quarrelsome_a humour_n and_o superstitious_a niceness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n of_o reason_v or_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o custom_n at_o home_n or_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v abroad_o raise_v such_o wrangle_a dispute_n about_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o reckon_v nothing_o well_o do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o plain_a rule_n he_o give_v elsewhere_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n define_v nothing_o certain_a one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o casulanum_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 86._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o law_n now_o by_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o liberty_n be_v which_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v in_o matter_n of_o indifference_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o order_v and_o regulate_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n over_o their_o charge_n as_o st._n ambrose_n word_n to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n about_o the_o forementioned_a case_n do_v plain_o imply_v 86._o resist_v not_o thy_o bishop_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o do_v that_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o dispute_n and_o beside_o those_o particular_a custom_n the_o variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n complain_v of_o 119._o there_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o episcopal_a synod_n concern_v thing_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o liberty_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o sort_n establish_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o foreign_a church_n and_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o break_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o custom_n for_o though_o st._n austin_n be_v sorry_a to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n trouble_v about_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n give_v he_o to_o complain_v that_o communion_n be_v break_v upon_o these_o account_n as_o before_o his_o time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o pope_n victor_n rashness_n in_o presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o observe_v easter_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o of_o march_n have_v not_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o wise_a and_o moderate_a person_n seasonable_o interpose_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n phrase_n contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n our_o separation_n from_o she_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v we_o from_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o bar_v we_o out_o by_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n for_o in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n this_o church_n perfume_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n abroad_o nor_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n who_o custom_n and_o observation_n be_v different_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o make_v a_o end_n of_o impose_v false_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o let_v she_o give_v over_o command_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o she_o may_v for_o we_o use_v her_o authority_n at_o home_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o though_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a abuse_n even_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o need_v a_o reformation_n yet_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o she_o for_o these_o thing_n if_o she_o will_v thorough_o purge_v herself_o from_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n that_o presume_v not_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n nor_o to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o actual_a communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o they_o but_o this_o make_v our_o case_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n but_o enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n only_a they_o must_v not_o upon_o those_o principle_n have_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o there_o be_v far_o more_o vncommand_v rite_n and_o usage_n establish_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o worship_n than_o now_o there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o reform_a church_n abroad_o since_o how_o different_a so_o ever_o the_o external_n mode_n of_o their_o worship_n may_v be_v from_o we_o yet_o some_o they_o all_o have_v and_o that_o consist_v of_o rule_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n but_o by_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o man._n to_o new_a england_n they_o must_v not_o go_v hope_v to_o find_v a_o communion_n there_o lawful_a to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o these_o principle_n the_o nonconformist_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v there_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o own_o censure_n concern_v worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o will_v make_v out_o by_o their_o church_n authority_n such_o as_o it_o be_v what_o they_o can_v show_v chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o our_o separatist_n if_o they_o go_v thither_o shall_v find_v no_o other_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n allow_v there_o but_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o there_o obtain_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unommand_v rite_n and_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v something_o more_o oblige_v by_o this_o principle_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n if_o rule_n for_o custom_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o as_o most_o certain_o such_o rule_n more_o or_o few_o all_o of_o they_o have_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n our_o separatist_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o proper_a governor_n and_o pastor_n who_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n where_o they_o may_v happen_v to_o go_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o authority_n at_o home_n there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v their_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v therein_o by_o one_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n leave_v usfree_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n abroad_o that_o do_v not_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v yet_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o we_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n destructive_a of_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v communicate_v with_o several_a reform_a church_n abroad_o but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a at_o home_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o reform_a church_n which_o exercise_v no_o authority_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o in_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o the_o external_a regulation_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o be_o yet_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v those_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o term_n of_o communion_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o plea_n i_o propound_v which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o only_o common_a to_o both_o side_n but_o which_o also_o may_v be_v as_o true_o allege_v on_o
