remove_v the_o urge_n of_o this_o counsel_n upon_o unsettled_a and_o waver_a soul_n be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n suit_v to_o these_o fluctuate_a and_o shake_v time_n it_o may_v be_v contract_v into_o this_o ensue_a proposition_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o dilate_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n viz_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o take_v
matter_n which_o yet_o be_v disputable_a among_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n or_o way_n then_o let_v every_o one_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o be_v best_a and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n nor_o dare_v to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n 10._o see_v ames_n case_n l._n 1._o c._n 5_o q._n 1._o sanders_n lect_v 3._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la sect._n 10._o which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o subject_v himself_o to_o the_o judgement_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o as_o lord_n of_o his_o faith_n i_o say_v believe_v and_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o practice_n but_o yet_o to_o this_o 1_o humble_o with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n not_o proud_o censure_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o your_o persuasion_n but_o ever_o ready_a to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v for_o your_o conviction_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o those_o which_o by_o god_n providence_n be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o matter_n of_o affliction_n to_o you_o then_o of_o exalt_v yourself_o that_o you_o shall_v differ_v from_o they_o 2_o peaceable_o and_o without_o all_o faction_n and_o schism_n not_o make_v party_n for_o you_o and_o rent_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o live_v the_o evil_a of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o violent_a contention_n for_o any_o truth_n or_o practice_n not_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n here_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v seasonable_a rom._n 14_o if_o thou_o have_v faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o phil._n 3._o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n &_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o those_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n wherein_o be_v such_o perfect_a harmony_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n only_o forbear_v the_o same_o in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o present_a apprehension_n the_o sin_n and_o error_n lie_v 3_o cheerful_o and_o confident_o not_o trouble_v and_o perplex_v yourselves_o about_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n with_o fear_n arise_v from_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o be_v like_o stone_n in_o the_o shoe_n trouble_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o walk_v but_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o you_o see_v you_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n he_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o if_o through_o weakness_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o he_o will_v gracious_o pardon_v it_o and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o for_o if_o even_o earthly_a parent_n or_o master_n when_o their_o servant_n or_o child_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o know_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n so_o as_o to_o please_v they_o will_v accept_v their_o endeavour_n and_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n though_o in_o every_o punctìlio_n they_o have_v not_o do_v what_o be_v expect_v much_o more_o will_v the_o gracious_a god_n accept_v of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o and_o pardon_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o not_o no_o flesh_n live_v can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o be_v there_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a see_v the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o may_v and_o do_v err_v &_o offend_v therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n accept_v you_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n full_o lay_v down_o rom._n 14_o upon_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n about_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n viz._n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n he_o bid_v let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o act_v according_o not_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o nor_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n &_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o have_v we_o a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a controvert_v among_o pious_a and_o wise_a christian_n in_o point_n less_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o fundamental_a and_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereunto_o chap._n vii_o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o have_v give_v a_o more_o general_a advice_n suitable_a to_o all_o time_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a next_z in_o behalf_n â—f_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o former_a direction_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o those_o many_o different_a persuasion_n and_o way_n that_o be_v among_o we_o we_o be_v a_o people_n that_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n transmit_v down_o to_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n wherein_o we_o be_v deep_o engage_v by_o education_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o manifold_a obligation_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o religion_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o other_o three_o before_o mention_v heathenism_n mahometanism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o that_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n thereof_o and_o be_v thorough_o ground_v in_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n through_o