i_o believe_v those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o lay-dissenters_a against_o the_o common-prayer_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v have_v wrought_v in_o they_o a_o great_a a_o version_n to_o it_o than_o the_o best_a divine_n of_o that_o way_n intend_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a to_o find_v myself_o mistake_v in_o this_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v some_o encouragement_n to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o seem_v to_o dislike_v most_o of_o all_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v upon_o the_o plain_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n almost_o whole_o avoid_v appeal_n to_o other_o church_n antiquity_n not_o but_o that_o great_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o by_o it_o but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o examine_v this_o kind_n of_o argument_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n with_o we_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v as_o for_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o worship_n or_o a_o sacrament_n of_o man_n make_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o have_v be_v so_o plain_o show_v in_o late_a discourse_n that_o unless_o i_o be_o call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o i_o can_v think_v fit_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o this_o dispute_n but_o i_o hearty_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v at_o length_n that_o though_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v defend_v as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o communion_n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o require_v to_o sign_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o minister_n only_o as_o for_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a table_n that_o be_v indeed_o every_o communicants_a act_n but_o of_o this_o you_o may_v expect_v a_o discourse_n from_o another_o hand_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o sober_a person_n that_o be_v yet_o unsatisfied_a about_o it_o and_o now_o i_o entreat_v all_o those_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n into_o who_o hand_n these_o paper_n shall_v fall_v that_o they_o will_v serious_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o venture_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o it_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o these_o let_v we_o at_o length_n consult_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o age_n with_o posterity_n who_o will_v stand_v amaze_v to_o find_v a_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o this_o church_n carry_v on_o so_o long_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n give_v and_o such_o weak_a objection_n so_o strong_o insist_v upon_o as_o to_o build_v a_o opposite_a communion_n upon_o they_o let_v we_o consult_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o no_o long_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o scorn_v and_o dnager_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o disgrace_v by_o the_o papist_n our_o dangerous_a enemy_n always_o but_o never_o more_o dangerous_a than_o now_o if_o the_o dissenter_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v that_o the_o wide_a breach_n they_o have_v make_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o protestant_n will_v certain_o let_v in_o popery_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o a_o timely_a close_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nothing_o remain_v but_o to_o wait_v till_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o extremity_n i_o can_v take_v no_o comfort_n in_o be_v assure_v that_o at_o last_o they_o will_v believe_v it_o when_o alas_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o we_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v unite_v in_o any_o other_o communion_n but_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v and_o whether_o so_o little_a account_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o law_n and_o authority_n as_o to_o say_v that_o our_o governor_n may_v as_o well_o come_v down_o to_o they_o by_o forbear_v to_o require_v what_o they_o dislike_v as_o they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o law_n by_o do_v what_o it_o require_v will_v our_o case_n bear_v this_o wantonness_n will_v such_o expression_n consist_v with_o our_o duty_n i_o beseech_v they_o by_o what_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o they_o by_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o charity_n they_o have_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n that_o they_o will_v take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n and_o anger_n and_o all_o passion_n that_o obstruct_v a_o clear_a judgement_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v dispute_v among_o we_o and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v impartial_o what_o we_o have_v say_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n can_v they_o propound_v to_o themselves_o more_o beneficial_a design_n than_o to_o check_v the_o profaneness_n and_o atheism_n which_o in_o this_o last_o age_n have_v be_v so_o much_o complain_v of_o than_o to_o restore_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exclude_v of_o vicious_a man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a than_o to_o transmit_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n establish_v among_o we_o down_o to_o their_o posterity_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n by_o which_o they_o can_v contribute_v to_o all_o those_o good_a end_n be_v to_o return_v hearty_o and_o unanimous_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n all_o the_o true_a son_n whereof_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o open_a arm_n with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o they_o for_o the_o good_a they_o will_v do_v we_o and_o themselves_o by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o for_o worldly_n and_o corrupt_a interest_n encourage_v and_o support_v the_o present_a separation_n from_o this_o church_n i_o can_v expostulate_v with_o they_o in_o this_o manner_n since_o such_o man_n have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o tenderness_n for_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n while_o they_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o be_v that_o when_o that_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n come_v which_o they_o of_o all_o man_n have_v most_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o than_o all_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o this_o schism_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o happen_v will_v be_v full_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v sure_a whilst_o those_o that_o in_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n have_v contribute_v to_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o easy_a account_n to_o give_v especial_o if_o they_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o better_a what_o good_a effect_v our_o application_n to_o man_n will_v have_v we_o can_v say_v but_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o prepare_v for_o instruction_n we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o to_o detect_v the_o ill_a design_n of_o dishonest_a man_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n that_o whatever_o happen_v to_o this_o church_n it_o may_v not_o be_v forsake_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n amen_n finis_fw-la the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o case_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v communion_n therewith_o unlawful_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o case_n we_o will_v first_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n second_o show_v that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v three_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a first_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o premise_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o
this_o head_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o though_o these_o reverend_a person_n do_v go_v upon_o different_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n they_o espouse_v they_o agree_v not_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o parochial_a church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o notion_n of_o hear_v as_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n and_o about_o the_o call_v of_o those_o they_o hear_v yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v whole_o in_o this_o ordinance_n and_o from_o the_o parochial_a church_n as_o no_o church_n be_v equal_o condemn_v by_o all_o 3._o they_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o unlawful_a thing_n if_o the_o thing_n account_v unlawful_a be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o unchurch_n a_o church_n and_o affect_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v not_o impose_v as_o necessary_a term_n of_o communion_n 1._o if_o the_o corruption_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o unchurch_n a_o church_n or_o affect_v the_o vital_a part_n of_o religion_n so_o say_v mr._n tomb_n not_o every_o nor_o many_o corruption_n 48._o theodulia_n answer_v to_o preface_n §_o 23._o p._n 47_o 48._o of_o some_o kind_n do_v unchurch_n there_o be_v many_o in_o faith_n worship_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n &c_n aid_n blake_n be_v vindiciae_fw-la foed_n c._n 31._o p._n 229_o &c_n &c_n who_o yet_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n amid_o who_o christ_n do_v walk_v but_o such_o general_n avow_a unrepented_a of_o error_n in_o faith_n as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o wit_n christ_n the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n and_o salvation_n by_o he_o corruption_n of_o worship_n by_o idolatry_n in_o life_n by_o evil_a manner_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n till_o which_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o till_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v tolerable_a and_o so_o afford_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o so_o mr._n brinsly_n 50._o arraignment_n of_o schism_n p._n 50._o suppose_v some_o just_a grievance_n may_v be_v find_v among_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o tolerable_a if_o so_o then_o be_v separation_n on_o this_o ground_n intolerable_a