to_o do_v our_o uttermost_a to_o persuade_v they_o upon_o who_o we_o have_v any_o influence_n and_o we_o will_v glad_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o see_v which_o party_n shall_v outvie_v the_o other_o in_o forwardness_n in_o allay_v the_o present_a distemper_n and_o lessen_v the_o difference_n and_o draw_v on_o towards_o peace_n and_o union_n 38._o we_o have_v here_o do_v our_o part_n to_o remove_v the_o offence_n take_v at_o we_o by_o testify_v to_o all_o man_n that_o conscientious_a dissatisfaction_n and_o not_o carnal_a interest_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o nonconformity_n and_o to_o bring_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o we_o to_o be_v more_o in_o charity_n with_o we_o than_o to_o judge_v that_o we_o be_v utter_o unworthy_a or_o uncapable_a of_o the_o public_a ministry_n or_o that_o such_o person_n as_o for_o ignorance_n and_o lewdness_n be_v scandalous_a and_o contemptible_a among_o their_o neighbour_n be_v more_o tolerable_a in_o that_o sacred_a office_n than_o we_o be_v or_o that_o gross_a insufficiency_n nonresidence_n and_o other_o heinous_a negligence_n shall_v be_v make_v less_o criminal_a than_o our_o dissent_n about_o the_o ceremony_n subscription_n renunciation_n and_o such_o like_a injunction_n we_o submit_v what_o we_o have_v do_v to_o the_o wisdom_n piety_n and_o clemency_n of_o our_o governor_n we_o acquiesce_v in_o god_n wise_a and_o holy_a determination_n concern_v we_o and_o we_o resolve_v through_o his_o grace_n to_o abide_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o our_o subjection_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o sovereign_n in_o our_o due_a obedience_n to_o those_o that_o be_v put_v in_o authority_n under_o he_o in_o our_o earnest_a endeavour_n of_o holiness_n unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o all_o saithfull_a christian_n in_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ._n we_o be_v move_v at_o this_o time_n to_o publish_v this_o account_n of_o our_o pacific_a principle_n and_o inclination_n that_o we_o may_v promote_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o true_a bond_n of_o union_n among_o sincere_a protestant_n these_o though_o of_o different_a persuasion_n in_o point_n of_o lesser_a moment_n have_v one_o joint_a stock_n the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o which_o they_o be_v all_o jealous_a and_o at_o this_o time_n alarm_v by_o the_o imminent_a danger_n from_o a_o irreconcilable_a and_o restless_a adversary_n that_o will_v destroy_v they_o all_o all_o true_a protestant_n have_v their_o interest_n not_o a_o part_n from_o but_o in_o strict_a conjunction_n with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o profession_n they_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o secure_v themselves_o but_o in_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o state_n of_o england_n they_o can_v fly_v to_o the_o refuge_n of_o any_o foreign_a prince_n or_o state_n they_o acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n all_o their_o stake_n lie_v at_o home_n whereupon_o one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o common_a safety_n shall_v incline_v all_o the_o several_a party_n to_o strengthen_v their_o common_a interest_n by_o a_o good_a and_o firm_a accord_n upon_o just_a and_o reasonable_a term_n and_o whosoever_o remain_v averse_a from_o it_o seem_v to_o value_v a_o partial_a interest_n and_o their_o own_o peculiar_a state_n more_o than_o the_o protestant_a religion_n itself_o a_o just_a latitude_n of_o church-state_n in_o the_o establish_a order_n for_o the_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o who_o more_o moderate_a principle_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v conjoin_v in_o one_o settle_a national_a government_n and_o for_o other_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o narrow_a principle_n can_v enter_v into_o such_o conjunction_n a_o sufficient_a yet_o due_o limit_v indulgence_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o humble_o propose_v and_o earnest_o desire_v we_o seek_v not_o the_o destroy_n of_o foundation_n but_o some_o necessary_a reformation_n relaxation_n and_o forbearance_n for_o we_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o propound_a latitude_n in_o the_o particular_a limit_n thereof_o will_v be_v presumptuous_a both_o in_o reference_n to_o superior_n and_o to_o the_o party_n concern_v in_o it_o we_o humble_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o prudent_a and_o pious_a consideration_n of_o our_o governor_n this_o grand_a affair_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n cause_v by_o the_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n of_o the_o several_a party_n nevertheless_o we_o hope_v that_o the_o prudence_n and_o patience_n of_o those_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o government_n be_v able_a to_o master_v it_o next_o under_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n stand_v on_o our_o side_n our_o help_n stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o his_o parliament_n his_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n in_o his_o declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n have_v mention_v particular_a concession_n on_o both_o side_n and_o a_o harmony_n of_o affection_n therein_o which_o he_o call_v excellent_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o moderation_n specify_v in_o that_o gracious_a declaration_n will_v do_v much_o to_o the_o present_a heal_n of_o our_o breach_n in_o great_a part_n and_o will_v set_v we_o in_o the_o sure_a way_n for_o as_o perfect_a heal_a thereof_o as_o may_v ordinary_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o imperfect_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n finis_fw-la
