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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58130 A dialogue betwixt two Protestants in answer to a popish catechism called A short catechism against all sectaries : plainly shewing that the members of the Church of England are no sectaries but true Catholicks and that our Church is a found part of Christ's holy Catholick Church in whose communion therefore the people of this nation are most strictly bound in conscience to remain : in two parts. Rawlet, John, 1642-1686. 1685 (1685) Wing R352; ESTC R11422 171,932 286

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tolerable_o well_o give_v answer_v thereto_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o hear_v from_o you_o nor_o do_v i_o find_v here_o much_o that_o be_v new_a but_o many_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o word_n dress_v up_o with_o much_o art_n and_o cunning_a t._n i_o be_o glad_a you_o be_v so_o good_a a_o proficient_a and_o since_o you_o tell_v i_o this_o let_v we_o if_o you_o will_v for_o a_o while_n at_o least_o take_v a_o new_a method_n in_o our_o follow_a discourse_n give_v i_o your_o book_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o skill_n i_o will_v propose_v thence_o the_o argument_n which_o your_o author_n make_v use_v of_o and_o you_o shall_v return_v answer_n to_o the_o same_o l._n i_o shall_v do_v my_o best_a but_o must_v crave_v your_o assistance_n when_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n t._n that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a i_o shall_v ready_o give_v and_o if_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v have_v already_o we_o shall_v the_o quick_o dispatch_v 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choose_v and_o follow_v whether_o the_o plain_a and_o pure_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n profess_v in_o our_o church_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n even_o by_o the_o papist_n themselves_z or_o to_o swallow_v down_o all_o those_o new_a article_n which_o their_o church_n have_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o defile_v ourselves_o with_o those_o superstition_n with_o which_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v disapprove_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o which_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o pernicious_a that_o they_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n very_o hazardous_a and_o for_o ourselves_o shall_v we_o embrace_v they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n judge_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a what_o be_v safe_a to_o be_v choose_v l._n i_o confess_v i_o see_v little_a or_o no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n wherefore_o pray_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o argument_n t._n i_o shall_v repeat_v to_o you_o what_o he_o call_v so_o though_o for_o my_o part_n i_o find_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o argument_n thus_o it_o run_v that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v who_o author_n and_o chief_a doctor_n be_v mere_a cozener_n and_o impostor_n and_o such_o he_o say_v be_v all_o but_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v l._n i_o deny_v that_o the_o author_n and_o doctor_n of_o our_o church_n be_v cozener_n and_o impostor_n t._n thus_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o they_o all_o say_v that_o they_o will_v reform_v the_o roman_a church_n with_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v never_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o mere_a cozener_n and_o impostor_n this_o be_v all_o the_o 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from_o the_o corruption_n of_o popery_n the_o bless_a fruit_n whereof_o we_o do_v at_o this_o day_n enjoy_v and_o hope_v we_o shall_v still_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v through_o the_o same_o divine_a grace_n and_o favour_n which_o first_o bestow_v this_o mercy_n upon_o we_o though_o most_o unworthy_a of_o the_o same_o but_o leave_v we_o this_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o pass_v to_o his_o three_o l._n pray_v do_v so_o t._n it_o be_v this_o that_o church_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o ●●s_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v they_o and_o no_o other_o therefore_o she_o only_o be_v to_o be_v ●●ard_v these_o mark_n as_o he_o go_v on_o be_v antiquity_n miracle_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n universality_n unity_n succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n these_o he_o call_v infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o that_o of_o rome_n l._n these_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n 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if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v since_o many_o other_o church_n may_v plead_v the_o same_o even_o all_o that_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o same_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n who_o member_n therefore_o may_v have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o when_o we_o further_o consider_v how_o that_o church_n have_v degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a purity_n beside_o that_o it_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o we_o there_o be_v still_o much_o less_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o embrace_v of_o her_o communion_n desert_n our_o own_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v a_o most_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o this_o day_n in_o christendom_n to_o she_o agree_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o i_o have_v former_o show_v she_o have_v these_o mention_v by_o this_o author_n antiquity_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o be_v that_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o all_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n these_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_n these_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o now_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o very_a same_o