their_o too_o great_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o their_o soul_n as_o expose_v they_o to_o profaneness_n and_o error_n if_o not_o to_o total_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n though_o before_o hint_v deserve_v to_o be_v reinforce_v with_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n but_o although_o we_o all_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n we_o be_v sad_o crumble_v into_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n occasion_v much_o through_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o war_n &_o relaxation_n of_o government_n among_o we_o of_o which_o occasion_n satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v make_v too_o great_a improvement_n that_o be_v it_o most_o difficult_a for_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a person_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o they_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o temptation_n have_v lead_v very_o many_o into_o error_n byway_n &_o pernicious_a and_o other_o into_o atheism_n we_o shall_v therefore_o attempt_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n what_o course_n to_o steer_v herein_o what_o opinion_n and_o sect_n to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v and_o what_o people_n and_o principales_fw-la we_o shall_v close_v withal_o for_o it_o will_v great_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v due_o inform_v what_o christian_n or_o societye_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v with_o who_o communion_n may_v be_v hold_v and_o how_o far_o as_o also_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v utter_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o sometime_o abound_v in_o zeal_n but_o be_v much_o want_v in_o knowledge_n to_o close_o with_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principales_fw-la and_o way_n where_o any_o strong_a temptation_n insinnate_a themselves_o then_o with_o those_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n if_o they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o so_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n &_o way_n among_o we_o which_o may_v
worship_n own_a viz._n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v &_o no_o creature_n saint_n or_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n &_o to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o 3_o as_o for_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o point_n of_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o salvation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o the_o then_o commandment_n here_o be_v a_o profess_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n all_o these_o call_v for_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o candid_a acknowledgement_n how_o will_v our_o forefather_n that_o live_v in_o former_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n in_o england_n we_o shall_v bresse_v god_n that_o have_v vouchase_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o we_o honour_v our_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n under_o who_o protection_n this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o show_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n than_o many_o do_v who_o will_v pettish_o slight_v all_o this_o because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o they_o will_v have_v second_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v by_o such_o as_o scruple_n communion_n which_o be_v especial_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1._o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v mutual_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o sister-churche_n and_o many_o particular_a wise_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n of_o different_a way_n occasional_o when_o they_o reside_v among_o they_o 2._o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n concern_v which_o some_o disallow_v all_o set_n and_o impose_v form_n whatsoever_o other_o only_o dislike_v the_o form_n by_o law_n establish_v account_v it_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a and_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n yet_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n general_o nonconformist_n as_o well_o as_o conformist_n reckon_v external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_n service_n not_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n but_o adjunct_n thereunto_o belong_v exercise_n ames_n case_n l._n 4._o c._n 14_o etc._n etc._n 17._o prestons_n daity_n exercise_n e._n g._n the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o lift_v up_o true_a desire_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a clothing_n of_o these_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n or_o the_o chariot_n wherein_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o england_n they_o be_v utter_o deny_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o declare_v only_o circumstantial_a appendant_o thereunto_o see_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o canon_n etc._n etc._n 3._o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o that_o both_o in_o people_n and_o in_o minister_n which_o when_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a make_v the_o offence_n far_o great_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v wicked_a they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v these_o thing_n premise_v we_o shall_v now_o offer_v our_o advice_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n and_o annex_v such_o reason_n thereto_o as_o shall_v evidence_n it_o both_o safe_a and_o profitable_a we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o beware_v of_o a_o total_a withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o whilst_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v therein_o maintain_v because_o you_o apprehend_v therein_o some_o corruption_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a this_o advice_n though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o manifold_a argument_n yet_o the_o brevity_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n