which_o be_v incident_a to_o any_o one_o man_n also_o to_o avoid_v tyranny_n which_o become_v no_o christian_a least_o of_o all_o church_n man_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o take_v away_o that_o odium_fw-la and_o burden_n of_o affair_n that_o may_v lie_v too_o heavy_a on_o one_o man_n shoulder_n as_o he_o think_v it_o do_v former_o on_o the_o bishop_n here_o we_o judge_v the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a office_n to_o be_v a_o personal_a trust_n not_o to_o be_v discharge_v by_o delegation_n to_o other_o and_o especial_o that_o it_o can_v be_v depute_v to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o that_o secular_a person_n can_v administer_v that_o power_n which_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o we_o can_v justify_v any_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o a_o state_v bereave_v of_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o a_o state_v hinder_v of_o the_o effectual_a exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n 8._o we_o detest_v all_o manner_n of_o sacrilege_n and_o we_o think_v we_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o any_o other_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v note_v and_o reprove_v and_o that_o one_o kind_n thereof_o the_o unjust_a alienation_n of_o land_n and_o good_n devote_v to_o the_o church_n use_n for_o the_o support_n of_o god_n service_n we_o utter_o condemn_v but_o there_o be_v those_o that_o think_v they_o can_v never_o enough_o inveigh_v against_o this_o kind_n yet_o fear_v not_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n in_o other_o instance_n which_o be_v not_o less_o abominable_a as_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o pluralist_n non-residents_a and_o all_o negligent_a and_o insufficient_a minister_n who_o devour_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a take_v the_o ministerial_a benefice_n and_o not_o perform_v the_o service_n and_o to_o alienate_v person_n and_o gift_n that_o have_v beensolemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n we_o take_v to_o be_v real_a sacrilege_n 9_o we_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o any_o other_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o schism_n but_o we_o earnest_o desire_v many_o that_o cry_v out_o against_o schismatic_n more_o impartial_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o to_o hate_v it_o in_o its_o full_a extent_n we_o know_v the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o misery_n of_o division_n and_o earnest_o pray_v that_o christian_a charity_n may_v be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o we_o be_v christ_n disciple_n by_o our_o love_v one_o another_o we_o be_v for_o build_v the_o church_n unity_n upon_o its_o only_a adequate_a foundation_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o hope_n to_o build_v it_o upon_o a_o narrow_a foundation_n we_o be_v against_o the_o devise_v of_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o enforce_a of_o oath_n and_o subscription_n to_o the_o same_o we_o require_v subscription_n or_o engagement_n to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o holy_a bible_n and_o if_o any_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n let_v they_o be_v try_v and_o judge_v by_o that_o unalterable_a law_n which_o themselves_o have_v assent_v to_o and_o we_o think_v this_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n integrity_n of_o life_n and_o holy_a peace_n but_o if_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n or_o article_n of_o religion_n be_v insist_v on_o we_o allow_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o preacher_n who_o may_v be_v punishable_a if_o they_o preach_v contrary_a doctrine_n though_o they_o be_v not_o enforce_v to_o subscribe_v to_o every_o tittle_n moreover_o we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o true_a church_n as_o no_o church_n for_o the_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n find_v therein_o or_o to_o separate_v from_o its_o worship_n for_o the_o tolerable_a fault_n thereof_o while_o our_o personal_a profession_n of_o some_o error_n or_o practice_n of_o some_o evil_n be_v not_o require_v as_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n how_o be_v it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o indifferent_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o pastor_n the_o more_o pure_a and_o powerful_a administration_n of_o god_n ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o which_o be_v more_o faulty_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o here_o again_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o this_o preferrence_n due_a caution_n must_v be_v use_v we_o must_v not_o respect_v our_o own_o particular_a benefit_n