you_o find_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n thus_o be_v we_o at_o unity_n with_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n and_o thus_o whilst_o our_o minister_n preach_v the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n use_v the_o same_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n true_o their_o successor_n yea_o beside_o this_o those_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o do_v receive_v their_o order_n from_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o if_o their_o ordination_n be_v valid_a so_o be_v we_o if_o they_o have_v a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n so_o have_v we_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v common_o relate_v in_o history_n that_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n send_v by_o they_o first_o plant_v christianity_n in_o these_o part_n from_o which_o time_n it_o be_v never_o utter_o root_v out_o but_o i_o think_v i_o need_v add_v nothing_o more_o on_o this_o head_n have_v already_o say_v so_o much_o in_o another_o place_n l._n no_o sir_n but_o rather_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o argument_n t._n it_o be_v this_o that_o church_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v which_o take_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n matt._n 7._o but_o the_o roman_a church_n take_v it_o and_o therefore_o she_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o she_o take_v as_o he_o say_v not_o only_o the_o way_n of_o god_n command_n but_o also_o the_o narrow_a way_n of_o christ_n counsel_n what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o l._n even_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n that_o you_o late_o say_v upon_o the_o former_a argument_n viz._n that_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v take_v this_o narrow_a way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o she_o alone_o that_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o i_o shall_v renounce_v all_o other_o church_n for_o communion_n with_o she_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v on_o this_o account_n forsake_v our_o own_o church_n wherein_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o plain_o teach_v and_o strict_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v we_o daily_o exhort_v to_o walk_v in_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v lead_v we_o by_o their_o example_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n even_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n righteousness_n and_o serious_a holiness_n t._n your_o answer_n be_v solid_a and_o true_a l._n but_o i_o have_v yet_o somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v against_o his_o argument_n and_o do_v direct_o deny_v that_o their_o church_n take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o salvation_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v propose_v in_o his_o gospel_n for_o whatever_o he_o talk_v of_o their_o follow_v not_o only_o his_o command_n but_o his_o counsel_n yet_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o their_o church_n require_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n never_o command_v counsel_v or_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o take_v the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o one_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v for_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v except_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n believe_v transubstantiation_n worship_n image_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n i_o think_v be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o these_o with_o many_o more_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v require_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o all_o strictness_n imaginable_a in_o do_v of_o which_o she_o take_v not_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o therefore_o in_o this_o ought_v she_o to_o be_v hear_v t._n most_o certain_o she_o ought_v not_o but_o you_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o remain_v fix_v in_o communion_n with_o your_o own_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n herein_o follow_v the_o direction_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n matt._n 28._o ult_n that_o they_o shall_v
press_v all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o especial_o to_o be_v much_o in_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n but_o yet_o she_o do_v not_o fright_v people_n with_o story_n of_o purgatory_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o wealth_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a perfection_n in_o leave_v their_o honest_a calling_n to_o run_v into_o a_o monastery_n bring_v their_o riches_n along_o with_o they_o thither_o she_o require_v constant_a temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o sometime_o impose_v fast_v and_o abstinence_n but_o then_o whether_o man_n eat_v a_o little_a flesh_n or_o fish_n oil_n or_o butter_n she_o think_v it_o not_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o least_o moment_n but_o leave_v all_o man_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o prudence_n in_o a_o word_n she_o do_v not_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o command_n of_o man_n but_o diligent_o inculcate_n the_o express_a 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be_v that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o have_v no_o solid_a reason_n for_o she_o keep_v the_o sabbath-day_n on_o the_o day_n she_o do_v keep_v it_o but_o no_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o sectary_n have_v this_o and_o therefore_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v hear_v what_o say_v you_o to_o this_o l._n i_o say_v that_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o he_o unjust_o call_v sectary_n have_v good_a reason_n for_o our_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n on_o that_o day_n we_o do_v keep_v it_o even_o as_o good_a reason_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o have_v t._n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a thus_o no_o church_n