be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n commend_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v if_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o that_o they_o all_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o england_n and_o become_v all_o diocesan_n church_n i_o answer_v they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v we_o why_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v not_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n when_o they_o resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o become_v all_o monarchy_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o england_n some_o nation_n beside_o england_n ireland_n and_o scotland_n do_v assume_v episcopal_a government_n as_o denmark_n sweden_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o politic_a constitution_n of_o all_o place_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o set_v up_o episcopal_a government_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o since_o neither_o episcopal_a nor_o any_o other_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n as_o that_o a_o true_a church_n may_v not_o be_v without_o it_o in_o case_n of_o indispensible_a necessity_n they_o put_v themselves_o some_o under_o one_o form_n of_o government_n some_o under_o another_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o present_a constitution_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n every_o where_o that_o all_o protestant_n of_o every_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o government_n what_o it_o will_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o establish_v church_n in_o which_o they_o live_v for_o though_o every_o national_a or_o whole_a church_n have_v a_o power_n to_o choose_v what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o please_v for_o themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v that_o particular_a scrupulous_a people_n among_o themselves_o have_v power_n to_o do_v so_o too_o this_o power_n of_o subdivide_v be_v never_o pretend_v to_o nor_o practise_v in_o any_o other_o nation_n since_o the_o reformation_n but_o in_o england_n so_o that_o though_o they_o do_v all_o allow_v the_o antiquity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n no_o more_o than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a nor_o convenient_a at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o place_n some_o may_v refuse_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o in_o england_n shall_v do_v so_o since_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o come_v by_o much_o near_a the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o but_o they_o say_v we_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n here_o in_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o make_v episcopal_a government_n essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n for_o we_o allow_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o have_v no_o diocesan_n bishop_n it_o be_v true_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedral_n or_o parish_n church_n or_o chapel_n nor_o to_o hold_v any_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n within_o these_o kingdom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o since_o both_o the_o law_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n do_v require_v that_o all_o minister_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o church_n shall_v declare_v public_o that_o they_o assent_n to_o and_o approve_v of_o our_o form_n 〈◊〉_d worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o ordination_n and_o licence_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n from_o the_o bishop_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o such_o as_o want_v these_o qualification_n shall_v be_v refuse_v the_o liberty_n of_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o these_o kingdom_n ordination_n kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o say_v absolute_o that_o all_o those_o minister_n who_o want_v episcopal_a ordination_n be_v no_o true_a minister_n but_o only_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o lawful_a bishop_n priest_n or_o deacon_n so_o as_o to_o execute_v their_o function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v once_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o ordination_n but_o the_o reason_n we_o refuse_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o that_o presbyterian_a ordination_n do_v not_o make_v they_o true_a minister_n according_a to_o god_n law_n as_o though_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n without_o a_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n but_o all_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o they_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o our_o law_n and_o constitution_n and_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a authority_n under_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o statute_n of_o 14_o car._n 2._o in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a proviso_n that_o all_o minister_n of_o foreign_a reform_a church_n who_o come_v into_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o king_n permission_n be_v to_o be_v except_v out_o of_o and_o excuse_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o that_o act._n and_o this_o custom_n of_o require_v conformity_n and_o subscription_n from_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o settle_a church_n that_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o christ_n day_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o the_o 3d._a objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o state_n our_o by_o national_a church_n be_v mean_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o such_o nation_n as_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n national_a church_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v encroach_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o presbyter_n in_o our_o church_n have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o power_n be_v they_o deprive_v of_o by_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v then_o by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n no_o rule_n of_o discipline_n no_o article_n of_o doctrine_n no_o form_n of_o worship_n can_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o impose_v upon_o any_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o the_o nation_n in_o convocation_n who_o appear_v either_o in_o person_n or_o by_o proxy_n the_o only_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v above_o the_o presbyter_n be_v government_n ordination_n and_o censure_n which_o be_v all_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n st._n cyprian_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o african_a church_n in_o his_o three_o book_n ep._n 10._o &_o 12._o 28._o 27._o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n see_v cod._n eccl._n afr._n c._n 6_o 7_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o lodge_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a say_v they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v for_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o but_o dr._n hammond_n in_o his_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o text_n say_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o who_o ordain_v timothy_n be_v apostle_n that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 1._o v._n 6._o say_v i_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n that_o thou_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o
switzerland_n during_o the_o persecution_n of_o queen_n mary_n by_o which_o letter_n it_o appear_v that_o several_a of_o the_o clergy_n who_o have_v be_v beyond_o sea_n upon_o their_o return_n home_o do_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v queen_n elizabeth_n to_o let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o habit_n for_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n fall_n particular_o sand_n afterward_o archbishop_n of_o york_n horn_n afterward_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n jewel_n and_o grindal_n but_o grindal_n in_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n to_o bullinger_n say_v they_o be_v all_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o reverse_v they_o and_o he_o lament_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o some_o have_v make_v to_o they_o he_o also_o thank_v bullinger_n for_o the_o letter_n he_o write_v to_o justify_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o habit_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o fine_a they_o all_o allow_v the_o lawfulness_n but_o not_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n till_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o reverse_v it_o lawful_o see_v burnet_n travel_n p._n 51_o 52._o but_o though_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o proceed_v to_o actual_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v of_o a_o more_o fierce_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n who_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o wait_v god_n leisure_n but_o either_o a_o reformation_n must_v be_v make_v present_o according_a to_o their_o wild_a notion_n and_o the_o queen_n and_o parliament_n must_v tack_n about_o immediate_o to_o their_o pleasure_n or_o else_o to_o your_o tent_n o_o israel_n they_o will_v set_v up_o church_n of_o their_o own_o and_o forsake_v we_o utter_o as_o a_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a church_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v communicate_v with_o and_o thus_o begin_v our_o unhappy_a division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o trace_v this_o matter_n through_o the_o reign_v of_o queen_n elizabeth_n king_n james_z the_o first_o and_z king_n charles_n the_o first_o nor_o to_o show_v how_o they_o daily_o increase_v and_o grow_v wide_o nor_o the_o many_o sub-division_n and_o scandalous_a breach_n that_o be_v daily_o make_v among_o themselves_o ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o separation_n as_o between_o brown_n and_o barrow_n brown_n and_o harrison_n barrow_n and_o johnson_n johnson_n and_o ainsworth_n who_o all_o left_a england_n to_o gather_v separate_a church_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o low-countries_n but_o scarce_o have_v be_v well_o there_o till_o they_o fall_v out_o all_o among_o themselves_o one_o man_n and_o his_o company_n be_v accurse_v and_o avoid_v by_o the_o other_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o one_o church_n receive_v the_o person_n excommunicate_v by_o the_o other_o till_o they_o become_v