the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o fincham_n gardener_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o happy_a reformation_n of_o this_o church_n they_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n have_v with_o their_o utmost_a art_n insinuate_v that_o our_o reformation_n proceed_v upon_o principle_n destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o endless_a separation_n to_o this_o end_n they_o have_v lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o advantage_n which_o the_o division_n among_o protestant_n have_v offer_v they_o and_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v hold_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v some_o of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v be_v so_o indiscreet_a to_o say_v no_o more_o as_o to_o allege_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sorry_a that_o man_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o impious_a error_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n shall_v give_v so_o much_o countenance_n to_o that_o grievous_a charge_n upon_o the_o reformation_n as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v the_o papist_n be_v too_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o for_o give_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o accusation_n but_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o charge_n be_v too_o great_a a_o kindness_n in_o all_o reason_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n by_o insinuate_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o separation_n on_o either_o part_n or_o else_o that_o notwithstanding_o our_o pretend_a reformation_n we_o be_v still_o as_o bad_a as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o that_o we_o have_v at_o first_o to_o separate_v from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o god_n help_v to_o show_v in_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n that_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a and_o that_o we_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n wherewith_o to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o forsake_v our_o communion_n can_v by_o any_o good_a consequence_n from_o those_o reason_n warrant_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n in_o this_o attempt_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v adversary_n on_o both_o side_n and_o that_o it_o often_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o hazardous_a business_n to_o determine_v between_o two_o extreme_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v great_a danger_n in_o this_o case_n since_o it_o be_v the_o same_o false_a charge_n against_o the_o reformation_n in_o which_o these_o extreme_a party_n agree_v and_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o i_o confute_v it_o against_o the_o papist_n or_o against_o the_o protestant_a separatist_n for_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v against_o one_o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v unjust_a in_o both_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o as_o we_o charge_v those_o of_o the_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n with_o schism_n so_o do_v the_o romanist_n charge_v we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o schism_n too_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n as_o we_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o that_o so_o have_v not_o they_o for_o this_o for_o schism_n be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n and_o we_o think_v we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o disinterest_v and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o we_o have_v show_v our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n but_o that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v show_v none_o such_o for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o shall_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v either_o with_o the_o romanist_n or_o with_o the_o dissenter_n because_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o we_o and_o by_o we_o against_o the_o separtist_n with_o equal_a confidence_n unless_o he_o see_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v lay_v with_o equal_a justice_n for_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o when_o some_o protestant_n demand_v a_o far_a reformation_n separate_v from_o our_o church_n this_o pretence_n will_v soon_o after_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n both_o by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n it_o lay_v fair_a for_o they_o both_o and_o right_a or_o wrong_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v take_v up_o by_o both_o since_o it_o will_v serve_v exceed_o well_o to_o help_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o to_o give_v popular_a colour_n to_o the_o weak_a argument_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o side_n the_o romanist_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o forego_v such_o a_o advantage_n as_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o dissenter_n give_v he_o to_o disgrace_v the_o reformation_n among_o those_o that_o love_a unity_n nor_o be_v the_o separatist_n likely_a to_o omit_v that_o advantage_n which_o our_o reformation_n give_v he_o to_o commend_v his_o separation_n from_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o far_a separation_n from_o rome_n to_o those_o that_o abhor_a popery_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v stand_v all_o discreet_a person_n in_o hand_n to_o weigh_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o both_o side_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v any_o prejudice_n against_o our_o communion_n in_o favour_n either_o of_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o sectary_n mere_o because_o they_o both_o say_v that_o in_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o papist_n we_o vindicate_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o sectary_n from_o ourselves_o i_o must_v not_o in_o this_o narrow_a compass_n pretend_v to_o enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o several_a question_n controvert_v between_o we_o and_o our_o adversary_n on_o both_o side_n but_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o several_a objection_n of_o the_o dissenter_n against_o our_o communion_n have_v be_v well_o argue_v against_o they_o and_o likewise_o that_o in_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o several_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v make_v her_o communion_n intolerable_a we_o have_v say_v upon_o each_o point_n no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v well_o prove_v against_o that_o church_n and_o which_o upon_o all_o fit_a occasion_n we_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o make_v good_a again_o but_o my_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistence_n in_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o vindicate_v ourselves_o from_o schism_n charge_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o we_o accuse_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n