of_o sectary_n have_v scripture_n for_o keep_v the_o sabbath-day_n on_o sunday_n and_o no_o long_o on_o saturday_n as_o god_n command_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o reject_v tradition_n upon_o which_o ground_n the_o roman_a church_n keep_v the_o sunday_n in_o lieu_n of_o saturday_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o do_v etc._n etc._n l._n i_o answer_v we_o have_v scripture_n for_o keep_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o viz._n the_o four_o commandment_n and_o we_o read_v that_o after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n common_o assemble_v together_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n which_o be_v call_v the_o lordsday_n revel_v 1._o 10._o and_o then_o we_o have_v tradition_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o day_n be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n ever_o since_o which_o tradition_n we_o may_v plead_v for_o our_o practice_n i_o trow_v as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n t._n yes_o certain_o we_o may_v for_o though_o we_o reject_v a_o great_a many_o ill_a thing_n which_o they_o will_v thrust_v upon_o we_o for_o old_a tradition_n many_o of_o they_o be_v mere_a novelty_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v yet_o we_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n reject_v such_o tradition_n as_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o have_v be_v 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public_a and_o private_a as_o solid_a reason_n therefore_o do_v we_o give_v for_o our_o practice_n herein_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o can_v do_v or_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v do_v with_o his_o five_o mighty_a argument_n in_o which_o upon_o a_o little_a examination_n there_o appear_v nothing_o of_o strength_n or_o solidity_n he_o next_o muster_v up_o some_o weighty_a objection_n as_o he_o reckon_v they_o against_o those_o who_o he_o call_v sectary_n which_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o make_v they_o very_o much_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v secure_a in_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o and_o here_o according_a to_o his_o usual_a vain_a way_n of_o brag_a he_o make_v this_o large_a offer_n which_o yet_o he_o will_v never_o make_v good_a that_o all_o priest_n jesuit_n and_o catholic_n over_o all_o the_o world_n will_v turn_v to_o their_o way_n if_o they_o can_v but_o get_v from_o their_o minister_n a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a 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or_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o some_o of_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v when_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v they_o ezek._n 13._o 6._o l._n there_o seem_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o resolve_v this_o doubt_n since_o our_o minister_n have_v lawful_a ordination_n and_o thereby_o have_v authority_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o word_n they_o discover_v many_o error_n and_o abuse_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n wherewith_o we_o be_v foul_o pollute_v and_o by_o god_n blessing_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o lawful_a authority_n they_o be_v very_o instrumental_a in_o reform_v we_o from_o the_o same_o now_o whilst_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o this_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o false_a prophet_n who_o teach_v the_o people_n lie_v and_o vanity_n as_o we_o have_v it_o ezek._n 13._o 7_o 8._o t._n your_o answer_n be_v sufficient_a and_o very_a clear_a for_o since_o 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bind_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o their_o office_n to_o do_v what_o belong_v to_o it_o for_o the_o rectify_v of_o man_n error_n and_o reform_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a practice_n whether_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o in_o their_o common_a conversation_n and_o thus_o do_v those_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n both_o bishop_n and_o other_o behave_v themselves_o who_o be_v the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o popery_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o which_o good_a work_n god_n incline_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o king_n to_o employ_v their_o power_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o and_o herein_o they_o do_v no_o other_o than_o what_o hezekiah_n josiah_n and_o other_o pious_a king_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o reform_v the_o jewish_a church_n and_o as_o they_o need_v no_o new_a commission_n from_o heaven_n then_o for_o the_o reformation_n they_o 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doctrine_n and_o worship_n from_o many_o soul_n error_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o day_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o this_o be_v for_o a_o while_n interrupt_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n mary_n but_o be_v afterward_o restore_v and_o perfect_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n of_o bless_a memory_n soon_o after_o her_o entrance_n upon_o the_o government_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n most_o happy_o begin_v carry_v on_o and_o complete_v in_o a_o peaceable_a orderly_a and_o deliberate_a manner_n by_o just_a and_o lawful_a authority_n even_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a of_o which_o you_o have_v a_o account_n at_o large_a in_o a_o late_a accurate_a and_o full_a history_n of_o our_o reformation_n by_o a_o learned_a hand_n a_o abridgement_n whereof_o be_v do_v by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o a_o little_a room_n if_o the_o history_n itself_o 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begin_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n l._n i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o this_o for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o but_o luther_n and_o calvin_n though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n