require_v i_o to_o give_v but_o a_o few_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n your_o rule_n herein_o you_o may_v see_v so_o clear_a a_o beam_n of_o light_n all_o along_o through_o the_o same_o witness_v hereunto_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o question_v this_o duty_n consider_v the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o teach_v any_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o great_a defect_n &_o corruption_n therein_o there_o be_v at_o some_o time_n a_o defect_n of_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o as_o circumcision_n the_o passeover_n etc._n etc._n some_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n many_o of_o they_o defile_v therewith_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n not_o only_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n as_o in_o eli_n son_n etc._n etc._n yet_o whilst_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v find_v of_o total_a withdraw_n therefrom_o indeed_o the_o godly_a levite_n &_o people_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o jereboam_n calf_n leave_v their_o dwelling_n and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n 2_o chro._n 11.14_o 16._o but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v before_o name_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n be_v great_o corrupt_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o than_o any_o sober_a person_n can_v judge_v the_o present_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o remain_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v not_o only_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n but_o with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o sadducee_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n much_o profane_v and_o the_o temple_n pollute_v and_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n a_o multitude_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n introduce_v that_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o bear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subvert_v whilst_o small_a thing_n be_v exact_o mind_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v a_o general_a over_o spread_v of_o sin_n not_o only_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o priest_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o their_o ministration_n and_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o the_o godly_a withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o we_o read_v that_o simeon_n anna_n and_o other_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n daily_o holy_a zachary_n forsake_v not_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o minister_v in_o his_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v circumcise_v and_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o accustom_a sacrifice_n offer_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o that_o church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o his_o disciple_n allow_v of_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n only_o give_v caution_n against_o their_o error_n and_o bad_a life_n send_v divers_a to_o the_o priest_n to_o offer_v their_o accustom_a offering_n require_v in_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whole_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o until_o the_o jew_n do_v contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o christ_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o faith_n grievous_a pollution_n in_o worship_n &_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o manner_n yet_o concern_v withdraw_v from_o these_o church_n we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n but_o many_o reprehension_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n they_o be_v blame_v for_o as_o well_o as_o some_o thing_n commend_v in_o they_o but_o no_o hint_n of_o separation_n from_o
those_o church_n for_o those_o evil_n find_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o countenance_n to_o total_a withdraw_n from_o such_o church_n where_o many_o corruption_n be_v whilst_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v preserve_v some_o scripture_n indeed_o be_v very_o impertinent_o allege_v for_o this_o practice_n which_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o the_o undeceive_n of_o the_o weak_a in_o a_o few_o word_n such_o as_o 2_o cor._n 6_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o which_o speak_v of_o separation_n from_o infidel_n and_o idolater_n in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o ungodly_a fellowship_n not_o of_o withdraw_v from_o christian_a assembly_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 14._o which_o scripture_n show_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v from_o private_a person_n live_v in_o notorious_a scandalous_a sin_n for_o shame_v the_o offender_n and_o preserve_v the_o church_n but_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o controversal_a practice_n yea_o for_o some_o real_a evil_n therein_o for_o this_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o church-censure_n be_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor_fw-la 10.8_o as_o for_o that_o scripture_n revel_v 18.3_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v warrant_v a_o withdraw_n from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o popery_n from_o which_o we_o before_o show_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a that_o love_v his_o salvation_n to_o depart_v but_o it_o be_v gross_o abuse_v when_o it_o be_v make_v to_o plead_v for_o separation_n from_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n where_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v maintain_v so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n will_v not_o warrant_v such_o separation_n 2._o or_o if_o you_o will_v reverence_n the_o general_a suffrage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n and_o martyr_n live_v therein_o ever_o since_o christ_n time_n to_o we_o which_o sure_o however_o some_o slight_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o