of_o that_o fault_n who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o the_o romanist_n can_v take_v our_o argument_n against_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o condemn_v our_o reformation_n nor_o the_o separatist_n our_o reason_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romanist_n to_o acquit_v himself_o in_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n this_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o by_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n those_o by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o 2._o by_o compare_v they_o together_o that_o we_o may_v judge_n wherein_o and_o how_o far_o these_o case_n agree_v with_o or_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o lay_v down_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o this_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o dissenter_n separate_v from_o we_o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n charge_v we_o with_o schism_n we_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o be_v necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o her_o communion_n which_o we_o can_v not_o comply_v with_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n more_o particular_o we_o say_v
with_o what_o our_o own_o superior_n impose_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n at_o home_n but_o if_o we_o be_v to_o go_v abroad_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o church_n though_o perhaps_o very_o different_a from_o we_o and_o this_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n of_o christian_n every_o be_v but_o neither_o abroad_o nor_o at_o home_o can_v we_o purchase_v unity_n of_o communion_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n for_o it_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v but_o one_o communion_n but_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o even_o this_o good_a may_v come_v and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o evil_n which_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n authority_n be_v in_o great_a part_n design_v to_o prevent_v for_o as_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n form_v his_o disciple_n into_o a_o spiritual_a society_n so_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o one_o main_a end_n hereof_o be_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n under_o their_o governor_n the_o holy_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o worship_n and_o our_o salvation_n may_v be_v more_o advantageous_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o effectual_o guard_v and_o maintain_v and_o therefore_o to_o keep_v this_o communion_n one_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n require_v by_o our_o superior_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o free_a to_o do_v or_o not_o but_o to_o deny_v that_o holy_a truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o break_v any_o of_o those_o divine_a law_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o this_o communion_n itself_o be_v institute_v neither_o of_o these_o thing_n dare_v we_o do_v to_o prevent_v division_n and_o separation_n and_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a that_o transubstantiation_n adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v of_o image_n pray_v to_o the_o dead_a and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v repugnant_a to_o several_a express_a text_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o say_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n we_o be_v i_o say_v as_o sure_o that_o they_o be_v the_o plain_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o withal_o that_o to_o guard_v these_o truth_n god_n institute_v a_o church_n and_o a_o communion_n of_o saint_n as_o we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n institute_v or_o church_n communion_n require_v and_o true_o if_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v such_o cause_n for_o it_o as_o we_o pretend_v be_v not_o a_o necessary_a duty_n it_o may_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o scandalous_a impiety_n and_o damnable_a error_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v say_v that_o in_o such_o thing_n one_o communion_n be_v either_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o excuse_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v break_v and_o that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v as_o much_o as_o his_o salvation_n be_v worth_a to_o break_v away_o from_o it_o and_o we_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_a upon_o this_o account_n we_o say_v that_o they_o who_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schismatic_n that_o they_o be_v god_n martyr_n in_o so_o do_v and_o have_v it_o be_v or_o shall_v it_o be_v our_o lot_n to_o have_v this_o choice_n so_o hard_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n offer_v to_o we_o we_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a grace_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o seal_v this_o cause_n with_o their_o blood_n meek_o suffer_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o that_o just_a authority_n the_o unjust_a command_n whereof_o they_o can_v not_o honest_o obey_v this_o plain_a though_o general_n account_n we_o give_v of_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o if_o we_o pretend_v no_o more_o in_o our_o own_o defence_n against_o that_o church_n than_o we_o can_v prove_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v ourselves_o safe_a on_o that_o side_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o see_v upon_o what_o principle_n and_o by_o what_o plea_n the_o dissenter_n defend_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o we_o therefore_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o answer_v also_o that_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_a and_o that_o they_o can_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n to_o divide_v from_o we_o but_o in_o make_v out_o this_o general_a answer_n they_o do_v not_o all_o go_v the_o same_o way_n nor_o do_v some_o of_o they_o allow_v those_o to_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o a_o separation_n which_o other_o think_v substantial_a enough_o that_o in_o which_o most_o of_o they_o do_v agree_v be_v in_o assign_v some_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n concern_v which_o some_o of_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o god_n worship_n other_o of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o and_o these_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o scrupulous_a and_o unsatisfy_a mind_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n though_o this_o be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n only_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o minister_n wear_v a_o surplice_n in_o public_a worship_n the_o other_o fault_n they_o find_v with_o the_o liturgy_n however_o they_o be_v think_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n to_o be_v a_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o ground_n separation_n upon_o be_v not_o i_o think_v produce_v by_o those_o that_o shall_v best_o understand_v the_o cause_n as_o amount_v to_o make_v our_o communion_n direct_o unlawful_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o prefer_v a_o worse_a mode_n of_o serve_v