unwarrantable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o mr._n noyes_n private_a brethren_n may_v not_o 78._o temple_n measure_v p._n 78._o separate_v from_o church_n or_o church-ordinance_n which_o be_v not_o fundamental_o defective_a neither_o in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n heresy_n or_o profaneness_n to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o mr._n cotton_n the_o former_a assert_n that_o many_o error_n in_o 76._o evangelical_n love_n p._n 76._o doctrine_n disorder_n in_o sacred_a administration_n irregular_a walk_v in_o conversation_n with_o neglect_n and_o abuse_v of_o discipline_n in_o ruler_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o evacuate_v their_o church-state_n or_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o leave_v their_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o they_o the_o latter_a say_v 156._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 156._o unless_o you_o find_v in_o the_o church_n blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n i._n e._n such_o as_o force_n they_o to_o leave_v the_o communion_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n this_o be_v universal_o own_a but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o continue_v unconvince_v let_v he_o but_o peruse_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o nine_o church_n in_o scripture_n collect_v by_o mr._n baxter_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v think_v the_o conclusion_n infer_v from_o it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a observe_v say_v he_o that_o no_o etc._n cure_v of_o church_n division_n dir._n 5._o p._n 40_o etc._n etc._n one_o member_n be_v in_o all_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o command_v to_o come_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o any_o of_o all_o these_o church_n as_o if_o their_o communion_n in_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o therefore_o before_o you_o separate_v from_o any_o as_o judge_v communion_n with_o they_o unlawful_a be_v sure_a that_o you_o bring_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o any_o of_o these_o recite_v be_v 2._o they_o be_v not_o to_o separate_v if_o the_o corruption_n be_v not_o so_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o communicate_v in_o they_o mr._n vines_n speak_v plain_o to_o both_o of_o these_o 239._o on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 239._o the_o church_n may_v be_v corrupt_v many_o way_n in_o doctrine_n ordinance_n worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o this_o corruption_n the_o doctrine_n in_o some_o remote_a point_n the_o worship_n in_o some_o ritual_n of_o man_n invention_n or_o custom_n how_o many_o church_n do_v we_o find_v thus_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o no_o separation_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o jewish_a church_n nor_o any_o commandment_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v i_o must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n avoid_v the_o corruption_n hold_v the_o communion_n but_o if_o corruption_n invade_v the_o fundamental_o the_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n be_v destroy_v the_o worship_n be_v become_v idolatrous_a and_o what_o be_v above_o all_o if_o the_o church_n impose_v such_o law_n of_o her_o communion_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v or_o approve_v thing_n unlawful_a in_o that_o case_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o protestant_n so_o separate_v from_o rome_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n nor_o thus_o strict_o require_v than_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n under_o defect_n be_v lawful_a and_o may_v be_v a_o duty_n so_o say_v mr._n corbet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o hold_v not_o ourselves_o oblige_v to_o forsake_v a_o 33._o account_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o n._n c._n p._n 8._o and_o discourse_v of_o relig._n §_o 16._o p._n 33._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 and_o mr._n burrough_n himself_o do_v grant_v as_o much_o and_o more_o for_o he_o say_v 163._o irenicum_fw-la c._n 23._o p._n 162_o 163._o where_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o viz._n the_o be_v constrain_v to_o profess_v believe_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v deprive_v of_o mean_n altogether_o necessary_a or_o most_o expedient_a to_o salvation_n but_o men_n may_v communicate_v without_o sin_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n as_o the_o freeman_n of_o christ_n man_n must_v not_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n though_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o it_o to_o gather_v into_o a_o new_a church_n which_o may_v be_v more_o pure_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o comfortable_a and_o as_o though_o such_o corruption_n shall_v be_v impose_v as_o term_n of_o communion_n yet_o if_o not_o actual_o impose_v upon_o we_o our_o communicate_v in_o the_o true_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o the_o say_a imposition_n as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o those_o corruption_n as_o mr._n bradshaw_n do_v argue_v so_o 103._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separation_n p._n 103._o though_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v and_o be_v unavoidable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n that_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o total_a separation_n as_o it_o be_v also_o own_a for_o say_v one_o when_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n be_v such_o as_o 12._o jerubbaal_n p._n 12._o that_o one_o can_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n unavoidable_o that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n though_o not_o of_o a_o positive_a yet_o of_o a_o negative_a though_o not_o of_o a_o total_a yet_o of_o a_o partial_a separation_n i._n e._n it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o the_o lesser_a but_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o great_a suppose_v then_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n not_o respect_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n
suppose_v again_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o impose_v and_o unavoidable_a than_o separation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o be_v unwarrantable_a but_o to_o make_v this_o the_o more_o uncontrollable_o evident_a i_o shall_v consider_v the_o corruption_n as_o they_o respect_v worship_n or_o discipline_n in_o worship_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o defect_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o ministration_n the_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o join_v with_o it_o and_o show_v that_o these_o do_v not_o disoblige_v from_o communion_n in_o it_o and_o attendance_n upon_o it_o 1._o the_o defect_n of_o worship_n if_o not_o essential_a be_v consistent_a with_o communion_n and_o no_o just_a reason_n for_o withdraw_v from_o it_o this_o the_o brownist_n do_v acknowledge_v 7._o apol._n p._n 7._o with_o some_o qualification_n neither_o count_v we_o it_o lawful_a for_o any_o member_n to_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n for_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n which_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_v 157._o exposit_n on_o 1_o epist_n john_n p._n 157._o shall_v studious_o seek_v to_o cure_v etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n cotton_n suppose_v there_o be_v and_o be_v sundry_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o safe_a ground_n of_o separation_n when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n corrupt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n 38._o england_n remembrance_n serm._n 2._o p._n 38._o to_o separate_v and_o abhor_v thus_o a_o reverend_a person_n in_o his_o farewell_n sermon_n do_v right_o instruct_v his_o auditor_n a_o mean_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v be_v diligent_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o and_o when_o you_o can_v enjoy_v they_o in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o god_n will_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o the_o manner_n you_o desire_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v administer_v in_o etc._n etc._n though_o i_o dare_v not_o advise_v you_o to_o join_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o or_o in_o your_o judgement_n evil_a till_o you_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o yet_o i_o must_v advise_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o from_o what_o be_v good_a and_o god_n own_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v the_o several_a argument_n use_v by_o they_o in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o first_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n or_o to_o refuse_v it_o for_o arg._n 1_o such_o defect_n will_v be_v to_o look_v after_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o this_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o so_o the_o brownist_n do_v declare_v none_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n 36._o confession_n of_o faith_n art_n 36._o right_o gather_v and_o establish_v for_o fault_n and_o corruption_n which_o may_v and_z so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o mortal_a man_n will_v fall_v out_o and_o arise_v among_o they_o and_o mr._n jenkins_n argue_v upon_o this_o principle_n must_v not_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o juâ—e_n v._o 19_o he_o who_o will_v forbear_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n till_o it_o be_v altogether_o free_v from_o mixture_n tarry_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n till_o when_o we_o have_v no_o promise_n that_o christ_n will_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o church_n whatsoever_o do_v offend_v this_o be_v it_o that_o among_o other_o reason_n conquer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o good_a man_n mr._n j._n allen_n and_o keep_v he_o from_o separation_n of_o which_o iii._o his_o life_n p._n iii._o we_o have_v this_o account_n he_o know_v of_o how_o great_a moment_n it_o be_v that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v maintain_v and_o that_o its_o assembly_n shall_v not_o be_v relinquish_v though_o some_o of_o its_o administration_n do_v not_o clear_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o he_o because_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o imperfection_n