ridiculous_a to_o spectator_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o return_v into_o england_n this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o full_o relate_v by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 51_o 52_o etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v needless_a here_o to_o repeat_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o ever_o since_o king_n james_n the_o second_v accession_n to_o the_o crown_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o controversy_n with_o the_o dissenter_n in_o hope_n that_o they_o will_v have_v join_v for_o their_o common_a safety_n with_o they_o in_o stop_v the_o inundation_n of_o popery_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o these_o nation_n and_o swallow_v they_o both_o up_o but_o while_o most_o of_o our_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o dr._n tillotson_n dr._n stillingfleet_n dr._n burnet_n dr._n comber_n dr._n sherlock_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v employ_v in_o write_v against_o the_o incendiary_n of_o rome_n the_o dissenter_n our_o brethren_n instead_o of_o assist_v we_o be_v make_v themselves_o ready_a for_o war_n with_o we_o as_o appear_v soon_o after_o for_o when_o god_n almighty_n have_v happy_o place_v king_n william_n in_o the_o throne_n a_o convocation_n be_v immediate_o call_v in_o hope_n that_o some_o term_n of_o accommodation_n may_v have_v be_v agree_v upon_o between_o we_o and_o which_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v have_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o dissent_v minister_n have_v be_v as_o forward_o as_o we_o for_o how_o much_o incline_v our_o clergy_n be_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n notwithstanding_o the_o aspersion_n lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o dissenter_n of_o their_o have_a no_o such_o design_n do_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o several_a of_o their_o write_n see_v dr._n tillotson_n sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o yorkshire_n feast_n anno_fw-la 1679._o pag._n 28._o and_o dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n nou._n 1688._o see_v likewise_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o other_o bishop_n for_o which_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o tower_n and_o see_v the_o article_n recommend_v by_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n to_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o his_o province_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n preface_n to_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v how_o desirous_a they_o be_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n but_o instead_o of_o listen_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n do_v our_o dissenter_n break_v forth_o into_o open_a act_n of_o hostility_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o we_o be_v actual_o treat_v of_o accommodation_n with_o they_o do_v they_o publish_v several_a of_o their_o book_n one_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o another_o in_o which_o they_o endeavour_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o total_a overthrow_n of_o our_o church_n by_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v new_a and_o unlawful_a and_o that_o our_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a have_v this_o be_v at_o a_o time_n when_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o tolerate_v or_o we_o impose_v on_o they_o with_o penalty_n they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o excusable_a or_o have_v we_o begin_v to_o expose_v their_o extempore_o way_n of_o pray_v as_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v do_v but_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o that_o be_v to_o become_v the_o aggressor_n be_v ungrateful_a as_o well_o as_o unseasonable_a but_o now_o since_o the_o dissenter_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o revive_v the_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o hope_v they_o can_v take_v it_o unkind_o of_o we_o if_o we_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v our_o church_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o aspersion_n that_o they_o have_v groundless_o cast_v upon_o she_o but_o this_o have_v be_v do_v so_o learned_o and_o full_o by_o so_o many_o of_o our_o learned_a divine_n already_o that_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o better_o or_o to_o say_v much_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v say_v before_o i_o i_o shall_v only_o here_o lie_v down_o brief_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o best_a author_n on_o both_o side_n that_o have_v write_v late_o on_o this_o subject_a for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o can_v neither_o bestow_v the_o time_n nor_o pain_n to_o read_v all_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n over_o which_o have_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a first_o then_o we_o will_v examine_v the_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n and_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o justify_v separation_n according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n all_o the_o plea_n at_o this_o time_n make_v use_v of_o for_o separation_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n second_o to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o three_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n such_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n they_o say_v first_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n as_o be_v different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n second_o that_o our_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v unlawful_a three_o that_o our_o national_a church_n have_v no_o foundation_n and_o want_v discipline_n all_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o and_o four_o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n first_o say_v they_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n for_o christ_n they_o say_v institute_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n than_o
cell_n l._n 6_o p._n 302._o and_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr spirit_n sanct._n c._n 29._o p._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n who_o be_v his_o predecessor_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o neocaesarea_n and_o cotemporary_a with_o st._n cyprian_n compose_v a_o liturgy_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n for_o that_o church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o age_n when_o miraculous_a gift_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n ann._n dom._n 312._o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o life_n of_o constantine_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 395._o order_v his_o palace_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v take_v the_o book_n himself_o into_o his_o hand_n either_o for_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o repeat_v the_o prescribe_v prayer_n in_o his_o royal_a family_n in_o the_o same_o century_n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n show_v we_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n in_o that_o church_n for_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o solitar_n p._n 239._o he_o say_v the_o people_n mourn_v and_o groan_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n all_o of_o they_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n good_a lord_n spare_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o then_o for_o the_o people_n to_o say_v amen_o but_o appoint_v they_o distinct_a and_o intelligent_a answer_n in_o the_o same_o century_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can._n 15._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 459._o appoint_v canonical_a singer_n who_o sing_v out_o of_o book_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o begin_v the_o hymn_n and_o the_o same_o council_n can._n 18._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 461._o ordain_v that_o the_o very_a same_o liturgy_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v always_o both_o at_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o now_o because_o this_o council_n be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n against_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o they_o fly_v again_o to_o their_o last_o refuge_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o council_n for_o they_o say_v this_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o council_n but_o though_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o provincial_a council_n of_o orthodox_n bishop_n be_v good_a authority_n but_o beside_o this_o very_a canon_n concern_v liturgy_n be_v take_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o response_n and_o alternate_a way_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o african_a church_n appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n before_o and_o by_o optatus_n malevianus_n l._n 2._o p._n 47._o for_o there_o he_o blame_v the_o donatist_n for_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a see_v also_o st._n augustine_n do_v eccles_n dog_n c._n 30._o tom._n 3._o p._n 46._o many_o more_o instance_n and_o authority_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o st._n basil_n ep._n 63._o p._n 843._o and_o ep._n 68_o p._n 856._o where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o conjoin_v voice_n be_v not_o half_a so_o strong_a as_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v conc._n carthag_a can._n 106._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 640._o but_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n and_o dr._n falkner_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n our_o dissenter_n object_n against_o our_o alternate_a way_n of_o pray_v as_o in_o our_o litany_n where_o the_o priest_n say_v half_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o people_n the_o rest_n for_o that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n speak_v a_o complete_a sentence_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a men._n but_o pray_v why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n make_v as_o perfect_v a_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o two_o mouth_n as_o when_o only_o by_o one_o prayer_n be_v not_o the_o pronounce_v of_o word_n but_o the_o join_v the_o desire_n and_o consent_v thereto_o and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o several_a mouth_n as_o by_o one_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o when_o a_o tune_n be_v play_v by_o