god_n before_o a_o better_a and_o the_o mode_n which_o themselves_o observe_v be_v better_a they_o be_v to_o prefer_v that_o before_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n other_o go_v yet_o further_o from_o we_o and_o take_v liturgy_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v or_o at_o least_o suspect_v they_o so_o to_o be_v and_o all_o these_o do_v general_o dislike_v the_o form_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n however_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o their_o separation_n upon_o that_o since_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o although_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o because_o the_o civil_a authority_n concur_v with_o the_o ecclesiastical_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o our_o church_n law_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v those_o law_n to_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v and_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v they_o rather_o choose_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o suspect_v unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v or_o upon_o the_o preference_n of_o a_o better_a communion_n than_o we_o be_v but_o out_o of_o these_o i_o must_v except_v the_o independent_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o company_n of_o christian_a people_n unite_a one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a covenant_n under_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n as_o can_v at_o once_o assemble_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o man_n think_v the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o no_o other_o dissenter_n at_o present_a but_o those_o that_o separate_a upon_o some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o ground_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o 1._o that_o a_o national_a church_n authority_n be_v a_o usurpation_n upon_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o that_o every_o such_o church_n have_v full_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o order_v all_o thing_n relate_v to_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o be_v not_o of_o right_a accountable_a to_o any_o other_o authority_n for_o the_o order_n it_o shall_v take_v to_o govern_v
itself_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o the_o independent_o as_o i_o say_v think_v themselves_o clear_a of_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n as_o have_v separate_v from_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n for_o they_o take_v a_o independent_a congregation_n only_o to_o be_v such_o but_o yet_o these_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v in_o with_o the_o other_o dissenter_n for_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o next_o ground_n of_o separation_n upon_o which_o all_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v hope_v to_o find_v the_o sure_a foot_n and_o that_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o communion_n those_o namely_o before_o mention_v be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o here_o i_o include_v those_o that_o do_v but_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o our_o church_n for_o they_o that_o say_v positive_o they_o be_v unlawful_a and_o they_o that_o but_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v unlawful_a produce_v the_o same_o argument_n the_o former_a to_o justify_v their_o peremptoriness_n the_o latter_a their_o scruple_n the_o reason_n i_o say_v upon_o which_o they_o go_v be_v the_o same_o only_o they_o work_v up_o some_o of_o they_o to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o confidence_n than_o other_o be_v come_v to_o and_o some_o again_o they_o leave_v altogether_o doubtful_a what_o to_o say_v whether_o to_o conclude_v for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o they_o agree_v in_o blame_v our_o church_n for_o require_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v some_o also_o of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v do_v by_o papist_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a service_n from_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o depart_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o these_o ground_n some_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a other_o to_o be_v afraid_a that_o to_o suffer_v their_o child_n to_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n to_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a service_n where_o a_o surplice_n be_v wear_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o liturgy_n and_o prescribe_a form_n of_o worship_n be_v unlawful_a and_o these_o reason_n i_o find_v own_v in_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o god_n worship_n state_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n just_o now_o publish_v for_o thus_o that_o author_n declare_v in_o their_o behalf_n we_o can_v say_v he_o conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o in_o thing_n of_o divine_a worship_n thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n shall_v be_v the_o just_a matter_n of_o any_o human_a determination_n diss_n far_o than_o the_o particular_a practice_n of_o the_o person_n determine_v 5._o and_o again_o 17._o where_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n god_n have_v write_v orseolo_n whether_o by_o his_o pen_n in_o sacred_a write_n or_o by_o his_o not_o prescribe_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n no_o man_n can_v blot_v they_o out_o though_o themselves_o may_v as_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n for_o this_o or_o that_o time_n or_o act_n where_o they_o can_v use_v more_o than_o one_o of_o those_o posture_n or_o circumstance_n that_o be_v where_o god_n have_v leave_v man_n at_o their_o liberty_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o they_o may_v determine_v themselves_o but_o no_o human_a authority_n may_v determine_v for_o they_o far_o as_o to_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n they_o judge_v every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o aught_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o god_n alone_o to_o this_o or_o that_o i._n e._n he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o this_o or_o that_o part_n by_o god_n only_o and_o he_o say_v plain_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n no_o superior_n may_v restrain_v what_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a principle_n he_o say_v some_o posture_n in_o a_o human_a action_n be_v necessary_a and_o none_o by_o god_n determine_v in_o every_o act_n of_o worship_n where_o there_o be_v no_o determination_n they_o believe_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n 17._o and_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o practical_a judgement_n according_a to_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v a_o liberty_n with_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o free_a again_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o judge_v it_o vunlawful_a to_o obey_v law_n concern_v word_n in_o prayer_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n 9_o and_o concern_v habit_n and_o gesture_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o that_o none_o who_o be_v to_o use_v they_o very_o judge_v they_o unlawful_a and_o he_o intimate_v more_o than_o once_o