and_o pollution_n in_o they_o suppose_a or_o real_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n be_v evident_o to_o suppose_v ourselves_o join_v before_o our_o time_n to_o the_o heavenly_a assembly_n or_o to_o have_v find_v such_o a_o one_o upon_o earth_n exempt_a from_o all_o mixture_n and_o imperfection_n of_o worshipper_n and_o worship_n the_o want_n of_o this_o prudent_a consideration_n make_v many_o to_o expect_v more_o than_o can_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o defect_n or_o corruption_n as_o intolerable_a to_o prevent_v which_o therefore_o mr._n baxter_n do_v give_v this_o advice_n to_o his_o brethren_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o faulty_a and_o so_o be_v all_o man_n worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o communicate_v with_o faulty_a worship_n must_v renounce_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o with_o he_o second_o they_o argue_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n arg._n 2_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o defective_a church_n and_o worship_n but_o communicate_v in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o other_o so_o to_o do_v no_o doubt_v it_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n say_v one_o in_o a_o farewel-sermon_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 95._o england_n remembrancer_n serm._n 4._o p._n 94_o 95._o who_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o purity_n in_o god_n worship_n as_o much_o against_o corrupt_a mixture_n of_o man_n invention_n therein_o as_o any_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v use_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o corruption_n bring_v into_o it_o that_o he_o go_v into_o their_o assembly_n not_o to_o join_v in_o any_o worship_n but_o only_o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n be_v not_o where_o write_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n when_o he_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n approve_v of_o and_o justify_v their_o worship_n as_o right_v for_o substance_n that_o salvation_n may_v be_v attain_v therein_o which_o he_o deny_v to_o be_v attainable_a in_o any_o other_o worship_n john_n 4._o 22._o we_o know_v include_v himself_o among_o those_o that_o worship_v god_n aright_o what_o we_o worship_v for_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o 132._o by_o by_o by_o ball_n be_v trial_n p._n 132._o many_o that_o christ_n do_v communicate_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o be_v grant_v as_o well_o by_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a as_o 8._o as_o as_o as_o the_o platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o new-england_n c._n 14._o §_o 8._o presbyterial_a way_n and_o yet_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o worship_n be_v much_o corrupt_v of_o which_o mr._n hildersham_n do_v give_v a_o 166._o a_o a_o a_o lect._n 35_o on_o john_n p._n 165_o 166._o specimen_fw-la but_o especial_o dr._n 294._o dr._n dr._n dr._n dwelling_v with_o god_n p._n 294._o brian_n there_o be_v many_o great_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o priest_n and_o teacher_n be_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a and_o have_v a_o corrupt_a and_o unlawful_a entrance_n into_o their_o call_v and_o the_o people_n be_v like_a to_o the_o priest_n general_o notorious_o and_o obstinate_o ungodly_a and_o the_o worship_n use_v in_o that_o church_n be_v woeful_o corrupt_a many_o superstitious_a ceremony_n the_o observation_n whereof_o be_v more_o strict_o urge_v than_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n the_o temple_n make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n the_o discipline_n and_o censure_n shameful_o abuse_v the_o doctrine_n be_v corrupt_v in_o many_o point_n yet_o the_o word_n tell_v you_o christ_n who_o example_n it_o bind_v you_o to_o follow_v and_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o follower_n of_o he_o in_o all_o imitable_a thing_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n profess_v himself_o a_o memeber_v of_o it_o be_v by_o circumcision_n incorporate_v a_o member_n receive_v baptism_n in_o a_o congregation_n of_o that_o people_n be_v a_o hearer_n of_o their_o common_a service_n and_o their_o teacher_n allow_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o communicate_v in_o the_o passover_n with_o the_o people_n and_o the_o priest_n no_o more_o do_v his_o apostle_n make_v separation_n from_o this_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n till_o their_o day_n have_v its_o period_n etc._n etc._n by_o their_o example_n it_o appear_v that_o till_o god_n have_v forsake_v a_o church_n no_o man_n may_v forsake_v it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o ibid._n ibid._n conclude_v from_o hence_o with_o mr._n hildersham_n those_o assembly_n that_o enjoy_v the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o have_v many_o corruption_n remain_v in_o they_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o none_o of_o the_o faithful_a
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o a_o defective_a and_o faulty_a worship_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a when_o it_o be_v for_o better_a edification_n and_o that_o we_o may_v choose_v what_o be_v for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v not_o and_o what_o be_v more_o for_o our_o edification_n before_o what_o be_v less_o for_o the_o decision_n of_o which_o case_n i_o shall_v show_v from_o they_o p._n 2._o that_o as_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o worship_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o better_a edification_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n sometime_o they_o say_v it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imaginary_a a_o seem_a contentment_n of_o mind_n as_o one_o 58._o methermenent_fw-la p._n 71._o on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o diâ—is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o conâ—inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
and_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n stand_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n there_o the_o command_n of_o our_o superior_n be_v to_o over-rule_v our_o doubt_n but_o further_a to_o show_v what_o little_a force_n there_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n which_o indeed_o have_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o noise_n we_o will_v try_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o make_v as_o much_o against_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o put_v the_o case_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o we_o when_o they_o put_v the_o case_n let_v we_o suppose_v therefore_o as_o before_o that_o a_o israelite_n be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o jehovah_n or_o baal_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o let_v we_o suppose_v likewise_o as_o we_o reasonable_o may_v that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n make_v a_o law_n that_o all_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o baal_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o that_o jehovah_n only_o shall_v be_v worship_v what_o advice_n now_o will_v they_o give_v to_o the_o doubt_a man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v they_o say_v that_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o king_n law_n and_o worship_n jehovah_n only_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v doubtful_a in_o his_o own_o mind_n whether_o baal_n be_v not_o the_o true_a god_n why_o this_o be_v against_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o give_v away_o the_o cause_n to_o we_o but_o will_v they_o then_o say_v that_o while_o this_o doubt_n remain_v the_o man_n must_v not_o obey_v authority_n in_o worship_v jehovah_n only_o but_o he_o must_v either_o worship_n baal_n and_o not_o jehovah_n or_o both_o baal_n and_o jehovah_n together_o why_o this_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a to_o their_o principle_n but_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o my_o reader_n whether_o according_a to_o their_o way_n of_o resolve_v of_o doubt_n a_o man_n be_v not_o as_o necessary_o engage_v in_o idolatry_n and_o other_o grievous_a sin_n as_o he_o be_v by_o our_o way_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o argument_n conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o they_o as_o against_o we_o but_o in_o truth_n it_o conclude_v nothing_o either_o one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o question_n as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o state_v of_o it_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n the_o second_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o limitation_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v to_o the_o obedience_n we_o be_v to_o pay_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v form_v thus_o god_n have_v not_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o command_v of_o our_o superior_a be_v lawful_a or_o no_o we_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v as_o much_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o to_o disobey_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v his_o superior_n any_o far_o than_o they_o command_v lawful_a thing_n yet_o when_o ever_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o command_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o equal_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o there_o be_v so_o many_o weighty_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o a_o man_n shall_v obey_v rather_o than_o disobey_v in_o that_o case_n as_o will_v persuade_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o those_o reason_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o five_o particular_n i_o before_o insist_v on_o the_o three_o and_o indeed_o the_o principal_a argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o last_o verse_n he_o that_o doubt_v be_v damn_v if_o he_o eat_v because_o he_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o whence_o they_o thus_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o those_o christian_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o to_o eat_v any_o food_n though_o in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v eat_v so_o long_o as_o they_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o other_o action_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o doubt_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o