a_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o the_o treble_n rest_n and_o let_v the_o tenor_n and_o base_n go_v on_o as_o sometime_o they_o do_v that_o the_o tune_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a tune_n for_o if_o you_o take_v either_o part_n single_o it_o be_v not_o but_o altogether_o it_o be_v too_o great_a advantage_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o response_n be_v that_o we_o can_v give_v our_o hearty_a consent_n to_o each_o petition_n after_o a_o more_o lively_a manner_n than_o by_o bare_o say_v amen_n and_o also_o by_o our_o frequent_a answer_v of_o whole_a sentence_n our_o fancy_n be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o shake_v off_o that_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n that_o otherwise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o seize_v upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o bare_o listen_v to_o one_o long_o continue_a prayer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v certain_a prayer_n for_o certain_a time_n and_o occasion_n as_o easter-eve_n etc._n etc._n see_v leo_n in_o vit._n chrysost_n tom._n 8._o p._n 288._o etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n now_o let_v we_o come_v a_o little_a near_o our_o own_o time_n and_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o this_o we_o do_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o dissenter_n be_v perpetual_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n though_o i_o think_v under_o favour_n we_o of_o england_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o reform_v and_o govern_v of_o our_o church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o state_n since_o we_o have_v as_o absolute_a and_o independent_a power_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v as_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o direct_v we_o therein_o they_o may_v as_o well_o quarrel_n with_o we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o depose_v our_o king_n and_o reduce_v our_o government_n from_o that_o of_o a_o limit_a and_o mix_v monarchy_n to_o a_o commonwealth_n like_o that_o of_o geneva_n but_o since_o they_o insist_v so_o must_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n come_v near_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v in_o reject_v they_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o which_o far_o exceed_v in_o number_n the_o church_n that_o follow_v calvin_n method_n luther_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittemburg_n take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n see_v luther_n epist_n tom._n 2._o p._n 384._o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o communion_n at_o this_o day_n do_v use_v a_o liturgy_n contain_v collect_v epistle_n gospel_n for_o every_o sunday_n prayer_n and_o litany_n together_o with_o all_o other_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ministration_n as_o our_o common-prayer_n book_n do_v and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o almost_o verbatim_o especial_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n as_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o church_n in_o upper_a hungary_n which_o be_v all_o lutheran_n and_o the_o lutheran_n church_n do_v chant_v their_o public_a prayer_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o cathedral_n and_o they_o observe_v holy_a day_n see_v all_o this_o prove_v at_o large_a from_o their_o own_o writer_n by_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n second_o part_n p._n 305_o etc._n etc._n next_o for_o the_o church_n of_o poland_n and_o lithuania_n in_o 2_o synod_n hold_v there_o ann._n dom._n 1633._o and_o 1634._o one_o certain_a liturgy_n be_v enjoin_v to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o those_o dominion_n certain_a prescribe_v liturgy_n be_v also_o use_v in_o transilvania_n hungary_n bohemia_n etc._n etc._n see_v at_o large_a dr._n comb._n ubi_fw-la
supra_fw-la and_o mounseur_fw-fr durell_n his_o view_n of_o the_o government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n print_v london_n 1662._o now_o for_o the_o church_n reform_v by_o calvin_n and_o other_o as_o geneva_n france_n helvetia_n holland_n etc._n etc._n calvin_n compose_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n and_o those_o of_o france_n at_o this_o day_n and_o their_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v they_o and_o see_v calvin_n letter_n to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n during_o the_o minority_n of_o king_n ed._n 6._o the_o protector_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n think_v fit_a first_o to_o advice_n with_o so_o eminent_a a_o man_n as_o calvin_n be_v about_o it_o he_o write_v to_o calvin_n to_o know_v his_o opinion_n therein_o calvin_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n for_o so_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n i_o much_o approve_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n to_o very_a from_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o that_o it_o may_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o levity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v for_o new_a thing_n see_v calv._n ep._n p._n 165._o ep._n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n and_o see_v his_o letter_n to_o cox_n a_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a upon_o his_o arrival_n at_o frankford_n among_o his_o epistle_n 164_o 165._o see_v beza_n his_o approbation_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n tom._n 2._o p._n 229._o in_o the_o french_a church_n mornay_n lord_n du-plessis_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o mass_n allow_v of_o the_o use_n and_o antiquity_n of_o prescribe_a form_n see_v at_o large_a dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n second_o part_n p._n 313._o and_o see_v there_o the_o famous_a mounseur_fw-fr daille_n agree_v herewith_o in_o the_o church_n of_o helvetia_n bullinger_n tell_v we_o they_o use_v prescribe_v form_n keep_v fast_n and_o holiday_n etc._n etc._n bull_v decod_n 2._o serm._n 1._o p._n 38._o the_o church_n of_o holland_n use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o baptism_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o all_o occasional_a office_n and_o also_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v all_o put_v into_o a_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n and_o even_o in_o scotland_n they_o have_v have_v a_o common-prayer_n book_n for_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o now_o extant_a which_o be_v print_v ann._n 1594._o suppose_v to_o be_v write_v by_o mr._n knox_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n see_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n comber_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgy_n 2d_o part._n and_o the_o leyden_n professor_n say_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o advantageous_a because_o every_o christian_n can_v fit_o conceive_v new_a prayer_n and_o the_o attention_n of_o auditor_n be_v not_o a_o little_a help_v in_o great_a assembly_n by_o usual_a form_n see_v dr._n falkner_n his_o libertas_n ecclesiastica_fw-la p._n 121._o thus_o much_o for_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o some_o perhaps_o may_v object_v against_o our_o common-prayer_n in_o particular_a to_o clear_v that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n and_o confirm_v by_o several_a parliament_n and_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n almighty_n shall_v conceal_v his_o will_n from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a people_n of_o a_o nation_n notwithstanding_o their_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v direct_v they_o and_o their_o great_a care_n and_o study_v which_o they_o take_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reveal_v it_o only_o to_o a_o few_o and_o those_o of_o the_o raw_a injudicious_a sort_n who_o have_v have_v least_o time_n and_o study_v and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o great_a knowledge_n such_o as_o our_o dissenter_n general_o be_v this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v our_o particular_a common-prayer_n but_o since_o our_o dissenter_n will_v not_o allow_v so_o many_o several_a parliament_n and_o so_o many_o succession_n of_o learned_a divine_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o neighbour_n church_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n concern_v our_o common-prayer_n and_o the_o other_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o king_n edward_n 6_o his_o day_n archbishop_n cranmer_n do_v request_v the_o famous_a bucer_n to_o peruse_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o common-prayer_n in_o order_n to_o his_o censure_v what_o he_o think_v be_v to_o be_v amend_v bucer_n according_o do_v so_o and_o declare_v his_o judgement_n of_o it_o thus_o in_o the_o prescript_n form_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o the_o daily_a prayer_n i_o see_v nothing_o write_v in_o this_o book_n which_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o not_o in_o express_a word_n as_o the_o psalm_n and_o lesson_n yet_o in_o sense_n as_o the_o collect_v and_o also_o the_o order_n of_o these_o lesson_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n see_v bucer_n censure_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n c._n 1._o p._n 457._o and_o note_v this_o be_v before_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v amend_v as_o now_o it_o be_v some_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a bucer_n do_v wish_v to_o be_v amend_v which_o have_v be_v since_o do_v and_o most_o of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o advice_n there_o next_o the_o archbishop_n of_o spalleto_n in_o his_o book_n against_o suarez_n p._n 340._o say_v that_o the_o english_a liturgy_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o be_v not_o holy_a which_o be_v not_o pious_a and_o true_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o catholic_n causabon_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o king_n james_n the_o first_o affirm_v the_o same_o and_o say_v far_a that_o none_o at_o this_o day_n come_v near_o the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n follow_v a_o middle_a way_n between_o those_o who_o have_v offend_v both_o in_o excess_n and_o defect_n the_o next_o authority_n for_o we_o be_v the_o learned_a grotius_n who_o it_o be_v certain_a have_v no_o obligation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o english_a liturgy_n the_o rite_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o child_n in_o memory_n of_o baptism_n the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n