that_o thing_n not_o necessary_a c._n and_o ordinary_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a service_n may_v not_o in_o their_o judgement_n be_v lawful_o use_v how_o well_o he_o have_v prove_v these_o position_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o examine_v but_o leave_v he_o for_o that_o to_o his_o learned_a antagonist_n these_o observation_n be_v particular_a enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o of_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o who_o this_o gentleman_n defend_v 3._o there_o be_v those_o who_o for_o all_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a in_o itself_o since_o they_o can_v sometime_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o whole_a service_n but_o they_o judge_v the_o way_n of_o the_o separate_a meeting_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a and_o a_o better_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o separation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o communicate_v ordinary_o in_o a_o more_o imperfect_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o a_o better_a may_v be_v have_v 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o ground_n of_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n together_o that_o we_o may_v judge_v wherein_o they_o differ_v or_o how_o far_o they_o agree_v 1._o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o most_o general_a ground_n of_o all_o be_v the_o same_o on_o both_o side_n or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v so_o that_o be_v that_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n that_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o like_a persuasion_n but_o how_o far_o this_o agreement_n make_v the_o case_n of_o separation_n the_o same_o on_o both_o side_n and_o whether_o it_o will_v equal_o justify_v the_o the_o church_n of_o england_n separate_n from_o rome_n and_o the_o dissenter_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v consider_v time_n enough_o after_o all_o the_o other_o reason_n be_v compare_v 2._o the_o next_o general_a reason_n on_o both_o side_n allege_v be_v that_o separation_n be_v necessary_a for_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n we_o for_o great_a purity_n separate_v from_o rome_n the_o dissenter_n for_o great_a purity_n separate_v from_o we_o now_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o reasonable_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o dissenter_n in_o their_o case_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o she_o will_v best_o oppear_v when_o we_o have_v lay_v together_o the_o particular_n exaept_v against_o on_o both_o side_n by_o we_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o dissenter_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v also_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o maintain_v objection_n against_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o rome_n or_o england_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o each_o side_n but_o 3._o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o plea_n offer_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n in_o both_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v prescribe_v for_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v unanimous_o deny_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v any_o just_a authority_n to_o make_v rule_n for_o the_o communion_n or_o to_o prescribe_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n but_o all_o the_o dissenter_n do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o that_o authority_n by_o which_o our_o liturgy_n be_v establish_v and_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o object_n against_o be_v require_v for_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a persuasion_n among_o we_o however_o they_o dislike_v diocesan_n episcopacy_n yet_o seem_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o it_o in_o their_o late_a write_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o this_o church_n but_o if_o other_o thing_n be_v reform_v according_a to_o their_o mind_n
my_o present_a business_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o understand_a person_n who_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o learning_n use_v on_o both_o side_n whether_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o church-communion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o rule_v advise_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o law_n make_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o say_v that_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v independent_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o take_v any_o one_o argument_n use_v by_o any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v it_o hold_v to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o a_o congregation_n either_o upon_o a_o national_a or_o episcopal_n church_n if_o he_o can_v wherefore_o suppose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v of_o no_o good_a authority_n among_o we_o and_o our_o own_o law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a to_o want_v no_o good_a authority_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v otherwise_o lawful_a on_o both_o side_n then_o the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o our_o refusal_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o decree_n will_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n but_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o independent_o and_o all_o other_o among_o we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o law_n will_v be_v so_o on_o their_o part_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o case_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o dissenter_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o entire_a and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o her_o communion_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o the_o term_n thereof_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n of_o all_o who_o she_o admit_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o the_o great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o our_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o ceremony_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o that_o do_v not_o direct_o charge_v any_o of_o our_o practice_n in_o worship_n as_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v inexpedient_a and_o unedifying_a and_o they_o that_o separate_a upon_o this_o account_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o whereas_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n forsake_v a_o unlawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v lawful_a they_o separate_v from_o we_o forsake_v a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v better_o and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n again_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n 2._o another_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o pretend_v something_o more_o that_o be_v that_o they_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o doubt_n and_o these_o man_n also_o must_v confess_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o that_o for_o which_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o we_o be_v pass_v doubt_v in_o the_o case_n and_o positive_o affirm_v