magistrate_n command_v that_o action_n that_o will_v make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o our_o point_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o full_a and_o a_o just_a discussion_n because_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o come_v clear_o off_o from_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o obey_v authority_n with_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o likewise_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n which_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o case_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a discussion_n of_o this_o text_n with_o reference_n to_o our_o present_a controversy_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o premise_v some_o general_a account_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o ordinary_a reader_n that_o so_o understand_v before_o hand_n the_o case_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o here_o use_v they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n ii_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o doubt_v in_o this_o text._n iii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v not_o of_o faith_n iu._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v damn_a or_o condemn_v for_o so_o do_v first_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o case_n of_o those_o jewish_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o so_o full_o instruct_v in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n but_o that_o they_o still_o believe_v all_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o to_o oblige_v their_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o they_o mighty_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o so_o that_o whereas_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v better_o instruct_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o eat_v any_o kind_n of_o food_n though_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n these_o man_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o forbear_v such_o kind_n of_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v persuade_v or_o at_o least_o it_o appear_v more_o probable_a to_o they_o than_o otherwise_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o st._n paul_n here_o style_v the_o weak_a christian_n appear_v from_o several_a passage_n of_o this_o chapter_n nor_o i_o think_v be_v it_o much_o question_v by_o any_o as_o for_o what_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n concern_v their_o abstain_v from_o flesh_n altogether_o and_o only_o eat_v herb_n which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o pure_o their_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o meat_n because_o by_o that_o law_n they_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v from_o flesh_n except_v only_a swines-flesh_n and_o a_o few_o other_o sort_n than_o they_o be_v from_o herb_n st._n chrysostome_n have_v well_o obviate_v this_o difficulty_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o case_n of_o those_o christian_n there_o be_v say_v he_o several_a of_o the_o believe_a jew_n who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n even_o after_o their_o christianity_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o observation_n of_o meat_n not_o dare_v whole_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n these_o now_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v out_o and_o reproach_v by_o the_o other_o christian_n for_o thus_o abstain_v from_o swines-flesh_n and_o the_o like_a upon_o account_n of_o conscience_n choose_v to_o eat_v no_o flesh_n at_o all_o but_o to_o feed_v altogether_o upon_o herb_n that_o so_o this_o way_n of_o live_v of_o they_o may_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o fast_a or_o religious_a abstinence_n than_o for_o a_o legal_a observance_n thus_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n theodoret_n and_o
or_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o till_o all_o party_n among_o we_o be_v satisfy_v which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v as_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o our_o become_a more_o true_o christian_n in_o our_o life_n and_o temper_n they_o be_v our_o vicious_a disposition_n more_o than_o our_o different_a apprehension_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n let_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o same_o quarrelsome_a mind_n and_o industrious_o seek_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n before_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o governor_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v plain_a our_o division_n and_o animosity_n will_v not_o can_v cease_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o which_o be_v to_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n may_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o scruple_n where_o i_o shall_v especial_o consider_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o communicate_v with_o our_o parish-church_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o particular_a exception_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o advise_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o yet_o detain_v so_o many_o in_o a_o state_n of_o utter_a separation_n from_o we_o or_o at_o least_o discourage_v their_o total_a and_o hearty_a join_v with_o we_o which_o charitable_a design_n and_o attempt_v however_o unsuccessful_a i_o may_v be_v in_o it_o yet_o can_v i_o hope_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o who_o conscience_n be_v pester_v with_o such_o scruple_n since_o i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_v which_o beside_o the_o disservice_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v also_o expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o danger_n from_o the_o public_a law_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o many_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o high_a and_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n almighty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v most_o offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v that_o man_n have_v become_v and_o excellent_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o imagine_v that_o god_n regard_v any_o particular_a gesture_n habit_n and_o posture_n so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o service_n and_o worship_n shall_v depend_v upon_o such_o circumstance_n of_o our_o religious_a action_n when_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o true_a devotion_n of_o heart_n a_o sincere_a christian_a prostrate_v himself_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o affection_n beg_v those_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n shall_v refuse_v and_o reject_v his_o petition_n because_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o certain_a prescribe_a form_n of_o word_n shall_v his_o importunate_a renew_a request_n fail_v of_o success_n because_o he_o still_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n and_o read_v his_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n be_v god_n please_v with_o variety_n of_o word_n or_o the_o copiousness_n of_o our_o invention_n or_o the_o elegancy_n of_o our_o phrase_n and_o style_n be_v it_o not_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o god_n principal_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n because_o offend_v at_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o garment_n in_o which_o the_o minister_n officiate_n suppose_v two_o person_n both_o with_o equal_a preparation_n with_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n one_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a blessing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n therein_o confer_v upon_o he_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o his_o knee_n in_o the_o humble_a posture_n the_o other_o sit_v or_o stand_v can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v effectual_a or_o beneficial_a or_o that_o god_n bless_v it_o only_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o he_o if_o he_o also_o have_v receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursome_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o child_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n most_o dutiful_a to_o he_o and_o every_o way_n deserve_v his_o great_a kindness_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v exact_o describe_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n at_o all_o to_o vary_v from_o they_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o because_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o those_o many_o nice_a observance_n that_o be_v appoint_v be_v not_o command_v for_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v all_o now_o do_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n the_o only_a thing_n always_o please_v to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a service_n god_n now_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o very_a fond_a and_o captious_a be_v who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o we_o be_v most_o hearty_a and_o devout_a in_o they_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o he_o only_o because_o of_o some_o particular_a habit_n or_o gesture_n we_o use_v which_o be_v neither_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n nor_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o religious_a performance_n such_o mean_a thought_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n when_o we_o think_v to_o court_v and_o please_v he_o by_o make_v great_a conscience_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o superstition_n in_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o that_o which_o god_n have_v no_o where_n forbid_v than_o there_o be_v in_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v a_o man_n may_v certain_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o command_v and_o yet_o never_o think_v to_o flatter_v god_n by_o it_o nor_o place_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o but_o he_o may_v do_v it_o only_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n for_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n for_o which_o end_n our_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o superstition_n in_o they_o but_o now_o a_o man_n can_v out_o of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o be_v by_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o he_o but_o he_o must_v think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o such_o abstain_v and_o in_o this_o conceit_n of_o please_v or_o humour_v god_n by_o indifferent_a thing_n consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o superstition_n 2._o lay_v out_o your_o great_a care_n and_o zeal_n about_o the_o necessary_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o will_v make_v you_o less_o concern_v about_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n our_o fierce_a dispute_n and_o debate_n about_o little_a thing_n and_o circumstance_n be_v apt_a to_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n mind_v those_o thing_n most_o in_o