of_o our_o church_n with_o other_o learned_a protestant_n have_v convince_o reform_v many_o that_o be_v roman_a catholic_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n as_o well_o as_o other_o point_v these_o convert_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o bring_v to_o a_o sound_a judgement_n agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n t._n i_o think_v indeed_o there_o be_v more_o difficulty_n in_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n than_o in_o answer_v it_o though_o somewhat_o like_v it_o he_o have_v before_o he_o can_v sure_o mean_v that_o no_o people_n who_o once_o profess_v themselves_o roman_z catholic_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v have_v ever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v the_o same_o for_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v with_o some_o whole_a nation_n and_o particular_o our_o own_o for_o we_o grant_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n our_o people_n be_v general_o infect_v with_o those_o error_n though_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o as_o to_o luther_n and_o calvin_n though_o they_o do_v great_a service_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o country_n yet_o neither_o they_o nor_o any_o presbyterian_o be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o that_o work_n among_o we_o but_o holy_a bishop_n and_o many_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n preacher_n ordain_v by_o they_o who_o teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v these_o man_n by_o their_o zealous_a preach_v their_o holy_a live_n and_o cheerful_a die_a after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o martyr_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n do_v by_o god_n blessing_n win_v over_o thousand_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o native_a purity_n reject_v those_o popish_a error_n in_o which_o before_o they_o have_v be_v blind_o train_v up_o wherefore_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n never_o convert_v any_o from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n as_o that_o our_o minister_n have_v never_o reform_v any_o from_o popery_n what_o then_o can_v he_o mean_v i_o can_v scarce_o guess_v what_o except_o that_o they_o can_v reform_v a_o papist_n whilst_o he_o still_o remain_v one_o which_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n never_o convert_v any_o heathen_n because_o whilst_o they_o remain_v heathen_n they_o be_v not_o convert_v but_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v he_o so_o weak_a and_o silly_a and_o therefore_o till_o he_o speak_v plain_a shall_v trouble_v myself_o no_o more_o with_o this_o but_o proceed_v to_o his_o next_o question_n which_o run_v thus_o can_v you_o prove_v to_o i_o clear_o out_o of_o the_o write_a word_n which_o you_o teach_v ought_v only_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o the_o guide_n to_o heaven_n that_o the_o sabbath-day_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v keep_v on_o sunday_n and_o that_o little_a child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v l._n part_v of_o this_o be_v mention_v before_o viz._n that_o about_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n for_o which_o you_o show_v there_o be_v enough_o from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v our_o practice_n beside_o the_o constant_a custom_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n ever_o since_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n t._n i_o judge_v it_o may_v and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o know_v that_o child_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o
the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n that_o this_o privilege_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n may_v not_o be_v solemn_o consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n and_o so_o admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o text_n which_o speak_v in_o favour_n of_o infant_n this_o without_o any_o wrest_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v fair_o draw_v from_o that_o commission_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n mat._n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v or_o disciple_n all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v to_o make_v disciple_n of_o whole_a nation_n which_o sure_o comprehend_v both_o parent_n and_o child_n first_o the_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o upon_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o then_o they_o themselves_o be_v devote_v to_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o since_o parent_n have_v power_n over_o their_o child_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o to_o lay_v engagement_n on_o they_o for_o that_o end_n sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o devote_v their_o child_n also_o to_o god_n and_o to_o enter_v they_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n thereby_o lay_v a_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o this_o holy_a covenant_n if_o ever_o they_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n by_o it_o the_o parent_n also_o be_v bind_v to_o acquaint_v their_o child_n with_o their_o duty_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o learning_n it_o thus_o when_o any_o one_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_n become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v circumcise_v so_o be_v his_o child_n also_o yea_o learned_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o custom_n to_o wash_v these_o proselyte_n in_o pure_a water_n and_o that_o very_o probable_o our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o this_o same_o usage_n of_o they_o in_o his_o institute_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o more_o solemn_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o his_o church_n now_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n argue_v suppose_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n baptise_v shall_v have_v use_v that_o of_o circumcise_n and_o have_v say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n circumcise_n