small_a weight_n in_o it_o else_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o plead_v 1_o cor._n 11.16_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o in_o all_o age_n have_v constant_o hold_v and_o practise_v communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o they_o live_v although_o very_o often_o there_o be_v far_o great_a corruption_n therein_o then_o can_v be_v find_v this_o day_n among_o we_o as_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n know_v well_o and_o have_v ever_o blame_v those_o that_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n communion_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v above_o name_v witness_v the_o censure_n pass_v against_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n audaean_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n our_o protestant_a divine_n plead_v the_o fundamental_a errr_n find_v therein_o and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o communicate_v in_o if_o they_o withdraw_v not_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o lesser_a matter_n do_v not_o those_o hinder_v they_o profess_v a_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o that_o they_o depart_v from_o she_o no_o further_o than_o she_o depart_v from_o christ_n 3._o will_v you_o regard_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o almost_o all_o persuasion_n among_o protestant_n that_o have_v live_v in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a age_n speak_v express_o concern_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o know_v 1._o that_o all_o foreign_a divine_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v approve_v of_o communion_n with_o she_o and_o be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o give_v their_o full_a testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o rigid_a separation_n from_o she_o 2._o all_o former_a nonconformist_n who_o do_v dissent_v in_o some_o small_a matter_n of_o ceremony_n etc._n etc._n desire_v a_o forbearance_n as_o to_o their_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n yet_o have_v full_o declare_v against_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n witness_v the_o writing_n of_o very_a many_o of_o they_o worthy_a a_o serious_a perusal_n at_o this_o day_n viz._n cartwright_n hildersham_n bradshaw_n bayne_n ball_n many_o other_o and_o witness_v their_o practice_n former_o and_o at_o this_o day_n 3._o independent_o see_v apol_n narration_n of_o the_o five_o dissent_v brethren_n page_n 5.6_o who_o full_o testify_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o brownist_n or_o rigid_a separatist_n who_o fatal_a miscarriage_n and_o shipwreck_n they_o call_v landmark_n to_o forewarn_v of_o those_o rock_n and_o shelf_n they_o run_v upon_o and_o declare_v their_o sincere_a profession_n to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o consciousness_n of_o the_o defilement_n they_o conceive_v to_o cleave_v to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n or_o of_o the_o unwarrant_v power_n in_o church-governors_n exercise_v therein_o do_v never_o work_v in_o they_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o parochial_a congregation_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o a_o true_a ministry_n much_o less_o do_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o judge_v they_o antichristian_a for_o so_o they_o say_v they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v they_o shall_v also_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n holland_n etc._n etc._n as_o no_o church_n which_o to_o imagine_v be_v a_o horror_n to_o their_o thought_n yea_o that_o they_o always_o profess_v and_o in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o most_o either_o actual_o overspread_v with_o defilement_n or_o in_o the_o great_a danger_n thereof_o and_o when_o themselves_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o visit_v this_o land_n in_o peace_n that_o they_o will_v hold_v a_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o add_v further_o beside_o this_o profession_n as_o a_o real_a testimony_n some_o of_o they_o after_o they_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v baptise_v their_o child_n in_o the_o parishional_a congregation_n and_o occasional_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o their_o church_n some_o visit_v they_o in_o their_o exile_n upon_o that_o relation_n fellowship_n and_o commembership_n they_o hold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v they_o have_v more_o light_n now_o than_o those_o eminent_a divine_n have_v in_o former_a time_n but_o they_o bewray_v herein_o too_o great_a ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n this_o point_n have_v be_v far_o more_o dissense_v in_o former_a then_o in_o these_o present_a time_n in_o which_o the_o prejudice_n of_o most_o be_v such_o they_o have_v scarce_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v against_o their_o opinion_n 4._o if_o you_o withdraw_v total_o upon_o this_o account_n you_o shall_v then_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n that_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o church_n be_v so_o pure_a but_o they_o have_v some_o defect_n error_n or_o corruption_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n even_o 1260_o year_n ago_o and_o upward_o there_o be_v as_o great_a corruption_n in_o it_o as_o any_o you_o can_v find_v here_o and_o great_a also_o for_o the_o church_n of_o your_o own_o persuasion_n do_v you_o think_v they_o altogether_o perfect_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n be_v able_a to_o find_v some_o thing_n amiss_o yea_o some_o of_o yourselves_o have_v acknowledge_v all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n so_o as_o if_o you_o will_v bear_v with_o nothing_o but_o reject_v all_o part_n of_o communion_n because_o you_o can_v close_v in_o some_o thing_n you_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o too_o and_o so_o turn_v seeker_n or_o become_v hermit_n or_o anchorite_n and_o live_v alone_o and_o at_o length_n separate_v from_o yourselves_o also_o because_o some_o thing_n will_v appear_v blame-worthy_a in_o you_o also_o whither_o will_v this_o lead_v you_o 5._o have_v you_o no_o more_o love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o the_o public_a solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n then_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o public_a ordinance_n because_o you_o dislike_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v administer_v it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n god_n have_v in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v solemn_o worship_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o if_o all_o shall_v withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o such_o offence_n what_o public_a worship_n shall_v god_n have_v in_o this_o nation_n see_v other_o persuasion_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o meet_v nay_o