before_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n and_o the_o general_a good_a 10._o we_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v god_n ordinance_n necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o their_o whole_a authority_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o subordinate_a to_o he_o the_o only_a universal_a and_o unlimited_a sovereign_a lord_n that_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n be_v high_o and_o noble_a end_n of_o their_o authority_n than_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o peace_n that_o all_o their_o decree_n and_o execution_n shall_v chief_o refer_v to_o these_o end_n and_o that_o in_o their_o way_n they_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o supreme_a magistrate_n have_v a_o civil_a supremacy_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o a_o political_a episcopacy_n over_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n and_o may_v compel_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o negligence_n or_o maladministration_n that_o they_o may_v call_v synod_n and_o make_v canon_n and_o warrantable_o thus_o reform_v the_o church_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n according_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o king_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a in_o these_o his_o majesty_n realm_n and_o dominion_n moreover_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o high_a power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_a executioner_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o ecclesiastic_n but_o that_o they_o may_v and_o must_v be_v judge_n thereof_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o execution_n that_o their_o great_a and_o proper_a work_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o encourage_v and_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o in_o subserviency_n thereunto_o to_o determine_v such_o thing_n circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la as_o be_v requisite_a in_o general_n but_o in_o the_o particular_n be_v leave_v undetermined_a of_o god_n likewise_o that_o by_o moderate_a penalty_n they_o may_v restrain_v person_n of_o impious_a principle_n as_o atheist_n infidel_n heretic_n from_o vent_v their_o wicked_a error_n and_o from_o any_o open_a impious_a practice_n and_o that_o they_o may_v constrain_v man_n to_o use_v such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v make_v universal_o necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o ignorant_a to_o knowledge_n but_o not_o to_o profess_v either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o to_o take_v that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v the_o special_a privilege_n of_o believer_n last_o their_o imperial_a government_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v mix_v with_o a_o paternal_a clemency_n and_o tenderness_n according_a to_o the_o meekness_n of_o christ_n who_o servant_n they_o be_v not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o magistrate_n 13._o it_o be_v our_o principle_n that_o humane_a law_n bind_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o the_o subject_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n not_o by_o a_o primary_n obligation_n as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v but_o by_o a_o secundary_a and_o subordinate_a as_o from_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o inferior_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n for_o conscience_n sake_n so_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a and_o important_a that_o when_o man_n command_n contradict_v the_o command_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o must_v have_v the_o preeminence_n in_o our_o obedience_n with_o we_o it_o be_v no_o controversy_n whether_o the_o king_n or_o conscience_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n only_o that_o enact_v public_a law_n and_o have_v the_o public_a decisive_a judgement_n whether_o according_a to_o his_o law_n we_o be_v justifiable_a or_o condemnable_a as_o for_o conscience_n it_o be_v no_o governor_n at_o all_o but_o only_o a_o discerner_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o internal_a witness_n for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o according_a to_o our_o practice_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o the_o command_n of_o man_n be_v consentaneous_a or_o contrary_a thereunto_o which_o man_n call_v
worse_o than_o they_o be_v to_o commend_v our_o own_o it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o persuasion_n that_o man_n be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o labour_n to_o establish_v god_n public_a worship_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n by_o hazard_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o unsettle_v a_o good_a establishment_n though_o less_o perfect_a if_o by_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n we_o can_v join_v in_o one_o church_n communion_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o assent_v to_o that_o which_o some_o affirm_v that_o where_o man_n part_v communion_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n that_o they_o esteem_v one_o another_o impious_a although_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o