those_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a and_o in_o consequence_n hereof_o they_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n also_o between_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o and_o we_o pretend_v against_o that_o church_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o imposition_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o they_o suspect_v the_o like_a of_o we_o and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v by_o we_o attack_v with_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n against_o she_o but_o that_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a evidence_n in_o scripture_n against_o we_o concern_v which_o more_o will_v be_v say_v under_o the_o next_o head_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a where_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o certain_o know_v god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o it_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a also_o where_o other_o thing_n be_v require_v concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_a 3._o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o pretend_v these_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o former_a either_o scruple_n or_o judge_v only_o inexpedient_a to_o be_v indeed_o sinful_a and_o to_o render_v our_o communion_n not_o only_o suspect_v and_o less_o desirable_a but_o plain_o unlawful_a and_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v they_o will_v show_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o one_o general_n reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v give_v but_o i_o believe_v a_o very_a wide_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o particular_a practice_n themselves_o which_o be_v by_o we_o say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o which_o by_o the_o dissenter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v those_o and_o that_o by_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v these_o unlawful_a 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o particular_n themselves_o the_o dissenter_n do_v with_o we_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o form_n of_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o we_o have_v purge_v our_o communion_n but_o they_o say_v we_o have_v retain_v other_o practice_n something_a akin_a to_o these_o though_o not_o quite_o so_o bad_a for_o instance_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n wear_v the_o surplice_n sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o of_o they_o add_v the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o all_o that_o i_o design_n under_o this_o head_n in_o compare_v the_o former_a and_o the_o late_a particular_n together_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a be_v suppose_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v from_o thence_o infer_v and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v perfect_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o for_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n here_o in_o england_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n which_o our_o bishop_n exercise_n in_o england_n from_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a so_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n may_v be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o for_o all_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o profitable_a and_o in_o most_o case_n necessary_a the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n may_v be_v a_o idolatrous_a practice_n yet_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n where_o such_o adoration_n be_v disclaim_v shall_v be_v no_o such_o practice_n we_o may_v sign_n the_o baptise_a insant_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o not_o worship_n that_o sign_n we_o may_v do_v the_o former_a in_o token_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o baptism_n lay_v upon_o we_o without_o attribute_v any_o of_o that_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereunto_o which_o make_v the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a what_o practice_n be_v there_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o as_o unlawful_a have_v abandon_v from_o whence_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o see_v it_o wear_v can_v with_o any_o
there_o be_v no_o particular_a warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o they_o may_v not_o we_o for_o all_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o church_n require_v man_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o forbid_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o upon_o the_o plain_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o reject_v your_o communion_n in_o these_o thing_n because_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_o wilful_a as_o to_o reject_v our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v nothing_o like_o to_o these_o what_o if_o they_o conceive_v that_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v that_o our_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o expedient_a but_o rather_o unlawful_a as_o be_v human_a invention_n what_o i_o say_v if_o they_o lie_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o set_v up_o a_o communion_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v more_o refine_a and_o unexceptionable_a may_v they_o not_o be_v to_o blame_v in_o all_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o be_v liable_a to_o blame_v but_o worthy_a of_o commendation_n for_o depart_v from_o you_o in_o your_o latin_a service_n your_o half_a communion_n your_o pray_v to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n your_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o a_o wafer_n and_o your_o other_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n although_o our_o church_n have_v not_o order_v her_o public_a worship_n so_o discreet_o and_o careful_o but_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v reform_v to_o good_a purpose_n it_o may_v yet_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v necessary_a for_o any_o of_o her_o member_n to_o forsake_v her_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v their_o great_a fault_n so_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o she_o hold_v forth_o all_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v profess_v or_o to_o be_v do_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o your_o impious_a error_n and_o to_o forsake_v you_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o yourselves_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o contradict_v the_o plain_a word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n though_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v so_o foolish_o as_o to_o run_v himself_o upon_o great_a inconvenience_n in_o forsake_v his_o habitation_n because_o there_o be_v some_o petty_a disease_n reign_v thereabouts_o which_o be_v know_v to_o endanger_v no_o man_n life_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v wise_o do_v by_o another_o man_n to_o run_v his_o country_n when_o the_o plague_n be_v rage_v in_o every_o corner_n of_o it_o especial_o if_o he_o can_v know_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o escape_v if_o he_o shall_v tarry_v there_o any_o long_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o may_v