they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o all_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o same_o privilege_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o admit_v their_o child_n into_o covenant_n by_o circumcision_n that_o christian_a parent_n also_o shall_v have_v the_o like_a why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v reasonable_o argue_v from_o the_o word_n though_o baptism_n be_v here_o name_v and_o not_o circumcision_n very_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n thus_o understand_v it_o and_o that_o they_o practise_v according_o when_o we_o read_v of_o their_o baptise_v such_o and_o such_o person_n and_o their_o household_n as_o act._n 16._o 15_o 33._o among_o who_o there_o may_v be_v some_o child_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o certain_a we_o be_v that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n insant_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thence_o have_v it_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n to_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n of_o all_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o pray_v take_v good_a notice_n that_o though_o our_o church_n allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n yet_o she_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o antiquity_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o current_a doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n and_o require_v minister_n to_o have_v due_a respect_n thereto_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o contradiction_n to_o herself_o may_v very_o well_o admit_v the_o observation_n of_o such_o custom_n that_o have_v so_o much_o ground_n from_o scripture_n be_v recommend_v also_o by_o the_o early_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o say_v she_o may_v very_o well_o do_v but_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n thereby_o oblige_v to_o receive_v all_o the_o tradition_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o many_o of_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_o plead_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o very_o much_o against_o they_o from_o both_o l._n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a pray_v let_v we_o have_v his_o next_o question_n t._n it_o be_v this_o can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o i_o how_o your_o sectary_n can_v with_o reason_n and_o sufficient_a ground_n condemn_v all_o the_o catholic_n that_o be_v so_o many_o age_n before_o luther_n and_o calvin_n for_o be_v no_o better_a than_o heathen_n and_o convince_v i_o that_o by_o adhere_v to_o you_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o secure_a of_o my_o salvation_n than_o if_o i_o join_v myself_o to_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hold_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o only_o save_v religion_n what_o answer_n give_v you_o to_o this_o l._n first_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o do_v thus_o condemn_v all_o catholic_n before_o luther_n and_o calvin_n for_o as_o to_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n who_o true_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n whether_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n or_o any_o other_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v that_o we_o admire_v and_o applaud_v they_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o do_v embrace_v and_o profess_v it_o we_o honour_v their_o memory_n and_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v their_o example_n but_o as_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o latter_a age_n who_o he_o mean_v i_o suppose_v by_o his_o catholic_n though_o we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o heathen_n yet_o we_o do_v true_o say_v that_o they_o have_v very_o much_o corrupt_v christian_a religion_n by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a usage_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o a_o much_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o ancient_a certain_a truth_n of_o christianity_n every_o where_o receive_v and_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a manner_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o teach_v and_o use_v than_o to_o embrace_v those_o addition_n make_v by_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o true_a and_o save_a religion_n nor_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o account_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o our_o ancestor_n may_v have_v some_o excuse_n from_o the_o state_n of_o this_o church_n in_o their_o day_n yet_o we_o their_o posterity_n shall_v be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o now_o that_o our_o church_n have_v so_o just_o reform_v herself_o from_o popish_a corruption_n we_o shall_v break_v off_o from_o her_o communion_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v this_o be_v to_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n to_o that_o of_o superstition_n t._n your_o answer_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a and_o may_v well_o enough_o serve_v for_o the_o solution_n of_o his_o five_o query_n which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a viz._n can_v you_o make_v evident_a at_o least_o that_o in_o your_o little_a flock_n or_o in_o luther_n and_o calvin_n their_o guide_n more_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v find_v than_o in_o the_o catholic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v this_o little_a flock_n of_o you_o not_o the_o catholic_n that_o go_v the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n l._n to_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v as_o you_o have_v former_o instruct_v i_o that_o though_o luther_n and_o calvin_n be_v learned_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o place_n do_v much_o service_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o never_o have_v authority_n in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o own_v they_o as_o our_o guide_n the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o after_o he_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o christianity_n itself_o and_o consequent_o the_o true_a way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n even_o that_o narrow_a way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o whole_a flock_n of_o christ_n