fault_n on_o one_o side_n or_o both_o 31._o we_o solemn_o protest_v that_o we_o have_v thus_o declare_v for_o moderation_n not_o only_o or_o chief_o because_o we_o have_v need_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v need_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o think_v it_o the_o only_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o religion_n in_o these_o kingdom_n and_o if_o we_o stand_v where_o other_o now_o stand_v we_o will_v give_v what_o we_o plead_v and_o pray_v for_o it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o those_o of_o our_o persuasion_n do_v seasonable_o declare_v their_o desire_n of_o unity_n even_o during_o his_o majesty_n exile_n and_o the_o episcopal_a party_n then_o protest_v for_o moderation_n and_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o the_o hopefullness_n of_o a_o accommodation_n between_o the_o party_n be_v of_o no_o little_a avail_n to_o promote_v his_o majesty_n restauration_n who_o god_n preserve_v to_o reign_v long_o over_o we_o if_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o have_v heretofore_o be_v more_o rigid_o addict_v to_o our_o own_o opinion_n then_o stand_v with_o our_o now_o profess_a charity_n we_o make_v a_o willing_a retractation_n thereof_o 32._o we_o have_v here_o set_v forth_o our_o principle_n that_o all_o may_v take_v notice_n how_o we_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o those_o that_o make_v other_o representation_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o clear_v ourselves_o against_o those_o that_o accuse_v we_o of_o contradict_v they_o in_o our_o practice_n 33._o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministry_n which_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o present_a state_n of_o inconformity_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o profession_n here_o make_v we_o assent_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o we_o have_v ample_o show_v before_o and_o we_o think_v we_o come_v not_o short_a of_o the_o conformable_a clergy_n in_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o sacred_a thing_n yet_o we_o believe_v that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v nullify_v our_o ministerial_a office_n or_o disoblige_v we_o from_o our_o charge_n of_o fulfil_n it_o accord_a to_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n and_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o live_v where_o our_o ministry_n be_v not_o necessary_a we_o be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n prohibition_n and_o to_o remove_v to_o a_o country_n where_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o a_o way_n open_a for_o we_o but_o whatsoever_o other_o apprehend_v to_o we_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o multitude_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v cry_v aloud_o for_o our_o help_n also_o this_o apprehension_n of_o we_o reflect_v no_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o conscientious_a conformable_a minister_n for_o who_o ability_n and_o industry_n we_o bless_v god_n but_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o proportionable_a to_o the_o people_n of_o this_o land_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o we_o in_o this_o service_n as_o for_o those_o that_o make_v slight_a work_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n we_o pass_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v or_o judge_v by_o they_o for_o this_o carefullness_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n a_o minister_n that_o be_v intolerable_a by_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a heretical_a or_o otherwise_o destructive_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o honour_n but_o to_o disow_v it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o a_o tolerable_a though_o weak_a ministry_n and_o to_o do_v what_o we_o may_v to_o countenance_n god_n public_a service_n in_o all_o place_n if_o we_o live_v where_o the_o public_a authority_n have_v set_v up_o worthy_a minister_n our_o duty_n be_v to_o promote_v their_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n and_o to_o far_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o to_o attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n when_o we_o be_v not_o necessary_o hinder_v and_o our_o labour_n in_o concurrence_n with_o they_o can_v be_v no_o grievance_n to_o any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o a_o grievance_n that_o their_o lord_n service_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o own_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v 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edification_n it_o be_v the_o end_n that_o of_o right_a alway_n limit_n the_o mean_n and_o it_o be_v our_o part_n so_o to_o manage_v our_o call_n that_o we_o may_v best_o serve_v our_o generation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o endeavour_v to_o steer_v our_o course_n 34._o we_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o avoid_v the_o provoke_a of_o our_o governor_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o contempt_n to_o their_o authority_n we_o invade_v no_o man_n right_n we_o resist_v not_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o break_v the_o peace_n