question_n beside_o that_o it_o can_v serve_v any_o purpose_n of_o piety_n if_o it_o decline_v from_o duty_n in_o any_o instance_n it_o be_v like_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o orphan_n or_o build_v hospital_n with_o the_o money_n and_o spoil_n of_o sacrilege_n 4._o it_o be_v further_a say_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n if_o determination_n by_o superior_n be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n than_o they_o do_v very_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a determine_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a that_o so_o no_o danger_n may_v be_v leave_v of_o give_v offence_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o then_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v in_o that_o she_o have_v determine_v so_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n then_o st._n paul_n may_v have_v spare_v all_o his_o direction_n about_o forbearance_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o weak_a brethren_n and_o full_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o fear_n of_o scandal_n this_o true_o seem_v a_o very_a odd_a way_n of_o argue_v and_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o suppose_v nothing_o else_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n or_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o only_o this_o one_o matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o project_n itself_o shall_v it_o take_v will_v prove_v very_o vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a for_o though_o we_o true_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o order_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o innocent_a and_o so_o give_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o offence_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o upon_o supposition_n our_o church_n have_v determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n she_o possible_o can_v which_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v a_o yoke_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o the_o jew_n nor_o if_o she_o have_v prescribe_v as_o many_o ceremony_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o scandal_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n and_o as_o for_o the_o course_n st._n paul_n take_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o some_o thing_n upon_o good_a reason_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o the_o gentile_a convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n which_o decree_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v not_o transgress_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n who_o may_v take_v offence_n at_o such_o abstinence_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o great_a reason_n be_v for_o a_o time_n leave_v at_o liberty_n which_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o those_o the_o apostle_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o though_o afterward_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o that_o reason_n cease_v determination_n be_v make_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o if_o st._n paul_n have_v determine_v the_o dispute_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n one_o way_n they_o who_o have_v follow_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n whatever_o have_v happen_v have_v sure_o be_v free_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o still_o the_o scandal_n have_v not_o be_v prevent_v but_o all_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v be_v utter_o estrange_v from_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a why_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o that_o case_n for_o governor_n be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n to_o free_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o scandal_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v that_o as_o little_a occasion_n as_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o to_o be_v scandalize_v there_o be_v other_o objection_n offer_v by_o mr._n jean_n out_o of_o amesius_n and_o rutherford_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a notwithstanding_o the_o scandal_n that_o may_v follow_v but_o they_o either_o may_v be_v answer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v or_o else_o they_o chief_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o governor_n and_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o act_n uncharitable_o and_o give_v great_a offence_n contrary_a to_o st._n paul_n rule_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o determinate_o to_o impose_v unnecessary_a rite_n by_o which_o they_o know_v many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v scandalize_v but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o discourse_n of_o though_o i_o can_v forbear_v say_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v take_v all_o reasonable_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o just_a offence_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o take_v at_o some_o thing_n in_o our_o constitution_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v foresee_v by_o those_o who_o make_v our_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o be_v any_o reason_n against_o the_o first_o establishment_n nor_o 2._o be_v they_o now_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o alteration_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v it_o reasonable_a to_o alter_v public_a law_n make_v with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o deliberation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v dislike_v by_o or_o prove_v offensive_a to_o private_a person_n if_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o then_o can_v never_o be_v any_o settle_a government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n because_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o establishment_n that_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o give_v such_o offence_n they_o who_o now_o take_v offence_n at_o what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v on_o the_o same_o or_o a_o like_a account_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o whatever_o can_v be_v enjoin_v and_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n will_v be_v good_a against_o any_o establishment_n they_o themselves_o shall_v make_v for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o use_v these_o reason_n against_o their_o own_o establishment_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n other_o will_v take_v up_o their_o weapon_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o what_o serve_v to_o destroy_v the_o present_a church_n will_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o overthrow_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n so_o that_o whatever_o alteration_n be_v make_v if_o this_o be_v allow_v for_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o it_o viz._n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n that_o some_o man_n take_v at_o the_o present_a constitution_n yet_o still_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v and_o new_a offence_n will_v arise_v and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v continual_a change_n and_o alter_v to_o gratify_v the_o unreasonable_a humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v any_o one_o party_n of_o dissenter_n among_o we_o get_v their_o form_n of_o government_n and_o worship_n establish_v by_o law_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v preach_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n we_o do_v now_o to_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o private_a person_n must_v bend_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n to_o private_a person_n that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n that_o we_o be_v offend_v that_o our_o weakness_n proceed_v from_o our_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v instruction_n that_o the_o weak_a be_v to_o be_v govern_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n that_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o what_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n appoint_v and_o order_v shall_v be_v present_o abrogate_a or_o change_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o man_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v how_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a botht_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v and_o have_v be_v where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o advantage_n and_o what_o little_a consideration_n or_o regard_n they_o have_v have_v of_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n though_o they_o will_v have_v we_o so_o tender_a of_o they_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n in_o thing_n lawful_a be_v more_o obligatory_a than_o the_o precept_n of_o avoid_v scandal_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v in_o such_o instance_n though_o offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o it_o because_o no_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n i_o may_v from_o this_o head_n further_o argue_v that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o commit_v any_o sin_n to_o avoid_v give_v offence_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o our_o parish-church_n upon_o that_o account_n because_o all_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n in_o which_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a be_v require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o