where_o will_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v there_o be_v no_o church_n on_o earth_n but_o have_v some_o corruption_n 6._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unchristian_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o they_o have_v you_o any_o warrant_v to_o leave_v they_o before_o christ_n leave_v they_o when_o god_n be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o remove_v from_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o threshold_n ready_a to_o leave_v they_o we_o find_v many_o godly_a one_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n but_o none_o hasten_v to_o depart_v from_o that_o church_n before_o the_o lord_n depart_v now_o can_v you_o deny_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherein_o as_o before_o be_v show_v the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v if_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o unmerciful_a as_o man_n be_v uncharitable_a than_o woe_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o world_n nay_o woe_n to_o yourselves_o but_o i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v thousand_o can_v seaâ—_n to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o former_a time_n wherein_o the_o same_o corruption_n at_o which_o so_o much_o offence_n be_v take_v now_o be_v urge_v to_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n then_o let_v such_o as_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o of_o popery_n in_o other_o beware_v of_o that_o miserable_a popish_a error_n they_o restrain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n to_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n cast_v off_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_fw-mi maintain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n 7._o i_o may_v enumerate_v the_o many_o great_a mischief_n that_o follow_v upon_o such_o unwarrantable_a separation_n it_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n so_o overthrow_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o heresy_n and_o popery_n &c_n &c_n yea_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n mat._n 12.25_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a to_o spend_v more_o word_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o case_n nor_o shall_v i_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o have_v not_o i_o be_v compel_v thereto_o by_o the_o uncatholick_n nay_o i_o confident_o call_v it_o unchristian_a practice_n of_o many_o well_o mean_v people_n through_o their_o too_o great_a prejudice_n in_o other_o temptation_n who_o do_v total_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a congregation_n in_o england_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2._o have_v give_v my_o advice_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n suppose_v to_o be_v therein_o i_o do_v next_o advise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o nor_o with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o evil_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n profess_v or_o practise_v therein_o be_v find_v real_o sinful_a which_o may_v be_v suppose_v of_o any_o church_n upon_o earth_n in_o that_o thing_n to_o withdraw_v and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n in_o it_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o pure_a from_o the_o same_o yea_o i_o shall_v add_v further_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v but_o appear_v sinful_a to_o thou_o thy_o conscience_n after_o humble_a and_o diligent_a search_v of_o the_o word_n tell_v thou_o this_o be_v sin_n then_o to_o suspend_v thy_o consent_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o particular_a till_o it_o appear_v otherwise_o to_o thou_o i_o will_v be_v here_o so_o far_o from_o urge_v any_o to_o do_v that_o act_n that_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n upon_o probable_a ground_n may_v scruple_n as_o sinful_a that_o i_o will_v rather_o persuade_v such_o to_o suspend_v their_o act_n therein_o till_o they_o be_v better_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o it_o it_o sanders_n de_fw-fr juram_fw-la p._n 84._o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whether_o right_a or_o erroneous_a ever_o bind_v not_o to_o act_v against_o it_o and_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a but_o among_o thing_n disputable_a and_o tolerable_a i_o will_v rather_o become_v a_o humble_a suitor_n to_o authority_n can_v my_o intercession_n any_o whit_n avail_v herein_o for_o indulgence_n in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o be_v a_o violent_a inforcer_n of_o any_o by_o terror_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n to_o go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o please_v man_n 3._o yet_o because_o conscience_n may_v be_v delude_v and_o my_o call_n that_o sinful_a which_o be_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o induce_v man_n to_o withdraw_v in_o such_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o for_o possible_o the_o devil_n may_v get_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o delude_v they_o and_o the_o conscience_n may_v tell_v one_o he_o must_v separate_v from_o baptism_n because_o infant-baptism_n be_v antichristian_a another_o he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o