of_o synod_n consit_v of_o none_o but_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n do_v sufficient_o agree_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n from_o which_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o we_o have_v depart_v both_o in_o france_n and_o holland_n see_v grotius_n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o the_o next_o be_v the_o famous_a lud._n capellus_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a french_a divine_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o divinity_n professor_n in_o a_o famous_a protestant_a university_n this_o man_n live_v to_o hear_v of_o our_o independent_a sect_n in_o england_n and_o write_v most_o learned_o against_o '_o they_o say_v he_o when_o miraculous_a gift_n cease_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o liturgy_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o first_o iu_o age_n uncorrupted_a but_o afterward_o corruption_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o follow_a pope_n but_o upon_o the_o reformation_n the_o liturgy_n be_v purge_v from_o all_o its_o corruption_n and_o have_v be_v happy_o use_v in_o the_o several_a reform_a church_n and_o with_o good_a success_n until_o very_o late_o say_v he_o there_o arise_v a_o sort_n of_o morose_n scrupulous_a not_o to_o say_v downright_o superstitious_a man_n who_o for_o many_o trifle_a reason_n of_o no_o moment_n not_o only_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n hitherto_o use_v in_o that_o church_n but_o will_v have_v both_o it_o and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o bishop_n to_o be_v utter_o abolish_v in_o place_n whereof_o they_o will_v substitute_v that_o which_o they_o call_v their_o directory_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o and_o then_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a for_o the_o unlearned_a but_o the_o learned_a also_o and_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o directory_n and_o how_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o some_o little_a time_n after_o it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o put_v it_o all_o down_o here_o
church_n of_o rome_n be_v introduce_v as_o dr._n comber_n observe_v in_o his_o advice_n to_o the_o roman_a catholic_n of_o england_n under_o this_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n do_v the_o church_n lie_v hide_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o about_o the_o year_n 1510._o when_v it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o some_o of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v those_o great_a abuse_n with_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o long_o abuse_v and_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o which_o the_o church_n have_v groan_v for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o though_o here_o in_o england_n there_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n before_o the_o reformation_n a_o strong_a disposition_n that_o way_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v since_o the_o conquest_n to_o lessen_v and_o take_v away_o the_o pope_n power_n and_o authority_n as_o well_o in_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a matter_n within_o these_o kingdom_n see_v coke_n 5_o rep._n de_n jure_fw-la regis_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la yet_o the_o pope_n have_v always_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n at_o court_n and_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o nation_n have_v get_v most_o of_o the_o land_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n that_o this_o glorious_a design_n can_v never_o be_v accomplish_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v a_o open_a breach_n between_o king_n h._n 8._o and_o the_o pope_n upon_o which_o he_o total_o reject_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n and_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o stile_n of_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o thus_o the_o pope_n be_v quite_o forsake_v it_o be_v likely_a popery_n will_v not_o live_v long_o have_v lose_v its_o infallible_a head_n and_o so_o indeed_o it_o prove_v for_o in_o king_n edw._n 6._o day_n popery_n be_v quite_o turn_v out_o of_o door_n by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n who_o example_n many_o of_o the_o church_n beyond_o sea_n follow_v and_o thus_o the_o general_a reformation_n be_v happy_o begin_v and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o its_o antic_a disguise_n begin_v to_o appear_v again_o and_o shine_v forth_o in_o its_o natural_a form_n and_o brightness_n but_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v the_o people_n clear_o off_o from_o what_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o for_o so_o many_o age_n or_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o distinguish_v on_o a_o sudden_a between_o thing_n hurtful_a in_o religion_n and_o thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a that_o no_o alteration_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a nor_o any_o scruple_n raise_v about_o they_o which_o will_v at_o that_o time_n have_v hinder_v much_o the_o reformation_n since_o many_o be_v with_o difficulty_n enough_o bring_v to_o thing_n necessary_a so_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o also_o to_o let_v our_o enemy_n see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o indifferent_a thing_n many_o thing_n be_v retain_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o be_v afterward_o reform_v in_o the_o day_n of_o edw._n vi_o the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n be_v correct_v and_o amend_v and_o this_o be_v do_v with_o all_o the_o care_n and_o deliberation_n imaginable_a and_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n take_v the_o best_a advice_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v have_v either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o which_o make_v i_o indeed_o admire_v to_o hear_v every_o illiterate_a dissenter_n find_v so_o many_o fault_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o then_o by_o all_o those_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n that_o be_v our_o first_o reformer_n and_o by_o calvin_n bucer_n and_o all_o the_o eminent_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o think_v that_o such_o excellent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o such_o indefatigable_a pain_n and_o great_a integrity_n as_o cranmer_n ridly_n latimer_n and_o bradford_n etc._n etc._n be_v after_o all_o their_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n and_o management_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n can_v not_o after_o all_o spy_v so_o much_o as_o a_o mote_n of_o unlawfulness_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o now_o every_o dissent_v preacher_n though_o never_o so_o raw_a or_o illiterate_a yea_o and_o the_o very_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n can_v see_v such_o beam_n in_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v the_o same_o or_o rather_o easy_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o as_o most_o of_o the_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v and_o as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n during_o all_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n vi_o there_o be_v no_o division_n in_o this_o church_n about_o these_o matter_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o in_o those_o day_n that_o may_v have_v wish_v for_o a_o far_a reformation_n as_o no_o church_n ever_o yet_o want_v such_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o go_v to_o separate_v meeting_n upon_o that_o account_n no_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o when_o actual_a separation_n be_v first_o begin_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n those_o who_o practise_v it_o be_v severe_o condemn_v by_o most_o of_o those_o who_o be_v very_o desirous_a of_o a_o far_a reformation_n the_o time_n when_o separation_n first_o begin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v about_o the_o beginning_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n for_o after_o queen_n mary_n death_n the_o minister_n and_o other_o who_o be_v banish_v and_o flee_v in_o her_o time_n begin_v to_o flock_v back_o again_o into_o england_n but_o the_o impression_n which_o be_v make_v on_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n during_o their_o banishment_n especial_o those_o who_o continue_v at_o geneva_n a_o place_n always_o inveterate_a against_o ceremony_n do_v not_o wear_v off_o at_o their_o return_n home_o but_o after_o a_o little_a while_n they_o begin_v to_o insinuate_v into_o the_o people_n who_o be_v ever_o fond_a of_o novelty_n a_o hatred_n to_o the_o livery_n of_o antichrist_n as_o they_o call_v the_o vestment_n and_o ceremony_n upon_o which_o some_o of_o the_o people_n begin_v to_o separate_a and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o press_a uniformity_n with_o law_n and_o penalty_n the_o queen_n and_o parliament_n now_o begin_v to_o see_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n far_a division_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o all_o the_o clergy_n shall_v give_v some_o assurance_n of_o their_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n and_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n and_o to_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n agreeable_a to_o law_n and_o according_o certain_a article_n and_o subscription_n be_v agree_v on_o and_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o will_v not_o subscribe_v thereto_o be_v suspend_v they_o who_o be_v suspend_v write_v to_o their_o oracle_n at_o geneva_n beza_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a authority_n with_o they_o to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v beza_n advise_v they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v otherwise_o be_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n but_o by_o wrong_v their_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v submit_v and_o live_v quiet_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o exercise_v their_o function_n against_o the_o will_n of_o their_o queen_n and_o bishop_n for_o say_v he_o we_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o etc._n that_o see_v dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n but_o he_o tell_v they_o far_o that_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o ceremony_n yet_o be_v not_o evil_a in_o themselves_o he_o do_v not_o think_v they_o of_o that_o moment_n as_o that_o the_o minister_n shall_v leave_v their_o function_n for_o they_o or_o the_o people_n forsake_v the_o ordinance_n rather_o than_o hear_v those_o who_o do_v conform_v and_o it_o seem_v indeed_o that_o the_o more_o serious_a and_o learned_a of_o those_o divine_n who_o in_o their_o banishment_n have_v suck_v in_o a_o dislike_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o separate_a from_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n or_o to_o endeavour_v too_o hasty_o the_o reform_n of_o it_o for_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o book_n of_o travel_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o switzerland_n he_o meet_v with_o several_a letter_n from_o some_o of_o our_o english_a clergy_n to_o bullinger_n who_o have_v procure_v a_o kind_a reception_n to_o be_v give_v to_o several_a of_o they_o in_o
particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o he_o give_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v themselves_o distinct_o and_o independent_a of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o where_o have_v they_o authority_n for_o this_o opinion_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n than_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v he_o be_v well_o assure_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v better_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o scripture_n rom._n 16._o 3._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v to_o these_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v every_o congregation_n a_o independent_a church_n that_o it_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v then_o the_o same_o with_o a_o diocese_n or_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n which_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o bishop_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o when_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 14._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act_v 15._o 41._o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 2._o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v plain_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o large_a of_o these_o city_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o hereafter_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v congregational_a as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o what_o then_o that_o may_v have_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v always_o continue_v so_o why_o do_v they_o not_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o christ_n do_v and_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v the_o same_o 12._o same_o and_o if_o they_o must_v keep_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n why_o do_v any_o of_o their_o minister_n marry_v a_o second_o wife_n for_o st._n paul_n say_v plain_o let_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 2._o &_o 12._o so_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o god_n own_o institution_n over_o family_n they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o god_n first_o institution_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o fancy_n of_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o must_v stick_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o any_o little_a indifferent_a circumstance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o public_a order_n or_o conveniency_n but_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o congregational_a church_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n which_o comprehend_v many_o congregation_n or_o parish_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalcedon_n 17._o 20._o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2._o 5._o codex_fw-la eccles_n africa_n c._n 53._o 55._o council_n gangrae_fw-la c._n 6._o council_n carthag_n c._n 10_o 11._o and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n be_v unlawful_a for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n and_o church-government_n without_o god_n appointment_n for_o say_v mr._n baxter_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n no_o church_n must_v be_v big_a than_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n may_v perform_v the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o they_o in_o present_a communion_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v threâ—_n sort_n of_o bishop_n by_o divine_a right_n first_o general_n bishop_n that_o in_o every_o nation_n be_v over_o many_o church_n second_o episcopâ—_n gregis_fw-la or_o rule_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v all_o true_a presbyter_n three_o episcopi_fw-la praesides_fw-la which_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n notion_n of_o bishop_n but_o other_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o but_o one_o kind_n of_o bishop_n and_o such_o they_o make_v the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n but_o that_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v false_a will_v appear_v for_o that_o first_o it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o large_a for_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v no_o rule_n about_o limit_n the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o form_n of_o the_o empire_n plant_v in_o every_o city_n a_o complete_a and_o entire_a church_n who_o bishop_n as_o to_o his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n resemble_v that_o of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n the_o presbyter_n that_o of_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o several_a church_n the_o several_a corporation_n so_o say_v dr._n still_o in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 237._o and_o quote_v origen_n c._n cell_n l._n 3._o and_o dr._n maurice_n in_o his_o def._n of_o diocese_n episcopacy_n p._n 377_o etc._n etc._n affirm_v the_o same_o and_o prove_v it_o at_o large_a and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o city_n extend_v itself_o so_o far_o do_v the_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n extend_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o city_n have_v but_o one_o territory_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n agree_v upon_o by_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o because_o some_o may_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o african_a church_n for_o which_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dissenter_n express_v a_o esteem_n above_o all_o other_o church_n it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n among_o the_o african_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o than_o
call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o have_v receive_v our_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o first_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o when_o god_n almighty_n give_v they_o this_o commission_n he_o do_v not_o limit_v it_o to_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o it_o be_v general_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n doubtless_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v in_o those_o country_n where_o their_o preach_a be_v most_o want_v and_o will_v do_v god_n most_o service_n there_o be_v many_o country_n in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n and_o many_o that_o do_v have_v not_o able_a minister_n enough_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n sure_o these_o man_n that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o preach_v will_v much_o better_o discharge_v their_o conscience_n by_o go_v into_o those_o country_n and_o preach_v to_o those_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v in_o so_o great_a want_n of_o it_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o apostle_n who_o doubtless_o have_v as_o universal_a a_o commission_n to_o preach_v they_o never_o go_v to_o abide_v in_o those_o city_n or_o place_n where_o sound_a teacher_n be_v settle_v before_o but_o they_o choose_v to_o go_v into_o those_o part_n where_o christianity_n be_v least_o know_v and_o their_o preach_v will_v do_v most_o good_a why_o will_v not_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n follow_v their_o example_n several_a of_o our_o foreign_a plantation_n want_v able_a minister_n among_o they_o they_o want_v university_n and_o famous_a school_n to_o breed_v they_o in_o and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o poor_o supply_v if_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o nation_n and_o go_v and_o preach_v there_o it_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o design_v nothing_o but_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o desire_v to_o preach_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a whatever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v self-interest_n and_o their_o own_o conveniency_n that_o make_v they_o desire_v the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v in_o these_o nation_n what_o have_v they_o to_o say_v to_o this_o indeed_o the_o best_a of_o they_o give_v but_o a_o very_a unsatisfactory_a answer_n hereto_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o preach_v among_o the_o indian_n be_v because_o they_o can_v speak_v their_o language_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v wife_n and_o family_n which_o they_o can_v leave_v but_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o say_v if_o he_o be_v but_o young_a enough_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o censorious_a persecute_v part_n of_o the_o world_n any_o long_o mr._n baxter_n have_v not_o be_v always_o old_a he_o be_v young_a enough_o when_o first_o he_o begin_v to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o do_v he_o not_o go_v when_o first_o he_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v here_o if_o he_o have_v perhaps_o our_o division_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v much_o narrow_a than_o now_o they_o be_v and_o a_o reconciliation_n much_o more_o easy_a between_o we_o as_o for_o their_o not_o speak_v the_o language_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o new_a plantation_n in_o america_n etc._n etc._n that_o understand_v english_a and_o latin_a and_o want_v able_a diligent_a pastor_n among_o they_o and_o as_o to_o all_o their_o other_o reason_n for_o not_o go_v the_o leave_v their_o family_n etc._n etc._n they_o may_v carry_v they_o with_o they_o but_o sure_o no_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o three_o kingdom_n but_o again_o they_o say_v god_n have_v command_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n so_o god_n have_v also_o command_v they_o to_o obey_v their_o governor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o live_v now_o since_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n