communion_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o black_a dye_n and_o great_a guilt_n note_v the_o in_o scripture_n for_o a_o act_n of_o carnality_n a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o come_n to_o church_n and_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o same_o public_a place_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o government_n discipline_n and_o custom_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o realm_n which_o enforce_v it_o and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o require_v it_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o needless_a separation_n or_o division_n among_o christian_n break_v into_o little_a party_n and_o faction_n from_o whence_o come_v strife_n envy_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n be_v to_o be_v most_o careful_o avoid_v as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o christianity_n the_o rend_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o as_o utter_o destructive_a not_o only_o of_o the_o peace_n but_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o shall_v all_o the_o law_n about_o conformity_n and_o against_o conventicle_n be_v rescind_v and_o void_v shall_v the_o magistrate_n indulge_v or_o connive_v at_o the_o separate_a assembly_n yet_o still_o this_o will_v not_o make_v our_o join_n with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v sinful_a since_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o one_o communion_n be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v a_o justifiable_a thing_n to_o cut_v off_o ourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o compliance_n with_o any_o err_a or_o ignorant_a brethren_n but_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n either_o total_o or_o in_o part_n have_v be_v so_o evident_o show_v in_o some_o late_a discourse_n write_v on_o that_o subject_n that_o i_o do_v despair_n of_o convince_a those_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o who_o can_v withstand_v the_o force_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v to_o they_o i_o only_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o such_o separation_n and_o division_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v give_v by_o our_o conformity_n from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o at_o large_a discourse_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o indifferent_a not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n what_o be_v our_o duty_n must_v be_v do_v though_o scandal_n follow_v it_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a aught_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o great_a obligation_n than_o that_o of_o scandal_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n wherein_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o command_n we_o ought_v so_o to_o exercise_v our_o liberty_n as_o if_o possible_a to_o avoid_v give_v any_o offence_n to_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a part_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o one_o christian_a ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v to_o another_o by_o admonition_n instruction_n good_a example_n and_o by_o the_o forbearance_n of_o thing_n lawful_a at_o which_o he_o forsee_v his_o neighbour_n out_o of_o weakness_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v scandalize_v to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v his_o fall_n into_o any_o sin_n or_o mischief_n and_o this_o we_o teach_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o people_n as_o much_o as_o dissenter_n themselves_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o st._n paul_n rule_n about_o meat_n and_o day_n thing_n neither_o in_o themselves_o good_a or_o evil_n nor_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v every_o way_n a_o proper_a instance_n wherein_o christian_n may_v exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o compassion_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o whole_o forego_v his_o liberty_n than_o by_o these_o indifference_n endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n as_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o if_o meat_n make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v i_o will_v eat_v no_o flesh_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v lest_o i_o make_v my_o brother_n to_o offend_v where_o by_o flesh_n and_o meat_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o idol_n which_o though_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o eat_v at_o common_a meal_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v whole_o abstain_v from_o rather_o than_o wound_v the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o a_o brother_n if_o i_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n taylour_n say_v great_a exemp_n p._n 420_o must_v rather_o quit_v my_o own_o good_n than_o suffer_v my_o brother_n to_o perish_v much_o rather_o must_v i_o quit_v my_o privilege_n and_o we_o shall_v ill_o die_v for_o our_o brother_n who_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o meal_n to_o prevent_v his_o sin_n or_o change_v a_o dish_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o our_o brother_n live_v or_o die_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o win_v and_o gain_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o conform_v be_v oblige_v by_o this_o law_n of_o charity_n not_o needless_o to_o vex_v and_o exasperate_v our_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o may_v estrange_v they_o more_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o restrain_v themselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n and_o the_o law_n have_v leave_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o out_o of_o condescension_n to_o their_o brethren_n we_o dare_v not_o indeed_o omit_v any_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o our_o superior_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o our_o apostolical_a government_n excellent_a liturgy_n orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n use_v in_o our_o church_n shall_v all_o be_v present_o condemn_v and_o lay_v aside_o as_o soon_o as_o some_o weak_a man_n take_v offence_n at_o they_o but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n subject_a to_o our_o own_o order_n and_o disposal_n we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o please_v our_o brother_n for_o his_o good_a unto_o edification_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o this_o very_a rule_n of_o yield_v to_o our_o brother_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a aught_o to_o have_v some_o restriction_n and_o limitation_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o mr._n jean_n who_o i_o have_v so_o often_o name_v as_o first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forbear_v these_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o there_o be_v only_o a_o possibility_n of_o scandal_n but_o where_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a be_v probable_a for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o never_o know_v what_o to_o do_v second_o our_o weak_a brethren_n must_v have_v some_o probable_a ground_n for_o their_o imagination_n that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o sinful_a or_o else_o we_o must_v wear_v no_o ribbon_n nor_o put_v off_o our_o hat_n but_o come_v all_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o and_o for_o this_o exception_n he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n that_o if_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o another_o without_o probable_a ground_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a administration_n three_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o very_a great_a importance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o yield_v i_o some_o great_a profit_n i_o must_v only_o for_o a_o while_o forbear_v it_o until_o my_o brother_n be_v better_a inform_v last_o we_o must_v not_o whole_o betray_v our_o christian_a liberty_n to_o please_v peevish_a and_o froward_a people_n or_o to_o humour_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a opinion_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v mr._n calvin_n who_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o tell_v of_o some_o foolish_a interpreter_n that_o leave_v to_o christian_n almost_o no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a upon_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n of_o superstitious_a
appointment_n it_o be_v first_o erect_v but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o this_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v abuse_v for_o any_o considerable_a time_n and_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o a_o inclination_n in_o the_o people_n to_o abuse_v it_o again_o and_o no_o doubt_n all_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o have_v former_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o governor_n whensoever_o they_o find_v their_o people_n again_o incline_v so_o to_o abuse_v they_o at_o least_o if_o such_o abuse_n can_v probable_o be_v prevent_v by_o other_o mean_n six_o but_o have_v hezekiah_n suffer_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n still_o to_o stand_v no_o doubt_n private_a person_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o make_v public_a reformation_n may_v lawful_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n express_v by_o 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accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o papist_n in_o any_o ceremony_n or_o observance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o condemn_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_o evil_a and_o open_o vicious_a to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v many_o other_o such_o like_a say_n of_o this_o learned_a person_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v discourse_v upon_o our_o second_o general_a head_n viz._n that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o symbolise_v we_o now_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o the_o agreement_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a such_o as_o will_v make_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unlawful_a we_o have_v show_v what_o a_o vast_o wide_a distance_n and_o disagreement_n there_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n and_o we_o have_v sufficient_o though_o with_o the_o great_a brevity_n make_v it_o apparent_a that_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o such_o too_o as_o she_o have_v abuse_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o gross_o superstitious_a service_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v and_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o chief_a