which_o we_o be_v far_o from_o grant_v and_o even_o this_o much_o may_v well_o enough_o serve_v to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o argument_n l._n very_o weak_a it_o be_v indeed_o when_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v yet_o make_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n t._n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v have_v you_o further_o consider_v what_o have_v often_o before_o be_v suggest_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o degenerate_v and_o corrupt_v that_o suppose_v you_o live_v under_o a_o popish_a government_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o where_o the_o pope_n be_v in_o effect_n king_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n yet_o there_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a for_o you_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n upon_o the_o term_n now_o require_v by_o it_o for_o this_o church_n i_o say_v be_v foul_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a purity_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a in_o some_o sort_n of_o apostasy_n heresy_n and_o schism_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v her_o communion_n unlawful_a since_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o a_o most_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o she_o in_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n 1_o i_o say_v she_o be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n and_o have_v before_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o that_o she_o teach_v such_o false_a doctrine_n as_o be_v not_o own_a and_o use_v such_o a_o corrupt_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n hereby_o therefore_o she_o have_v apostatise_v or_o depart_v from_o that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o she_o be_v once_o honour_v with_o when_o her_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n rom._n 1._o for_o pray_v consider_v a_o church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n though_o she_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o very_a name_n and_o title_n of_o christianity_n those_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o which_o the_o message_n be_v send_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o the_o revelation_n do_v not_o renounce_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o yet_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o be_v so_o far_o decline_v that_o of_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v only_o a_o name_n to_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v severe_o threaten_v that_o without_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v how_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v vile_o degenerate_v from_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o many_o instance_n particular_o as_o to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n whilst_o they_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n make_v use_n of_o image_n worship_v the_o consecrate_a bread_n take_v away_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o communion_n have_v their_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n etc._n etc._n now_o because_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o apostasy_n and_o corruption_n in_o her_o worship_n every_o good_a christian_a who_o make_v conscience_n of_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n may_v just_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o she_o therein_o 2_o and_o not_o only_o in_o her_o worship_n but_o in_o her_o doctrine_n also_o she_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o primitive_a integrity_n even_o from_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o this_o account_n she_o may_v just_o be_v repute_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n if_o by_o that_o word_n you_o understand_v very_a soul_n and_o gross_a error_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n such_o for_o instance_n be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o power_n of_o depose_v prince_n for_o heresy_n and_o of_o their_o church_n infallibility_n be_v it_o in_o pope_n council_n people_n or_o where_o you_o will_v for_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o such_o also_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n with_o other_o the_o like_a now_o here_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o ask_v by_o what_o general_n council_n be_v these_o error_n condemn_v what_o father_n write_v against_o they_o etc._n etc._n since_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a general_n council_n call_v since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n broach_v and_o maintain_v these_o error_n and_o those_o who_o be_v common_o honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o father_n viz._n the_o christian_a writer_n for_o five_o or_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n be_v dead_a and_o go_v before_o that_o time_n though_o some_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o those_o age_n wherein_o these_o error_n be_v first_o publish_v do_v with_o great_a zeal_n and_o diligence_n oppose_v and_o testify_v against_o they_o as_o against_o transubstantiation_n image-worship_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n and_o be_v never_o establish_v by_o those_o famous_a council_n of_o old_a which_o best_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o general_n on_o account_n therefore_o of_o these_o false_a doctrine_n also_o i_o reckon_v it_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o romish_a church_n since_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o it_o without_o profess_v our_o consent_n to_o and_o approbation_n of_o they_o 3_o and_o therefore_o last_o this_o church_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o schism_n that_o be_v of_o a_o groundless_a sinful_a separation_n from_o other_o faithful_a