of_o mix_a communion_n therein_o a_o three_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n be_v antichristian_a a_o four_o he_o must_v cast_v off_o sabbath_n yea_o scripture_n and_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n because_o abolish_v all_o this_o we_o have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o in_o our_o time_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a labour_n for_o a_o due_a information_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o such_o point_n as_o he_o scruple_n communion_n in_o and_o not_o think_v his_o bare_a plea_n of_o conscience_n will_v warrant_v his_o total_a neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n though_o his_o suspend_v his_o own_o act_n till_o he_o may_v satisfy_v conscience_n about_o they_o may_v be_v grant_v yet_o possible_o a_o total_a neglect_n in_o some_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v grant_v impune_fw-la by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n parisian_n man_n a_o err_a conscience_n can_v discharge_v any_o from_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o a_o lawmaker_n but_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n parisian_n now_o here_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v offer_v my_o help_n towards_o the_o satisfy_a conscience_n in_o such_o scruple_n as_o common_o do_v occur_v this_o day_n to_o those_o that_o withdraw_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n but_o to_o do_v this_o full_o will_v too_o much_o disproportion_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o the_o other_o part_n aforego_v i_o rather_o choose_v to_o send_v they_o to_o those_o treatise_n of_o such_o eminent_a nonconformist_n as_o have_v write_v full_o on_o this_o subject-especial_o to_o mr._n w_n bradshaw_n book_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n prefaced_a to_o &_o publish_v by_o dr._n ames_n and_o to_o mr._n jo._n ball_n his_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n tend_v to_o separation_n *_o only_o recommend_v a_o few_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v observe_v may_v be_v useful_a in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o so_o conclude_v my_o discourse_n *_o the_o reader_n be_v advertise_v that_o there_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n a_o aswer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o mr._n ball_n be_v book_n which_o be_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n under_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n jo._n cotton_n the_o answer_n be_v high_o value_v by_o some_o but_o by_o compare_v the_o discourse_n and_o the_o answer_v together_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o great_a injury_n be_v do_v to_o mr._n ball_n and_o to_o mr._n cotton_n both_o and_o also_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o that_o discourse_n print_v at_o cambridge_n 1640._o which_o be_v therein_o answer_v but_o probable_o some_o imperfect_a note_n before_o that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o the_o number_n and_o order_n of_o the_o argument_n answer_v do_v differ_v from_o those_o lay_v down_o in_o that_o discourse_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principal_a thing_n give_v in_o answer_n by_o mr._n cotton_n be_v so_o full_o speak_v to_o by_o mr._n ball_n herein_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o johnson_n greenwood_n and_o other_o that_o former_o object_v the_o same_o
mass_n book_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a prayer_n of_o ancient_a father_n use_v before_o popery_n be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o papist_n corrupt_v and_o abuse_v in_o their_o mass_n our_o first_o reformer_n purge_v out_o what_o corruption_n the_o papist_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o do_v retain_v those_o ancient_a prayer_n according_a to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n all_o this_o will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o judge_v this_o book_n unnecessary_a and_o inconvenient_a do_v desire_v a_o reformation_n therein_o and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o this_o that_o shall_v so_o affright_v good_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n it_o be_v so_o common_a a_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o listen_v to_o rail_v that_o it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o any_o till_o the_o thing_n be_v full_o prove_v if_o bishop_n and_o minister_n etc._n etc._n be_v judge_v by_o any_o to_o be_v antichristian_a i_o shall_v send_v they_o to_o that_o most_o excellent_a piece_n of_o dr._n moor_n his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n where_o they_o may_v see_v the_o idea_n of_o anti-christianism_a open_v and_o thence_o be_v inform_v who_o this_o censure_n best_o befit_v iv_o take_v heed_n of_o pretend_v to_o great_a purity_n and_o strictness_n about_o church_n communion_n and_o administration_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n commend_v or_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v commend_v nor_o be_v so_o extreme_o rigid_a as_o not_o to_o bear_v with_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v tolerate_v it_o be_v a_o observable_a rule_n lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o eminent_a divine_n that_o too_o much_o strictness_n and_o severity_n often_o do_v injury_n the_o church_n more_o than_o profit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o overturn_v church_n not_o to_o reform_v they_o especial_o this_o severity_n be_v unbecoming_a private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n yet_o complain_v such_o person_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v defilement_n they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o they_o must_v not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n such_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o and_o not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v lest_o their_o too_o much_o affect_v purity_n and_o misguide_a zeal_n hurt_v more_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n