of_o those_o argument_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n be_v prove_v that_o those_o thing_n wherein_o our_o own_o church_n particular_o agree_v with_o the_o romish_a church_n do_v none_o of_o they_o speak_v such_o a_o agreement_n therewith_o as_o will_v justify_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n communion_n now_o the_o particular_n wherein_o our_o church_n symbolize_v with_o that_o of_o rome_n which_o our_o dissenter_n take_v offence_n at_o and_o make_v a_o pretence_n for_o separation_n though_o all_o dissenter_n be_v not_o offend_v at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o much_o less_o so_o offend_v as_o to_o make_v they_o all_o a_o pretence_n for_o separation_n be_v principal_o these_o follow_v first_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n second_o our_o church_n prescribe_v a_o liturgy_n or_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a office_n three_o a_o liturgy_n so_o contrive_v as_o that_o of_o our_o church_n be_v four_o certain_a rite_n of_o our_o church_n particular_o the_o surplice_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n the_o gesture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n the_o ring_n in_o marriage_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a holiday_n and_o to_o all_o these_o i_o shall_v speak_v very_o succinct_o the_o limit_n i_o be_o confine_v to_o not_o permit_v i_o to_o enlarge_v much_o upon_o any_o of_o they_o but_o i_o must_v first_o premise_v concern_v they_o all_o in_o the_o general_a these_o follow_a thing_n first_o that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v all_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o viciousness_n or_o immorality_n in_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v they_o unlawful_a i_o know_v no_o body_n so_o unreasonable_a as_o not_o to_o grant_v this_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a positive_a law_n of_o god_n against_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o such_o law_n object_v against_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o must_v be_v make_v so_o either_o by_o consequence_n draw_v from_o divine_a law_n or_o certain_a circumstance_n attend_v they_o three_o that_o i_o be_o concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o vindicate_v they_o from_o be_v unlawful_a upon_o the_o account_n only_o of_o this_o one_o circumstance_n viz._n our_o symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o they_o now_o then_o first_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n by_o bishop_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unlawful_a symbolise_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o have_v most_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v a_o symbolise_n with_o she_o in_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o what_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a party_n have_v acknowledge_v and_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v or_o doubt_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o church-history_n be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v think_v to_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o about_o 1500_o year_n together_o beza_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o a_o threefold_a kind_n of_o episcopacy_n divine_a humane_a and_o satanical_a assert_n concern_v the_o second_o which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v apostolical_a that_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v whatsoever_o we_o read_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n in_o ignatius_n and_o other_o more_o ancient_a writer_n and_o the_o famous_a peter_n du_n moulin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n acknowledge_v that_o present_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o even_o in_o their_o time_n as_o ecclesiastical_a story_n witness_v it_o be_v ordain_v that_o in_o every_o city_n one_o of_o the_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o bishop_n who_o shall_v have_v pre-eminence_n over_o his_o colleague_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n which_o oft_o time_n arise_v out_o of_o equality_n and_o true_o say_v he_o this_o form_n of_o government_n all_o church_n every_o where_o receive_v mr._n calvin_n say_v in_o his_o institution_n of_o christian_a religion_n quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la injunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la etc._n etc._n those_o to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o office_n of_o teach_v they_o call_v they_o all_o presbyter_n these_o elect_v out_o of_o their_o number_n in_o 2._o l._n 4._o cap._n 4._o §._o 2._o each_o city_n one_o to_o who_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o give_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n lest_o strife_n and_o contention_n as_o it_o common_o happen_v shall_v arise_v out_o of_o equality_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o archbishop_n cranmer_n he_o thus_o accost_v he_o illustrissime_fw-la domine_fw-la &_o ornatissime_fw-la praesul_fw-la etc._n etc._n most_o illustrious_a sir_n and_o most_o honourable_a prelate_n and_o by_o i_o hearty_o reverence_v and_o tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o will_v not_o think_v much_o of_o pass_v over_o ten_o sea_n for_o that_o purpose_n again_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o king_n of_o poland_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o patriarch_n and_o archbishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n do_v
variety_n of_o case_n in_o humane_a affair_n i_o pray_v from_o my_o heart_n for_o the_o better_n but_o i_o dread_v the_o tinker_a of_o government_n the_o conclusion_n if_o then_o dissenter_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o obtain_v their_o end_n of_o establish_v themselves_o of_o root_a out_o of_o popery_n and_o promote_a pure_a religion_n by_o overthrow_v the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o inference_n be_v natural_a they_o ought_v both_o in_o prudence_n and_o christianity_n to_o endeavour_v after_o union_n with_o it_o they_o will_v it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o i_o can_v man_n be_v persuade_v two_o contrary_a way_n can_v they_o both_o assent_n and_o dissent_n and_o whilst_o they_o secret_o dissent_n will_v you_o force_v they_o into_o a_o hypocritical_a compliance_n i_o answer_v thus_o first_o though_o a_o man_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n whole_o assent_v and_o dissent_n yet_o there_o be_v mean_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o a_o false_a persuasion_n and_o he_o may_v upon_o good_a ground_n change_v his_o mind_n second_o no_o man_n mind_n can_v beforce_v for_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a power_n three_o good_a governor_n do_v not_o use_v severity_n to_o force_v man_n to_o dissemble_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hypocrite_n but_o to_o move_v they_o after_o a_o trial_n of_o fair_a mean_n to_o great_a consideration_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v in_o the_o emblem_n of_o the_o persian_a dervi_fw-it 156._o dervi_fw-it dervi_fw-it dervi_fw-it tavern_n pers_n trau._n l._n 4._o c._n 6._o p._n 155_o 156._o who_o whilst_o they_o go_v about_o their_o office_n of_o teach_v the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n carry_v a_o great_a club_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o remove_v pernicious_a error_n from_o man_n be_v never_o to_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n in_o it_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n only_o to_o recommend_v first_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o then_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o 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your_o entanglement_n second_o do_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v do_v do_v as_o much_o as_o the_o dissenter_n who_o be_v most_o eminent_a for_o learning_n piety_n preach_v write_v experience_n and_o fame_n sometime_o actual_o do_v they_o have_v own_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a lay-communion_n lawful_a lawful_a lawful_a see_v lawf_n of_o hear_v the_o public_a ministry_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n nye_n mr._n robinson_n etc._n etc._n and_o mr._n corbet_n nonconformist_n plea_n for_o lay-communion_n they_o have_v receive_v the_o communion_n kneel_v they_o have_v breed_v up_o child_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n they_o have_v join_v in_o the_o liturgy_n they_o have_v be_v marry_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o it_o nay_o one_o who_o assist_v in_o make_v the_o directory_n will_v have_v his_o own_o daughter_n in_o those_o time_n be_v marry_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n 80._o common-prayer_n common-prayer_n common-prayer_n mr._n marshal_n in_o hist_n of_o indep_n 1_o part_n p._n 80._o do_v as_o the_o ancient_a nonconformist_n do_v who_o will_v not_o separate_v though_o they_o fear_v to_o subscribe_v who_o write_v with_o such_o zeal_n against_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o mr._n hildersham_n be_v call_v malleum_fw-la call_v call_v call_v see_v dr._n willit_n epistle_n dedicatory_a before_o his_o harm_n on_o 1_o sam._n schismaticorum_fw-la qui_fw-la vulgo_fw-la brownistae_fw-la malleum_fw-la the_o maul_n of_o the_o brownist_n do_v more_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n than_o for_o a_o vote_n or_o office_n or_o fear_v of_o legal_a penalty_n come_v as_o christian_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o as_o politician_n those_o who_o have_v so_o do_v yet_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o use_v the_o art_n of_o jesuit_n and_o to_o be_v without_o all_o excuse_n by_o a_o dissenter_n etc._n dissenter_n dissenter_n dissenter_n vox_fw-la clam_n sect._n 6._o p._n 49_o 50_o etc._n etc._n who_o write_v with_o commendable_a temper_n do_v constant_o what_o you_o do_v upon_o occasion_n no_o preach_v or_o pray_v which_o be_v better_o like_v can_v balance_v the_o evil_a of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n which_o impose_v no_o term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v sinful_a for_o peace_n sake_n let_v that_o be_v more_o constant_a in_o which_o your_o conscience_n allow_v occasional_a exercise_n a_o member_n who_o join_v himself_o to_o any_o establish_a church_n and_o also_o to_o any_o church_n which_o be_v set_v up_o not_o as_o legal_a supplement_n of_o it_o but_o as_o fort_n