christian_n whilst_o she_o make_v such_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n that_o no_o man_n well_o inform_v can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n guilty_a of_o schism_n there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o answer_v his_o captious_a question_n who_o company_n do_v she_o leave_v where_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o she_o forsake_v etc._n etc._n for_o though_o these_o question_n be_v proper_a enough_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o schism_n of_o particular_a person_n from_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n yet_o the_o case_n be_v different_a when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o whole_a church_n its_o self_n become_v schismatical_a this_o be_v to_o be_v show_v plain_a by_o other_o method_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o apply_v myself_o and_o shall_v also_o as_o i_o go_v along_o give_v sufficient_a answer_n even_o to_o those_o question_n so_o as_o shall_v abundant_o serve_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a sin_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o on_o sundry_a account_n 1._o if_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v advance_v herself_o above_o all_o other_o church_n and_o set_v up_o her_o bishop_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a bishop_n and_o church_n and_o will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v submit_v to_o her_o supremacy_n this_o be_v a_o schismatical_a church_n for_o without_o any_o just_a ground_n she_o withdraw_v herself_o from_o her_o sister-churche_n and_o give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o renounce_v communion_n with_o she_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o make_v this_o proud_a claim_n and_o have_v thereby_o divide_v herself_o from_o all_o other_o church_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o she_o which_o they_o who_o do_v be_v themselves_o partaker_n with_o she_o in_o schism_n whilst_o they_o set_v up_o a_o false_a head_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o good_a warrant_n from_o scripture_n reason_n or_o antiquity_n 2._o when_o a_o particular_a church_n on_o account_n of_o this_o unjust_a claim_n of_o supremacy_n shall_v draw_v away_o the_o member_n of_o other_o particular_a church_n persuade_v they_o to_o separate_v from_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o to_o entertain_v such_o as_o she_o set_v over_o they_o she_o be_v in_o this_o also_o plain_o schismatical_a as_o make_v horrid_a rent_n and_o division_n in_o neighbour_a church_n which_o else_o may_v have_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o union_n and_o those_o member_n who_o be_v thus_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o schism_n in_o leave_v their_o own_o proper_a pastor_n to_o follow_v usurper_n and_o intruder_n and_o this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o its_o adherent_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o if_o any_o church_n shall_v impose_v unlawful_a condition_n upon_o her_o member_n so_o that_o they_o can_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o wilful_a sin_n then_o be_v that_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v pronounce_v schismatical_a and_o not_o those_o member_n who_o for_o so_o good_a reason_n withdraw_v
our_o church_n both_o former_o and_o very_o late_o only_o pray_v consider_v what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n as_o our_o church_n itself_o have_v to_o separate_v from_o rome_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n since_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o in_o england_n and_o she_o also_o impose_v thing_n unlawful_a as_o condition_n of_o communion_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v just_o plead_v by_o our_o separatist_n for_o i_o hope_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n extend_v to_o those_o of_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o i_o reckon_v that_o our_o obedience_n in_o this_o case_n be_v bind_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n to_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o spiritual_a rule_n over_o we_o and_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o very_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v to_o consult_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o it_o and_o to_o avoid_v all_o faction_n and_o division_n by_o such_o precept_n i_o reckon_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o lawful_a authority_n require_v of_o we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o nothing_o else_o do_v our_o church_n require_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o her_o prayer_n or_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o holy_a word_n neither_o direct_o or_o by_o any_o good_a consequence_n forbid_v form_n of_o prayer_n or_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o people_n be_v concern_v in_o for_o as_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o surplice_n they_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n now_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o ever_o any_o man_n shall_v fancy_v that_o a_o prayer_n become_v unlawful_a by_o my_o know_v it_o beforehand_o and_o have_v often_o use_v it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v rather_o recommend_v it_o or_o why_o shall_v it_o seem_v unlawful_a to_o kneel_v in_o reverence_n to_o god_n when_o i_o receive_v from_o he_o such_o great_a blessing_n as_o be_v represent_v and_o bestow_v in_o the_o lords-supper_n and_o be_o pray_v that_o i_o may_v effectual_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n require_v of_o its_o member_n be_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n like_o worship_v a_o image_n or_o pray_v to_o a_o angel_n or_o saint_n which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v but_o to_o ask_v whether_o say_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v as_o much_o a_o fault_n as_o pray_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v our_o kneel_v to_o god_n at_o the_o communion_n like_o adore_v the_o host_n which_o our_o church_n