pretend_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o dwell_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o better_a health_n and_o more_o safe_o but_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o late_a pretend_v this_o like_o a_o wiseman_n though_o the_o other_o do_v it_o like_o a_o fool._n the_o case_n we_o be_v upon_o be_v much_o what_o the_o same_o from_o you_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o depart_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o great_a purity_n but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o you_o or_o other_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o and_o yet_o other_o may_v take_v the_o same_o plea_n into_o their_o mouth_n against_o we_o and_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o help_v it_o though_o we_o can_v well_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o separation_n for_o great_a purity_n 2._o i_o proceed_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o difference_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o common_a question_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n arrogate_a to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n in_o determine_v all_o question_n of_o faith_n do_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o claim_n deny_v private_a person_n the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v her_o definition_n by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o require_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v therein_o without_o more_o ado_n as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v if_o indeed_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v her_o infallible_a the_o church_n of_o england_n pretend_v not_o to_o infallibility_n but_o we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o those_o point_n which_o she_o propound_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n nor_o in_o reject_v those_o other_o article_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n propound_v under_o that_o notion_n and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o pretence_n she_o have_v translate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n into_o plain_a english_a which_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n whereby_o to_o judge_v if_o what_o she_o say_v be_v not_o true_a she_o not_o only_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o but_o exhort_v and_o require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v public_o read_v to_o the_o people_n in_o all_o religious_a assembly_n by_o this_o mean_n she_o train_v up_o her_o member_n to_o a_o ability_n of_o judge_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n not_o only_o concern_v all_o that_o she_o teach_v they_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o concern_v all_o that_o she_o teach_v they_o to_o do_v as_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n so_o that_o she_o do_v not_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n educate_n her_o child_n to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n but_o yet_o the_o superior_n of_o our_o church_n do_v challenge_v a_o right_n to_o judge_n in_o some_o thing_n for_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o shall_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o public_a order_n and_o which_o may_v without_o sin_n be_v determine_v one_o way_n or_o another_o but_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o better_a or_o worse_a determination_n that_o be_v all_o indifferent_a thing_n we_o say_v that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o competent_a authority_n aught_o without_o far_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o determination_n to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o that_o be_v under_o that_o authority_n as_o for_o the_o people_n faith_n in_o god_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o have_v forbid_v our_o church_n do_v not_o resolve_v that_o into_o her_o own_o authority_n but_o into_o those_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n do_v build_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o reason_n be_v include_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o to_o her_o appointment_n and_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n neither_o enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o nor_o by_o he_o forbid_v she_o expect_v submission_n to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o she_o own_o authority_n and_o allow_v not_o we_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n of_o they_o before_o we_o will_v conform_v our_o practice_n to_o they_o all_o which_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o still_o her_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o submit_v thereunto_o require_v in_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o superior_n but_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v dissenter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o to_o a_o man_n practice_n whether_o his_o own_o conscience_n or_o his_o superior_a 2._o i_o answer_v that_o as_o to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o practice_n himself_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n what_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o which_o consequent_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a authority_n to_o determine_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o show_v we_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n we_o come_v to_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o grant_v to_o private_a person_n a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n concern_v sin_n and_o duty_n we_o can_v deny_v they_o the_o right_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n but_o indifferent_a which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o case_n in_o behalf_n of_o dissenter_n have_v say_v upon_o that_o matter_n 3._o but_o then_o how_o can_v authority_n pretend_v to_o abridge_v private_a person_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o their_o own_o practice_n concern_v indifferent_a thing_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o author_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v his_o adversary_n to_o have_v say_v well_o to_o those_o