break_v one_o of_o these_o command_n by_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o preach_v in_o separate_a meeting_n and_o may_v perform_v both_o by_o go_v to_o preach_v beyond_o sea_n certain_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a way_n must_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a and_o if_o god_n almighty_n have_v give_v they_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o they_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o have_v give_v they_o commission_n no_o where_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o state_n especial_o a_o true_a church_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n but_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v then_o unconvert_v and_o have_v no_o christian_a teacher_n and_o minister_n orderly_o settle_v among_o they_o so_o that_o those_o who_o christ_n then_o send_v can_v have_v come_v no_o where_o amiss_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o make_v as_o many_o convert_v as_o he_o can_v there_o be_v no_o limit_n put_v how_o far_o their_o particular_a charge_n shall_v extend_v and_o no_o far_o but_o soon_o after_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n when_o particular_a distinct_a church_n be_v gather_v and_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a person_n i_o suppose_v none_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v say_v that_o any_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a commission_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n may_v have_v come_v into_o another_o pastor_n congregation_n or_o parish_n and_o preach_v in_o a_o separate_a meeting_n without_o licence_n and_o draw_v as_o many_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n to_o who_o care_n they_o be_v particular_o commit_v as_o they_o can_v no_o they_o who_o do_v so_o be_v often_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o appear_v in_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a dissenter_n allow_v their_o commission_n to_o preach_v be_v as_o full_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o yet_o it_o give_v they_o no_o authority_n to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n or_o to_o draw_v away_o the_o people_n from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n and_o especial_o since_o if_o they_o please_v they_o may_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o place_n and_o do_v no_o man_n wrong_v the_o apostle_n have_v as_o full_a a_o commission_n to_o preach_v as_o any_o of_o our_o dissenter_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o something_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o we_o do_v find_v that_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n though_o a_o heathen_a it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n christianity_n have_v not_o general_o the_o law_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v it_o as_o now_o it_o have_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o have_v the_o command_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n for_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v his_o connivance_n and_o never_o preach_v direct_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o positive_a command_n st._n paul_n say_v act_n 14._o 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_v up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n and_o again_o act_v 15._o 8._o neither_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o against_o the_o temple_n nor_o yet_o against_o caesar_n have_v i_o offend_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o it_o seem_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o they_o come_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v tolerate_v or_o connive_v at_o by_o the_o government_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o magistrate_n they_o leave_v that_o city_n or_o place_n and_o go_v to_o the_o next_o but_o think_v it_o no_o way_n their_o duty_n to_o oppose_v the_o will_n of_o their_o lawful_a prince_n though_o a_o heathen_a and_o will_v not_o our_o dissenter_n show_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o a_o christian_a prince_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o whether_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_v some_o minister_n such_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n questionless_a that_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o they_o in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o
church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n esteem_v he_o a_o renegade_n and_o forsaker_v of_o religion_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o separate_v froward_o from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o embrace_v but_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 12._o he_o say_v that_o though_o something_o that_o be_v faulty_a may_v creep_v in_o either_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v principle_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o there_o be_v other_o point_n in_o which_o man_n may_v differ_v and_o yet_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o ibid._n sect._n 13._o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o private_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n though_o faulty_a in_o some_o thing_n etc._n etc._n beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 24._o p._n 148._o agree_v herein_o so_o do_v mounseur_fw-fr daille_n and_o several_a other_o of_o the_o foreign_a divine_n see_v dr._n still_o misch_n of_o separ_fw-la 23._o and_o 97._o so_o do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v and_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 52._o they_o declare_v far_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n though_o something_n may_v be_v amiss_o in_o it_o not_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o mere_a humane_a infirmity_n but_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o tell_v we_o many_o church_n be_v blame_v in_o scripture_n but_o none_o be_v require_v to_o separate_a from_o they_o see_v the_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n sermon_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n where_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v our_o worship_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o be_v intrinsical_o good_a and_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o it_o sinful_a ibid._n p._n 31._o so_o than_o it_o seem_v so_o long_o as_o a_o church_n retain_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o such_o a_o church_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v sinful_a but_o what_o if_o open_a sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o they_o have_v make_v public_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o be_v too_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o may_v i_o not_o separate_a in_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 11_o 12_o 13._o bid_v we_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n a_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a etc._n etc._n with_o such_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o very_a reason_n do_v the_o donatist_n in_o st._n augustine_n day_n give_v among_o other_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o quote_v the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o st._n augustine_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n do_v then_o agree_v that_o these_o text_n be_v mean_v only_o of_o separation_n in_o heart_n not_o in_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v when_o such_o a_o multitude_n offend_v as_o that_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o cause_v a_o schism_n there_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v lest_o while_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o therefore_o let_v they_o both_o grow_v together_o say_v they_o till_o the_o harvest_n but_o when_o only_o a_o few_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a sin_n there_o they_o say_v let_v not_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n cease_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o root_v up_o but_o to_o amend_v see_v aug._n lib._n 3._o against_o permenian_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n ch_z 3._o lib._n 2._o c._n 18._o and_o herewith_o agree_v calv._n lib._n 4._o instit_fw-la c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o where_o he_o say_v that_o though_o sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o their_o followship_n but_o not_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n mr._n baxter_n say_v the_o same_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o and_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o but_o suppose_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v weak_a or_o a_o man_n of_o a_o loose_a conversation_n and_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o better_a preacher_n elsewhere_o and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o exemplary_a holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n may_v not_o i_o go_v to_o that_o church_n or_o meet_v where_o i_o find_v most_o edification_n no_o for_o this_o still_o make_v way_n for_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o allow_v in_o any_o regular_a church_n provide_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v tolerable_a the_o follower_n of_o estathius-sebastenus_a who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o paphlagonia_n be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n and_o see_v calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o so_o ignorant_a and_o proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o in_o his_o sacraleg_n disert_fw-la p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n confess_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o zealous_a professor_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v a_o church_n to_o piece_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o a_o puere_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v what_o be_v better_a for_o their_o edification_n than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n be_v never_o allow_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o as_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n and_o the_o grand_a debate_n both_o print_v when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n sit_v at_o westminster_n nor_o do_v mr._n baxter_n ever_o allow_v of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o cure_n of_o division_n p._n 393._o where_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o ungovernable_a