against_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o wooden_a leg_n if_o i_o may_v represent_v so_o grave_a a_o matter_n by_o so_o light_a a_o similitude_n he_o be_v tie_v on_o and_o take_v off_o at_o pleasure_n he_o be_v not_o as_o by_o natural_a ligament_n and_o nerve_n knit_v to_o such_o ecclesiasticrl_n body_n if_o all_o will_v do_v constant_o what_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n do_v sometime_o they_o will_v create_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o governor_n and_o move_v they_o to_o all_o due_a favour_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o destructive_a breach_n among_o we_o for_o the_o remain_n of_o other_o dissenter_n will_v be_v so_o inconsiderable_a as_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n as_o ill_a humour_n throw_v off_o the_o extreme_a part_n from_o which_o there_o may_v arise_v some_o little_a pain_n but_o no_o mortal_a danger_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n grant_v peace_n to_o we_o always_o by_o all_o fit_a mean_n the_o end_n a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o book_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_z a_o continuation_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o dr._n still_a fleet_n be_v unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n in_o answer_n to_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n job_n etc._n etc._n consideration_n of_o present_a use_n consider_v the_o danger_n result_v from_o the_o change_n of_o our_o church-government_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v by_o consider_v these_o question_n etc._n etc._n 4._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 5._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 7._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 8._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_v communion_n 9_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v etc._n etc._n the_o first_o part._n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part._n 12._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 13._o a_o
serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o a_o discourse_n about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n etc._n etc._n recommend_v to_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o offering_n friendly_a advice_n and_o counsel_n especial_o in_o great_a and_o important_a case_n be_v though_o often_o a_o thankless_a yet_o a_o very_a charitable_a office_n a_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o high_o conducive_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o need_v no_o apology_n to_o introduce_v it_o we_o live_v it_o be_v true_a in_o a_o illnatured_n and_o censorious_a age_n wherein_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o find_v any_o one_o who_o will_v not_o take_v with_o the_o lefthand_n what_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o with_o the_o right_n but_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v from_o this_o attempt_n by_o the_o peevishness_n and_o frowardness_n of_o many_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o remember_v that_o all_o honest_a undertake_n and_o such_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v be_v under_o the_o more_o peculiar_a conduct_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o can_v and_o will_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a issue_n if_o man_n own_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n do_v not_o put_v a_o bar_n in_o the_o way_n to_o hinder_v it_o i_o do_v therefore_o beseech_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n that_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n and_o with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n that_o become_v a_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o request_n and_o advice_n that_o be_v here_o plain_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v find_v such_o as_o carry_v their_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o i._o and_o first_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o separation_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v as_o needless_a as_o it_o be_v a_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a request_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n except_v lie_v claim_v to_o infallibility_n do_v not_o the_o woeful_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o weakness_n and_o short-sightedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o daily_a experience_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o lamentable_a failures_n we_o observe_v in_o other_o sufficient_o convince_v we_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o error_n and_o mistake_v but_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o own_v on_o all_o hand_n yet_o in_o practice_n we_o frequent_o find_v man_n act_v by_o other_o measure_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o in_o the_o most_o controvert_v case_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o as_o much_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n censure_v other_o with_o as_o magisterial_a a_o boldness_n condemn_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o our_o church_n with_o as_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a a_o determination_n as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o in_o the_o wrong_n that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o early_a prepossession_n of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o powerful_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n a_o implicit_a and_o unexamined_a belief_n of_o what_o their_o guide_n and_o leader_n teach_v they_o have_v a_o strange_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o than_o they_o question_v the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n wherefore_o i_o do_v once_o and_o again_o entreat_v they_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o pride_n partiality_n and_o self-conceit_n they_o will_v not_o think_v more_o high_o of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o own_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v especial_o remember_v that_o the_o matter_n contend_v about_o be_v confess_o disputable_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o case_n seem_v otherwise_o to_o other_o who_o may_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n and_o as_o competent_a judge_n as_o themselves_o truth_n make_v the_o easy_a entrance_n into_o modest_a and_o humble_a mind_n the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n the_o meek_n will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o rest_v upon_o a_o proud_a man._n ii_o second_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v serious_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o what_o be_v say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o justice_n that_o every_o one_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o which_o indeed_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v to_o take_v up_o with_o prejudices_fw-la which_o education_n or_o long_a custom_n have_v instill_v into_o he_o or_o wherein_o any_o other_o art_n or_o method_n have_v engage_v he_o without_o strict_o inquire_v whether_o those_o prejudices_fw-la stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n be_v to_o see_v only_o on_o one_o side_n to_o bind_v up_o one_o self_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o divinely-inspired_n and_o infallible_a or_o pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o any_o party_n of_o man_n how_o plausible_a and_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v without_o examine_v their_o ground_n and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o persuasion_n at_o a_o peradventure_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o all_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v a_o ear_n open_a for_o one_o side_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o think_v we_o have_v do_v enough_o till_o without_o favour_n or_o prejudice_n and_o to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o understanding_n we_o have_v hear_v try_v and_o judge_v the_o reason_n bring_v as_o well_o for_o as_o against_o it_o and_o till_o this_o be_v do_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n man_n can_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o their_o scruple_n or_o plead_v for_o favour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o dissatisfaction_n conscience_n true_o tender_a be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o resolution_n &_o be_v ready_a to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o will_v bring_v they_o better_o information_n and_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o neglect_v much_o less_o thrust_v from_o they_o the_o mean_n that_o may_v ease_v they_o of_o their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n we_o just_o blame_v it_o in_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o a_o manner_n they_o resign_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o confessor_n and_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v true_o acquain_v with_o the_o protestant_a principle_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o reformation_n nor_o to_o read_v any_o of_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v for_o their_o conviction_n without_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a licence_n whether_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n be_v under_o any_o such_o spiritual_a discipline_n i_o know_v not_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o her_o constitution_n that_o so_o few_o of_o they_o care_n to_o confer_v with_o those_o that_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v they_o but_o cry_v out_o they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o to_o my_o knowledge_n when_o desire_a to_o propose_v their_o scruple_n in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n have_v plain_o and_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n have_v ever_o read_v and_o examine_v what_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v to_o say_v for_o herself_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o not_o only_a scruple_n but_o rail_v at_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n that_o yet_o never_o hear_v it_o nor_o perhaps_o ever_o read_v it_o in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o what_o they_o know_v not_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o be_v how_o many_o incomparable_a book_n