indifferent_a and_o thing_n command_v and_o forbid_v be_v not_o thing_n which_o we_o fancy_n 3._o but_o which_o indeed_o be_v so_o if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v duty_n and_o what_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n also_o of_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o the_o same_o light_n that_o show_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o be_v do_v do_v withal_o show_v what_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v forbear_v and_o as_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o something_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v will_v not_o acquit_v any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n from_o sin_n in_o do_v according_a to_o his_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o what_o he_o do_v so_o neither_o will_v any_o man_n erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o his_o superior_n require_v he_o to_o do_v what_o be_v unlawful_a when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v lawful_a acquit_v he_o of_o the_o gild_n of_o disobedience_n in_o follow_v that_o persuasion_n in_o what_o degree_n this_o or_o that_o man_n ignorance_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v culpable_a god_n only_o know_v for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o can_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n but_o more_o or_o less_o culpable_a it_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o as_o we_o love_v our_o own_o soul_n to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v in_o his_o word_n and_o consequent_o what_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n and_o that_o because_o his_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_o these_o thing_n for_o if_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n be_v corrupt_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o passion_n or_o any_o worldly_a interest_n take_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o impose_v they_o upon_o all_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o rule_n their_o persuasion_n shall_v not_o hinder_v their_o be_v grievous_a sinner_n against_o god_n nor_o exempt_a they_o from_o be_v answerable_a to_o he_o for_o abuse_v their_o authority_n and_o for_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n thereof_o in_o draw_v some_o man_n into_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o punish_v other_o for_o well_o do_v and_o by_o like_a reason_n if_o subject_n not_o right_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a which_o their_o superior_n enjoin_v they_o to_o do_v whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v indifferent_a and_o thereupon_o refuse_v to_o do_v they_o this_o persuasion_n shall_v not_o acquit_v they_o before_o god_n nor_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v answerable_a for_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o for_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o disobedience_n in_o set_v a_o bad_a example_n in_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n in_o disturb_v public_a order_n and_o which_o very_o often_o happen_v in_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v evil_a and_o blasphemous_a thing_n of_o his_o holy_a religion_n i_o say_v ignorance_n will_v help_v no_o more_o in_o this_o late_a case_n than_o in_o the_o former_a because_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o the_o subject_a to_o know_v what_o be_v indifferent_a as_o for_o the_o ruler_n to_o know_v what_o be_v unlawful_a these_o consideration_n i_o confess_v do_v more_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o last_o plea_n of_o conscience_n but_o it_o be_v very_o convenient_a to_o touch_v upon_o they_o here_o where_o we_o have_v be_v inquire_v what_o thing_n they_o be_v in_o which_o authority_n be_v to_o over-rule_v private_a judgement_n and_o to_o determine_v the_o practice_n of_o inferior_n and_o withal_o how_o great_a a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o answer_v this_o common_a question_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o difference_n consequent_a upon_o the_o two_o first_o respect_v authority_n and_o term_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o each_o side_n separate_v as_o to_o their_o tendency_n either_o to_o maintain_v or_o to_o overthrow_v one_o communion_n among_o christian_n this_o will_v fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n 1._o that_o of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n among_o christian_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o that_o of_o maintain_v one_o communion_n with_o foreign_a church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o as_o to_o unity_n at_o home_n the_o romanist_n pretend_v that_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o reformation_n division_n and_o separation_n will_v be_v endless_a among_o we_o we_o also_o pretend_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o but_o with_o what_o difference_n of_o reason_n on_o each_o side_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o division_n if_o a_o competent_a authority_n injoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o certain_o this_o may_v be_v very_o true_a although_o it_o be_v false_a that_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o christian_a or_o by_o any_o man_n be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v division_n we_o say_v far_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n on_o the_o other_o to_o keep_v those_o christian_n together_o in_o one_o communion_n that_o live_v within_o one_o jurisdiction_n if_o a_o due_a use_n of_o authority_n in_o lawful_a superior_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o dutiful_a subjection_n of_o inferior_n thereunto_o on_o the_o other_o will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v but_o if_o some_o man_n will_v be_v stubborn_a we_o can_v help_v that_o any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v hinder_v other_o man_n from_o be_v tyrant_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o concern_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o this_o consideration_n will_v not_o keep_v they_o within_o bound_n and_o make_v they_o wise_a and_o honest_a they_o must_v answer_v it_o to_o god_n one_o day_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n subject_n that_o suffer_v unjust_o for_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o wicked_a command_n of_o their_o superior_n must_v bear_v it_o as_o patient_o as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o their_o meek_a obedience_n to_o their_o ruler_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v themselves_o into_o their_o good_a opinion_n and_o superior_n that_o be_v vex_v with_o froward_a and_o disorderly_a subject_n who_o break_v christian_a communion_n when_o no_o just_a cause_n be_v give_v they_o must_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lay_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n they_o must_v use_v their_o authority_n as_o prudent_o as_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n from_o go_v far_o we_o be_v sensible_a what_o advantage_n the_o papist_n make_v to_o themselves_o against_o our_o reformation_n by_o the_o example_n of_o dissenter_n and_o the_o dissenter_n by_o the_o papist_n when_o the_o papist_n have_v man_n and_o woman_n of_o weak_a understanding_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o reformation_n be_v run_v out_o into_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o separation_n will_v end_v if_o therefore_o you_o love_v unity_n return_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o communion_n the_o separatist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n set_v off_o their_o claim_n to_o a_o unrestrainable_a liberty_n of_o choose_v in_o what_o communion_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o show_v to_o their_o proselyte_n the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n of_o that_o church_n as_o the_o dissenter_n and_o as_o much_o for_o unity_n against_o causeless_a separation_n and_o for_o obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n against_o stubbornness_n as_o the_o romanist_n and_o both_o these_o upon_o principle_n that_o consist_v well_o with_o one_o another_o we_o say_v on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o a_o foreigner_n shall_v not_o affect_v a_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n aught_o