express_o declare_v her_o abhorrence_n of_o as_o gross_a idolatry_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o can_v so_o fit_o be_v say_v that_o our_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o which_o she_o owe_v no_o obedience_n but_o rather_o that_o she_o only_o reform_v herself_o from_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n as_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v infect_v with_o and_o have_v spread_v the_o infection_n among_o her_o neighbour_n but_o papist_n proper_o be_v the_o separatist_n who_o refuse_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n after_o it_o be_v reform_v though_o this_o reformation_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o regular_a manner_n and_o by_o just_a authority_n as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v this_o our_o church_n be_v style_v popish_a when_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v chief_a reformer_n of_o it_o and_o who_o compose_v and_o use_v those_o prayer_n which_o be_v object_v against_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n many_o of_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o popery_n yea_o and_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v profess_v their_o great_a honour_n for_o our_o church_n their_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o have_v as_o occasion_n have_v be_v offer_v declare_v against_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o it_o yea_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a nonconformist_n themselves_o have_v heretofore_o with_o great_a zeal_n preach_v and_o write_v against_o such_o separation_n and_o some_o of_o they_o more_o late_o so_o that_o they_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o gather_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o establish_v by_o law_n seem_v to_o have_v espouse_v a_o very_a desperate_a cause_n which_o have_v neither_o scripture_n reason_n nor_o good_a authority_n to_o defend_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o have_v general_o be_v account_v the_o glory_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o envy_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o yet_o she_o herself_o shall_v be_v desert_v and_o condemn_v by_o those_o who_o come_v out_o of_o her_o own_o bowel_n as_o a_o popish_a church_n o_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o such_o popish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n or_o rather_o o_o that_o all_o christian_a church_n be_v so_o thorough_o reform_v from_o popery_n in_o how_o happy_a a_o state_n will_v christendom_n then_o be_v wherefore_o again_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o you_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o see_v that_o you_o vehement_o abhor_v all_o thought_n of_o separation_n utter_o reject_v all_o temptation_n to_o it_o for_o religion_n sake_n i_o say_v for_o it_o be_v too_o too_o apparent_a how_o much_o this_o suffer_v by_o our_o division_n as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a weal_n whilst_o we_o be_v break_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n it_o threaten_v ruin_n to_o the_o kingdom_n thus_o divide_v against_o itself_o yea_o and_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n also_o that_o be_v among_o we_o for_o this_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o flow_v from_o charity_n and_o concord_n but_o where_o there_o be_v strife_n and_o envy_n there_o will_v be_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n censure_n and_o slander_n hatred_n and_o malice_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n bite_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o till_o at_o length_n without_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v consume_v one_o of_o another_o or_o by_o a_o common_a enemy_n wherefore_o i_o will_v add_v if_o you_o have_v any_o zeal_n against_o popery_n see_v that_o you_o live_v in_o strict_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o by_o law_n establish_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o frame_v in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n than_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n and_o shall_v this_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n to_o what_o shall_v we_o crumble_v whither_o shall_v we_o run_v who_o can_v tell_v we_o nay_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v the_o event_n if_o in_o a_o besiege_a city_n there_o be_v several_a faction_n that_o in_o fury_n against_o each_o other_o break_v down_o their_o own_o wall_n and_o throw_v open_a their_o gate_n be_v they_o not_o like_a to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o be_v watch_v for_o such_o a_o advantage_n whatever_o abhorrence_n our_o dissenter_n have_v for_o popery_n they_o can_v do_v a_o thing_n more_o please_v to_o the_o papist_n or_o more_o serviceable_a to_o his_o cause_n than_o to_o reproach_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o popish_a and_o set_v up_o themselves_o as_o a_o party_n against_o it_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o give_v their_o assistance_n for_o the_o weaken_n and_o destroy_v of_o that_o church_n which_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v so_o long_o be_v endeavour_v to_o undermine_v and_o subvert_v by_o who_o overthrow_n though_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v exalt_v yet_o themselves_o most_o probable_o and_o most_o just_o too_o will_v be_v crush_v in_o piece_n by_o its_o ruin_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v tire_v you_o l._n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o i_o be_o great_o please_v with_o this_o your_o serious_a and_o earnest_a advice_n which_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v i_o against_o all_o temptation_n to_o separation_n if_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v always_o live_v so_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o my_o ruler_n in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o do_v my_o utmost_a for_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v draw_v into_o any_o separate_a party_n or_o faction_n which_o oft_o occasion_n