then_o the_o corruption_n they_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o calvin_n adv_o anab._n art_n 2._o cum_fw-la sub_fw-la specie_fw-la studii_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la imperfectionem_fw-la nulam_fw-la tollerare_fw-la possumus_fw-la tune_v diabolum_fw-la nos_fw-la tumefacere_fw-la superbia_fw-la et_fw-la hypocrisi_fw-la seducere_fw-la moneamur_fw-la v._o have_v public_a spirit_n and_o look_v not_o so_o much_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o desirable_a in_o your_o eye_n and_o conduce_v to_o your_o interest_n as_o on_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o in_o our_o unhappy_a day_n but_o have_v be_v so_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o way_n that_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o welfare_n have_v be_v almost_o forget_v by_o they_o from_z whence_o have_v come_v in_o such_o a_o inundation_n of_o error_n heresy_n profaneness_n and_o atheism_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o ruin_v thereby_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o contend_v about_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o very_a be_v and_o life_n of_o it_o by_o our_o contention_n and_o division_n be_v endanger_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o contest_v for_o great_a reformation_n in_o discipline_n worship_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v lose_v they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a christian_n that_o have_v most_o endeavour_v that_o the_o main_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o yield_v in_o small_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n thereof_o wait_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n till_o the_o lord_n will_v grant_v they_o their_o desire_n therein_o also_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o time_n vi_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o manifest_a sin_n and_o evil_n upon_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o viz._n of_o cast_v off_o ordinance_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n breach_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n upon_o pretence_n of_o suppose_a evil_n in_o communion_n the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n &_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v clear_a and_o cogent_a the_o matter_n except_v against_o be_v dark_a and_o disputable_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v approve_v of_o they_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a while_o you_o will_v shun_v a_o evil_a suppose_a you_o run_v not_o into_o another_o that_o be_v a_o real_a and_o far_o great_a evil_a a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n shall_v fear_v evil_a on_o either_o hand_n and_o on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o that_o vii_o charge_v not_o on_o yourselves_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o look_v to_o your_o own_o way_n and_o duty_n if_o you_o judge_v superior_n to_o sin_n in_o their_o imposition_n or_o bishop_n in_o any_o command_n or_o minister_n in_o their_o conformity_n if_o you_o find_v sin_n in_o laxnesse_n of_o discipline_n in_o loose_a admission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o your_o sin_n who_o still_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n provide_v you_o do_v your_o part_n and_o office_n it_o be_v sad_a live_n in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o as_o have_v neither_o call_n not_o power_n to_o reform_v they_o fit_a it_o be_v by_o far_o to_o mourn_v and_o pray_v for_o redress_v of_o such_o evil_n then_o to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o viii_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o great_a and_o common_a mistake_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o and_o about_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o least_o circumstantial_o thereof_o but_o what_o be_v particular_o and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o mistake_n have_v occasion_v many_o needless_a scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o much_o promote_v groundless_a separation_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o a_o whole_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 1._o assem_fw-la conf._n of_o faith_n c_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o not_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o present_a establishment_n that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n and_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o same_o be_v practise_v among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v most_o averse_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o retain_v among_o themselves_o many_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v produce_v little_a true-scripture-proof_n for_o but_o only_o practice_v they_o prudential_o as_o best_a conduce_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o church_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartiallie_o concern_v church-government_n you_o will_v find_v therein_o little_o beside_o the_o main_a essential_o of_o it_o as_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o by_o its_o proper_a officer_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o office_n what_o the_o several_a duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v and_o some_o general_a direction_n about_o the_o management_n thereof_o all_o which_o may_v suit_v with_o the_o several_a form_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v competitor_n among_o we_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v further_o extend_v or_o more_o restrain_v 8._o stillingf_n iren_n pt_n 2._o c_o 4._o &c_n &c_n 8._o wherein_o some_o act_n in_o a_o superior_a other_o ina_fw-la coordinate_a way_n and_o therefore_o very_a many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n have_v judge_v that_o no_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v as_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v plant_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v gospel_n worship_n the_o main_a