nor_o cause_n tumult_n nor_o give_v occasion_n thereof_o we_o abhor_v seditious_a conventicle_n insurrection_n be_v never_o contrive_v in_o our_o meeting_n nor_o in_o any_o whereof_o we_o be_v conscious_a experience_n have_v witness_v our_o peaceableness_n and_o disloyalty_n or_o sedition_n be_v not_o find_v among_o we_o by_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a of_o our_o adversary_n 35._o we_o have_v not_o forsake_v the_o parochial_a assembly_n but_o have_v join_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o perform_v and_o some_o of_o we_o do_v it_o in_o our_o ordinary_a course_n and_o other_o of_o we_o have_v not_o decline_v it_o of_o set_a purpose_n but_o as_o our_o absence_n be_v cause_v by_o that_o necessary_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v some_o of_o we_o have_v communicate_v with_o the_o say_a assembly_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o have_v our_o charity_n and_o peaceableness_n mistake_v for_o a_o indifferency_n unto_o communion_n with_o all_o parochial_a church_n and_o minister_n whatsoever_o or_o for_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n or_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o particular_n of_o the_o liturgy_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o declare_v our_o unseigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n therein_o contain_v our_o proceed_n be_v as_o even_o and_o regular_a as_o the_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n into_o which_o we_o be_v cast_v will_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v we_o will_v that_o they_o who_o charge_v we_o with_o irregularity_n and_o disorder_n in_o our_o act_n will_v with_o charity_n and_o candour_n consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o help_v we_o out_o of_o those_o distress_n that_o force_v we_o at_o sometime_o to_o be_v more_o sever_v from_o they_o than_o otherwise_o we_o will_v or_o may_v be_v we_o desire_v the_o clergy_n of_o england_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o promote_v the_o popish_a design_n of_o nullify_a and_o tread_v down_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o minister_n we_o be_v well_o aware_a how_o papist_n make_v a_o harvest_n of_o the_o division_n of_o protestant_n and_o hope_v to_o do_v their_o work_n by_o the_o dissension_n between_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n as_o the_o precious_a interest_n of_o protestantism_n engage_v we_o we_o do_v what_o we_o
a_o account_v give_v of_o the_o principle_n &_o practice_n of_o several_a nonconformist_n wherein_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v profess_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o of_o their_o persuasion_n against_o the_o misrepresentation_n make_v of_o they_o and_o in_o hearty_a desire_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o true_a protestant_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o this_o time_n of_o their_o common_a danger_n write_a by_o mr._n john_n corbet_n late_o of_o chichester_n and_o approve_v by_o many_o other_o nonconformist_n london_n print_a for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o 3_o crown_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1682._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o here_o write_v in_o sense_n and_o very_o much_o in_o word_n with_o what_o i_o have_v publish_v do_v signify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o the_o author_n work_n but_o any_o of_o it_o i_o i_o do_v true_o acquaint_v you_o that_o he_o never_o so_o much_o as_o acquaint_v i_o with_o his_o write_n it_o nor_o do_v i_o read_v it_o all_o before_o i_o give_v it_o to_o the_o printer_n nor_o do_v i_o alter_v add_v or_o diminish_v one_o word_n in_o all_o the_o book_n but_o as_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o heart_n our_o agreement_n be_v no_o wonder_n and_o his_o widow_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o famous_a dr._n twisse_n assure_v i_o that_o several_a eminent_a nonconform_v divine_v see_v it_o and_o approve_v it_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o other_o will_v do_v when_o they_o have_v serious_o peruse_v it_o but_o alas_o i_o that_o have_v know_v these_o twenty_o year_n what_o other_o design_n have_v be_v in_o some_o man_n head_n inconsistent_a with_o all_o such_o endeavour_n for_o our_o concord_n and_o how_o powerful_a those_o man_n have_v be_v who_o profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o concord_n and_o avoid_v schism_n but_o by_o obey_v the_o govern_n universal_a church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o universal_a legislation_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v a_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n i_o say_v i_o that_o know_v this_o must_v needs_o know_v how_o little_o more_o than_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n such_o pacificatory_a endeavour_n as_o these_o do_v signify_v but_o as_o my_o dear_a brother_n die_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o christ_n judgement_n bless_a be_v the_o peacemaker_n the_o rest_n of_o we_o wait_v in_o hope_n so_o to_o die_v richard_n baxter_n feb._n 10._o 1681._o several_a tract_n not_o yet_o print_v prepare_v for_o the_o press_n and_o leave_v under_o mr._n john_n corbett'_v