and_o factious_a humour_n of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v ever_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n and_o follow_v the_o more_o conceit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o fierce_a and_o bitter_a spirit_n and_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 280._o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o right_a term_n of_o church_n communion_n how_o woeful_a be_v our_o division_n you_o must_v have_v union_n and_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o usual_a meeting_n be_v with_o the_o pure_a church_n if_o you_o lawful_o may_v and_o still_o respect_v the_o public_a good_a but_o sometime_o occasional_o communicate_v with_o defective_a faulty_a church_n so_o be_v it_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o put_v you_o not_o upon_o sin_n think_v not_o that_o your_o presence_n make_v all_o the_o fault_n of_o ministry_n worship_n or_o people_n to_o be_v you_o for_o then_o i_o will_v join_v with_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n division_n be_v wound_v and_o tend_v to_o death_n abhor_v it_o as_o you_o love_v the_o church_n welfare_n or_o your_o own_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o ib._n p._n 330._o if_o your_o minister_n say_v he_o be_v intolerable_a through_o ignorance_n heresy_n or_o malignity_n forsake_v he_o utter_o but_o if_o he_o be_v tolerable_a though_o weak_a and_o cold_a and_o if_o you_o can_v remove_v your_o dwell_n then_o public_a order_n and_o your_o soul_n edification_n must_v be_v join_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v in_o london_n or_o other_o city_n you_o may_v go_v ordinary_o to_o another_o parish_n church_n but_o in_o the_o country_n and_o where_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n you_o may_v one_o part_n of_o the_o day_n hear_v in_o one_o parish_n and_o another_o in_o the_o next_o if_o there_o be_v a_o man_n much_o fit_a but_o notwithstanding_o you_o must_v communicate_v with_o the_o church_n you_o dwell_v in_o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v i_o advise_v you_o if_o there_o be_v parish_n church_n orderly_o settle_v under_o the_o magistrate_n countenance_n who_o teacher_n be_v sound_a though_o a_o able_a minister_n shall_v gather_v a_o separate_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o place_n out_o of_o that_o and_o other_o neighbour_a parish_n and_o shall_v have_v strict_a communicant_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o too_o forward_o to_o
the_o reformation_n put_v our_o church_n under_o that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v put_v you_o under_o that_o of_o the_o episcopacy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o do_v not_o despise_v our_o simplicity_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o your_o pre-eminence_n see_v both_o these_o letter_n and_o a_o three_o from_o mounseur_fw-fr l'angle_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n at_o large_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n misch_n of_o separ_fw-la thus_o much_o for_o the_o foreign_a divine_n now_o we_o will_v come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v what_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v think_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v first_o then_o several_a of_o the_o dissenter_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o brownism_n do_v sincere_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o they_o do_v and_o will_v hold_v communion_n notwithstanding_o any_o defilement_n or_o unwarrant_v power_n of_o church_n government_n exercise_v therein_o see_v the_o apologetical_a narrative_n p._n 5_o 6._o again_o they_o own_o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o 56._o and_o if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a constant_a be_v a_o duty_n see_v paper_n for_o accomm_n p._n 47_o 51_o 56._o sometime_o a_o duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o baxter_n defence_n of_o his_o cure_n p._n 38._o and_o 64._o corbet_n of_o schism_n p._n 41._o peace-offering_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o congreg_n party_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1667._o p._n 10._o true_a way_n of_o conc._n part_n 3._o c._n 1._o sect_n 40._o and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o last_o answer_n to_o bagshaw_n p._n 30_o 31._o have_v these_o word_n you_o little_o know_v what_o pernicious_a design_n the_o devil_n have_v upon_o you_o in_o persuade_v you_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v uphold_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o this_o land_n and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o bring_v they_o as_o low_a in_o reality_n and_o reputation_n as_o you_o can_v and_o contract_v the_o religious_a interest_n all_o into_o private_a meeting_n and_o see_v also_o mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n p._n 240._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o last_o dr._n owen_n in_o his_o book_n of_o evangelical_n love_n p._n 54._o acknowledge_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n measure_v it_o by_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o be_v as_o sound_v and_o healthful_a a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a i_o have_v prove_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o own_o write_n how_o will_v they_o now_o justify_v their_o separation_n or_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n what_o will_v they_o say_v to_o this_o be_v schism_n not_o a_o sin_n or_o be_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o not_o schism_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o schism_n why_o then_o our_o nonconformist_a minister_n know_v better_a what_o be_v schism_n than_o all_o the_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n do_v for_o i_o have_v show_v from_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v as_o true_a and_o sound_a a_o part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o she_o as_o guilty_a of_o schism_n doubtless_o these_o man_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o of_o our_o dissent_v minister_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v flatter_v we_o for_o they_o be_v stranger_n who_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o we_o and_o man_n of_o more_o piety_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o indulge_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a but_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o these_o learned_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n who_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o she_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o godly_a upright_a man_n will_v rash_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o those_o be_v which_o relate_v to_o religion_n before_o they_o be_v true_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o beside_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o other_o man_n by_o themselves_o because_o the_o most_o of_o their_o own_o divine_n be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o constitution_n of_o other_o church_n as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o their_o principle_n of_o separation_n must_v they_o believe_v other_o to_o be_v so_o too_o no_o thorough_o accomplish_v divine_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o reform_a national_a church_n much_o less_o of_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o dispute_n it_o appear_v before_o that_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n beforementioned_a be_v in_o england_n for_o some_o year_n and_o frequent_v both_o the_o church_n and_o meeting_n on_o purpose_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o both_o in_o order_n to_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o they_o since_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v sound_a and_o the_o worship_n true_a and_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o as_o agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n lay_v aside_o all_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o of_o we_o concern_v it_o and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o union_n but_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n all_o over_o the_o world_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v not_o the_o business_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n or_o dispute_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o every_o little_a imposition_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o conform_v at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o submit_v the_o fitness_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o to_o who_o god_n almighty_a have_v entrust_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nation_n they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v convenient_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v than_o private_a man_n can_v be_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o it_o not_o the_o people_n god_n will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o impose_v upon_o his_o people_n thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n but_o will_v never_o condemn_v we_o for_o do_v our_o duty_n in_o submit_v to_o such_o governor_n as_o he_o have_v place_v over_o we_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o without_o which_o man_n can_v be_v save_v now_o in_o case_n our_o governor_n command_v we_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v for_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o side_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o who_o live_v godly_a sober_a life_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o man_n to_o forsake_v what_o they_o have_v be_v all_o their_o life_n accustom_v to_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o we_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o and_o that_o so_o many_o honest_a good_a people_n and_o godly_a minister_n do_v live_v and_o die_v in_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v