own_o handting_n intend_v short_o to_o be_v publish_v be_v as_o follow_v 1._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 2._o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n compare_v with_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n 3._o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o conformity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o 5._o a_o tract_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n 6._o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o of_o idolatry_n 3._o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n 7._o his_o humble_a representation_n of_o his_o case_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n 8._o discourse_n between_o dr._n gunning_n late_a bishop_n of_o chichester_n and_o himself_o wherein_o be_v several_a humble_a defence_n make_v both_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n and_o practice_n 9_o a_o humble_a endeavour_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n about_o the_o free_a action_n of_o men._n more_o especial_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace_n 10._o matrimonial_a purity_n a_o account_v give_v by_o some_o deprive_a minister_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n etc._n etc._n the_o manifold_a reproach_n heap_v upon_o the_o nonconformist_n among_o who_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v number_v have_v fill_v the_o whole_a nation_n our_o religion_n have_v be_v represent_v as_o a_o mixture_n of_o folly_n and_o villainy_n our_o principle_n and_o temper_n as_o turbulent_a seditious_a and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o our_o pretence_n as_o frivolous_a and_o often_o baffle_v our_o governor_n have_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o we_o as_o their_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o excite_v to_o use_v the_o utmost_a severity_n against_o we_o hereupon_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o bear_v his_o just_a rebuke_n in_o the_o unjust_a reproach_n cast_v upon_o we_o by_o man_n also_o to_o suffer_v these_o indignity_n with_o christian_a patience_n and_o to_o show_v ourselves_o reconcilable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o adverse_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v peace_n and_o concord_n with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a many_o of_o who_o we_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v act_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o a_o undissembled_a zeal_n though_o not_o regulate_v by_o sound_a knowledge_n or_o due_a charity_n but_o hurry_v with_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o passion_n we_o hold_v it_o also_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o neglect_v our_o own_o necessary_a vindication_n but_o in_o honest_a simplicity_n to_o make_v know_v to_o all_o what_o principal_n and_o practice_n we_o own_o and_o stand_v to_o though_o we_o be_v teach_v and_o encourage_v to_o labour_n and_o suffer_v reproach_n and_o to_o reckon_v it_o a_o very_a small_a thing_n to_o be_v judge_v by_o man_n judgement_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v our_o innocence_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o out_o of_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n to_o provide_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o none_o may_v take_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v in_o we_o and_o here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o only_o to_o make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o ourselves_o have_v this_o confidence_n that_o the_o bare_a state_v of_o our_o case_n will_v be_v our_o sufficient_a defence_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o declare_v that_o with_o we_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o conformity_n or_o nonconformity_n as_o such_o but_o christianity_n or_o real_a godliness_n which_o be_v most_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o more_o explicit_o yet_o brief_o in_o the_o creed_n lord_n prayer_n and_o decaloge_n and_o at_o large_a and_o most_o perfect_o in_o the_o holy_a bible_n a_o religiousness_n make_v up_o of_o little_a opinion_n and_o mode_n and_o phrase_n and_o siding_n with_o this_o or_o the_o other_o party_n be_v none_o of_o we_o though_o we_o be_v injurious_o personate_v in_o some_o late_a write_n to_o act_v such_o a_o part_n i'faith_o hope_n and_o love_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o with_o we_o difference_n in_o thing_n not_o essential_a do_v not_o make_v different_a religion_n we_o disdain_v our_o be_v of_o a_o party_n as_o such_o and_o though_o the_o godly_a be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n we_o confine_v not_o godliness_n to_o any_o peculiar_a way_n narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n we_o make_v no_o humane_a addition_n in_o sacred_a thing_n nor_o any_o mutable_a circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o christian_a fellowship_n 2._o according_o we_o seek_v not_o the_o advancement_n of_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n to_o the_o injury_n or_o neglect_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n or_o christian_a cause_n or_o the_o common_a good_a and_o as_o we_o be_v no_o faction_n we_o know_v that_o