fair_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o a_o certain_a letter_n p._n 18._o where_o he_o say_v he_o have_v seldom_o hear_v any_o but_o very_o good_a and_o well_o study_v sermon_n in_o our_o church_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n complain_v public_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o injudiciousness_n and_o self-conceitedness_n of_o too_o many_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o his_o sacral_n desert_n p._n 86._o yet_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o they_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o all_o in_o ignorance_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o church_n preferment_n this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a censure_n to_o say_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o godly_a minister_n as_o have_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o who_o have_v many_o of_o they_o die_v martyr_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o villain_n as_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o church_n preferment_n but_o how_o can_v self-interest_n oblige_v the_o clergy_n to_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o must_v be_v either_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n that_o must_v move_v they_o to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v pride_n doubtless_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n will_v answer_v that_o end_n much_o better_o for_o whereas_o now_o the_o parson_n vicar_n and_o curate_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n etc._n etc._n not_o even_o in_o their_o own_o parish_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n change_v to_o that_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a way_n every_o pastor_n will_v become_v a_o absolute_a bishop_n and_o accountable_a to_o none_o for_o what_o he_o do_v if_o it_o be_v covetousness_n that_o move_v they_o to_o it_o i_o suppose_v that_o be_v all_o the_o parson_n of_o every_o parish_n in_o england_n make_v the_o pastor_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a notion_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitan_a bishopric_n and_o their_o dean_n and_o chapter_n dissolve_v and_o their_o revenue_n superadd_v to_o the_o present_a income_n of_o every_o parish_n minister_n or_o pastor_n their_o church_n live_n will_v be_v no_o less_o but_o more_o valuable_a than_o now_o they_o be_v why_o do_v they_o not_o then_o set_v about_o this_o change_n of_o church_n government_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a it_o will_v better_v answer_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n to_o pull_v down_o episcopacy_n than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o poor_a subjection_n that_o now_o they_o do_v here_o they_o will_v tell_v we_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o let_v they_o they_o know_v the_o sweet_a of_o a_o fat_a bishopric_n too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o it_o i_o warrant_v they_o but_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o bishop_n nor_o perhaps_o never_o think_v to_o be_v so_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o the_o convocation_n and_o doubtless_o may_v carry_v it_o against_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o bishop_n as_o 27._o be_v they_o not_o persuade_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o therefore_o since_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o self-interest_n to_o deceive_v the_o people_n it_o be_v safe_a sure_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n to_o take_v their_o word_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o judgement_n than_o to_o those_o among_o the_o dissenter_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o breach_n between_o we_o as_o wide_a as_o they_o can_v many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o fortune_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o get_v a_o live_n and_o man_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v loser_n by_o a_o union_n between_o we_o be_v the_o conformity_n of_o which_o side_n it_o will_v whether_o they_o conform_v to_o we_o or_o we_o to_o they_o for_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v lawful_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n shall_v continue_v therein_o still_o as_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o other_o who_o be_v as_o deserve_v as_o they_o and_o lawful_o settle_v in_o their_o cure_n shall_v be_v turn_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o they_o nor_o that_o parish_n shall_v be_v divide_v all_o over_o the_o kingdom_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o church_n it_o be_v likely_a that_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n who_o be_v better_a qualify_v than_o ordinary_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o shall_v it_o please_v god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o we_o but_o many_o of_o they_o i_o doubt_v can_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a their_o interest_n oblige_v the_o most_o of_o they_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n and_o keep_v open_a the_o breach_n as_o wide_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o real_o do_v so_o be_v plain_a by_o their_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o we_o seem_v great_a than_o real_o they_o be_v and_o than_o they_o themselves_o have_v own_a they_o to_o be_v in_o their_o write_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v and_o also_o by_o their_o pretend_v to_o quote_v authority_n for_o what_o they_o say_v and_o either_o not_o mention_v the_o chapter_n or_o page_n where_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v or_o else_o alter_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o author_n to_o serve_v their_o turn_n if_o any_o one_o think_v i_o do_v they_o wrong_n let_v they_o look_v into_o dr._n maurice_n his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episc_n p._n 237._o 335._o 353._o 377._o 396._o 442._o 444._o how_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v episcopacy_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o congregational_a or_o independent_a way_n have_v misrepresent_v the_o very_a word_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o author_n you_o may_v find_v more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o dr._n comber_n defence_n of_o liturgy_n one_a part_n and_o see_v how_o false_o mr._n baxter_n have_v translate_v theodoret_n epistle_n to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n dr._n stillingfleet_n his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 261._o and_o how_o he_o have_v misrepresent_v the_o doctor_n be_v own_o word_n ib._n 131._o 132_o and_o 126._o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o necessary_a but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o the_o case_n seem_v doubtful_a and_o all_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n agree_v on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n only_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o take_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o general_o more_o learned_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o deceive_v we_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o that_o i_o have_v take_v all_o the_o pain_n that_o possible_o i_o can_v to_o inform_v myself_o 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to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o he_o think_v best_o and_o as_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n be_v and_o some_o other_o alteration_n make_v such_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o proposal_n offer_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o the_o unite_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n by_o dr._n s._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o reasonable_a pretence_n leave_v for_o separation_n but_o if_o nothing_o else_o must_v purchase_v our_o peace_n but_o the_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v too_o dear_a a_o purchase_n till_o we_o have_v find_v another_o to_o exchange_v for_o more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n and_o more_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o nation_n but_o that_o we_o have_v not_o find_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a by_o a_o plain_a experimental_a proof_n which_o these_o nation_n late_o have_v it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o england_n liturgy_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_n and_o other_o party_n pray_v one_o against_o the_o other_o and_o against_o establish_v that_o way_n of_o government_n which_o other_o of_o they_o pray_v for_o divers_a person_n make_v their_o own_o passion_n singular_a opinion_n and_o error_n great_a part_n of_o their_o prayer_n other_o reject_v all_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o no_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o many_o place_n of_o england_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v lay_v aside_o for_o 12_o or_o 15_o year_n together_o so_o be_v infant_n baptism_n some_o will_v pray_v for_o the_o king_n one_o way_n some_o another_o other_o not_o at_o all_o and_o in_o that_o time_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o worship_n be_v lay_v aside_o there_o be_v more_o error_n sect_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n broach_v and_o vent_v than_o ever_o before_o or_o since_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o see_v a_o book_n call_v gangrena_fw-la part_n one_a p._n 175._o writ_n about_o the_o year_n 1646._o where_o many_o of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o say_v they_o in_o these_o four_o last_o year_n for_o so_o long_o have_v presbytery_n be_v uppermost_a have_v overpass_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o prelate_n in_o who_o time_n never_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o many_o error_n be_v hear_v of_o much_o less_o such_o blasphemy_n and_o confusion_n we_o have_v worse_a thing_n among_o we_o more_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n than_o in_o 80._o year_n before_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o if_o nothing_o must_v purchase_v peace_n between_o we_o but_o the_o part_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o overthrow_v our_o whole_a constitution_n to_o set_v up_o another_o which_o experience_n have_v teach_v we_o be_v neither_o so_o consistent_a with_o god_n glory_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o these_o nation_n they_o must_v excuse_v we_o beside_o let_v i_o tell_v they_o their_o late_a carriage_n in_o scotland_n have_v give_v we_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o religion_n they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o in_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o which_o by_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o never_o teach_v any_o to_o affront_n and_o revile_v his_o lawful_a minister_n and_o to_o burn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v now_o more_o than_o once_o i_o pray_v god_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o give_v they_o grace_n to_o repent_v finis_fw-la