factiousness_n be_v not_o our_o interest_n but_o turn_v to_o our_o great_a loss_n our_o aim_n be_v christian_n and_o catholic_n we_o seek_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n or_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n profess_v true_a christianity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o society_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o to_o these_o end_n we_o desire_v and_o most_o approve_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o herein_o we_o boast_v not_o as_o if_o we_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a spirit_n but_o we_o answer_v they_o who_o have_v trample_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o impertinent_a trifle_a sect._n 3._o we_o hearty_o own_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n contain_v in_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n except_o those_o two_o or_o three_o that_o relate_v only_o to_o some_o of_o our_o present_a difference_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o we_o great_o esteem_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o homily_n we_o unfeigned_o assent_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n concern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o that_o passage_n wherein_o he_o just_o rebuke_n those_o that_o have_v the_o hardyness_n to_o publish_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n against_o which_o no_o man_n with_o who_o he_o have_v confer_v have_v except_v ought_v to_o be_v reform_v as_o well_o as_o the_o discipline_n be_v it_o here_o observe_v that_o some_o conformist_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o hearty_o subscribe_v to_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o interpretation_n that_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n herself_o though_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o she_o require_v subscription_n to_o they_o as_o to_o a_o instrument_n of_o peace_n only_o and_o for_o this_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o eminent_a bishop_n be_v cite_v say_v the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o define_v any_o of_o these_o question_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v necessitate_v medii_fw-la or_o praecepti_fw-la which_o be_v much_o less_o but_o only_o to_o bind_v her_o son_n for_o peace_n sake_n not_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o believe_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a constant_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o we_o apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n or_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n to_o make_v new_a worship_n of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n and_o reason_n with_o those_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n which_o the_o word_n have_v already_o make_v nevertheless_o particular_a mode_n and_o accident_n and_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o humane_a action_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o humane_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o take_v such_o determination_n in_o those_o matter_n to_o be_v no_o addition_n to_o god_n word_n and_o no_o argument_n of_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o his_o law_n but_o mere_o a_o application_n of_o the_o general_a law_n in_o particular_a case_n as_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v warrant_v a_o firm_a agreement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n have_v be_v long_o since_o manifest_v in_o their_o paper_n present_v to_o his_o majesty_n we_o still_o acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o liturgy_n for_o matter_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o it_o as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o exhortation_n we_o still_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n but_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o in_o their_o design_a end_n seem_v to_o draw_v to_o near_o to_o the_o significancy_n and_o moral_a efficacy_n of_o sacrament_n and_o which_o have_v be_v reject_v by_o many_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n worship_n be_v best_a manage_v for_o the_o exterior_a form_n thereof_o when_o it_o have_v least_o of_o humane_a mixture_n in_o thing_n unnecessary_a adjoin_v and_o appropriate_v thereunto_o 5._o we_o entire_o own_o that_o ministry_n that_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a as_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o believe_v that_o it_o 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have_v ordain_v and_o as_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v to_o they_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o rule_v the_o congregation_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v one_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n and_o include_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v so_o admit_v that_o which_o we_o require_v in_o the_o adult_n for_o their_o visible_a church-membership_n be_v their_o intelligent_a own_n of_o the_o baptismal_a covenant_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n there_o be_v no_o notoriety_n or_o proof_n of_o 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and_o partiality_n