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opinion_n church_n council_n infallibility_n 587 5 11.2073 5 false
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A33791 A Collection of cases and other discourses lately written to recover dissenters to the communion of the Church of England by some divines of the city of London ; in two volumes ; to each volume is prefix'd a catalogue of all the cases and discourses contained in this collection. 1685 (1685) Wing C5114; ESTC R12519 932,104 1,468

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useful_a for_o the_o satisfy_a their_o most_o know_a and_o ordinary_a doubt_n that_o as_o we_o do_v all_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n we_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o all_o become_v peaceable_a and_o orderly_a member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_v this_o most_o excellent_a end_n first_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o impartial_o to_o consider_v of_o some_o thing_n that_o may_v incline_v they_o to_o be_v peaceable_o mind_v and_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o general_n prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v unhappy_o conceive_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o can_v to_o the_o chief_a objection_n against_o we_o which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o urge_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v exhort_v they_o to_o a_o brotherly_a union_n upon_o such_o motive_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o gospel_n suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v commend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v take_v up_o be_v such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o any_o sinister_a end_n or_o corrupt_a passion_n that_o do_v either_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o separation_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o provoke_v they_o now_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o because_o i_o know_v any_o one_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o man_n mind_n be_v too_o often_o influence_v by_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o affection_n these_o will_v be_v always_o mix_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o consultation_n these_o do_v common_o blind_a and_o pervert_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o ten_o thousand_o error_n these_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o fancy_n sometime_o pass_v for_o conscience_n that_o melancholy_a fume_n be_v admire_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o our_o gall_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o pure_a zeal_n these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o usual_a mistake_v that_o do_v frequent_o proceed_v from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o passion_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v divide_v from_o a_o church_n it_o will_v most_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a that_o we_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o such_o principle_n for_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o gain_v and_o grow_v rich_a by_o our_o departure_n if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a or_o scorn_v to_o retract_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v once_o profess_v if_o we_o imagine_v we_o have_v more_o light_n than_o the_o first_o reformer_n when_o indeed_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o we_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o our_o governor_n when_o they_o require_v our_o obedience_n where_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o pay_v it_o these_o be_v sign_n that_o our_o affection_n be_v turbulent_a and_o unruly_a and_o while_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v but_o that_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o impatience_n may_v be_v the_o great_a motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v a_o separation_n and_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o we_o have_v to_o maintain_v it_o but_o i_o can_v charge_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n with_o these_o thing_n i_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v upright_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o intention_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o estate_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n which_o other_o be_v i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v never_o lead_v away_o by_o these_o or_o the_o like_a temptation_n but_o that_o they_o will_v always_o labour_v to_o preserve_v those_o holy_a disposition_n of_o integrity_n meekness_n humility_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preparative_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o all_o irregular_a passion_n and_o design_n it_o will_v conduce_v exceed_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o express_v their_o great_a care_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v prevent_v many_o of_o the_o quarrel_n that_o do_v often_o arise_v in_o matter_n but_o of_o small_a importance_n if_o real_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o then_o when_o we_o may_v be_v secure_v of_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o very_o forward_o to_o enter_v upon_o fierce_a and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o the_o external_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n if_o i_o may_v serve_v god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n why_o shall_v a_o gown_n or_o a_o cloak_n or_o a_o surplice_n fright_v i_o from_o the_o church_n when_o either_o of_o these_o be_v enjoin_v by_o my_o superior_n if_o i_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n why_o shall_v i_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n because_o i_o be_o not_o allow_v to_o join_v myself_o to_o what_o congregation_n i_o please_v and_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o pastor_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v bend_v upon_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v see_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v contentious_a about_o matter_n of_o lesser_a consequence_n a_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o tempt_v we_o to_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a point_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o promote_a our_o union_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o heinous_a nature_n and_o gild_n of_o schism_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o separate_n ourselves_o from_o a_o true_a church_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n give_v the_o want_n of_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n man_n be_v not_o general_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o do_v oppose_v that_o spirit_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_a love_n which_o shall_v diffuse_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a people_n when_o they_o suppose_v every_o slender_a pretence_n enough_o to_o justify_v their_o depart_n from_o we_o and_o set_v up_o a_o church_n against_o a_o church_n they_o think_v it_o a_o matter_n almost_o indifferent_a and_o that_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n to_o join_v with_o what_o society_n of_o christian_n they_o please_v
themselves_o which_o giddy_a principle_n if_o it_o shall_v prevail_v will_v certain_o throw_v we_o into_o a_o absolute_a confusion_n and_o introduce_v all_o the_o error_n and_o mischief_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o our_o bless_a lord_n found_v but_o one_o universal_a church_n and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v crucify_a for_o we_o and_o pray_v not_o for_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o for_o they_o also_o that_o 21._o john_n 17._o 20_o 21._o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o through_o their_o word_n one_o of_o the_o last_o petition_n which_o he_o then_o put_v up_o among_o divers_a other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o this_o it_o be_v plain_o be_v to_o be_v a_o visible_a unity_n that_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o become_v a_o inducement_n to_o move_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n therefore_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o harden_v of_o man_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o make_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v whole_o ineffectual_a we_o shall_v be_v exceed_o cautious_a that_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o divide_v his_o holy_a catholic_n church_n we_o be_v often_o warn_v of_o this_o and_o how_o many_o argument_n do_v st._n paul_n heap_v together_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n 6._o eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o of_o peace_n one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o and_o how_o pathetical_o do_v the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o again_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o all_o the_o mutual_a endearment_n that_o christianity_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n 2._o phil._n 2._o 1_o 2._o if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n these_o vehement_a exhortation_n to_o peace_n and_o concord_n do_v strict_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o church_n which_o require_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a of_o we_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v not_o admit_v we_o unless_o we_o profess_v a_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n and_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o infallibility_n no_o body_n know_v where_n unless_o we_o will_v worship_v the_o host_n and_o saint_n and_o image_n and_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v therefore_o communicate_v with_o she_o unless_o we_o shall_v partake_v of_o her_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a error_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o she_o without_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o may_v it_o must_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o causeless_a separation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a one_o so_o great_a that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o defend_v our_o leave_v a_o communion_n but_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n if_o we_o shall_v remain_v in_o it_o now_o since_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o schism_n be_v a_o very_a grievous_a sin_n we_o have_v need_n be_v well_o assure_v that_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n for_o it_o before_o we_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o if_o we_o have_v rash_o withdraw_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o return_v without_o delay_n then_o we_o may_v consider_v far_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o difference_n of_o opinion_n that_o may_v occasion_v quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o that_o passionate_a entreaty_n and_o admonition_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n give_v the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v rend_v into_o several_a faction_n upon_o misunderstanding_n and_o emulation_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o we_o now_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o church_n be_v very_o desirable_a and_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o first_o step_n that_o can_v be_v make_v towards_o this_o happy_a concord_n in_o opinion_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o teachable_a temper_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n though_o it_o contradict_v our_o former_a persuasion_n never_o so_o much_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o the_o animosity_n and_o uncharitable_a contention_n which_o a_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n 19_o rom._n 14._o 19_o to_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o these_o unchristian_a division_n and_o glad_a of_o every_o opportunity_n that_o may_v bring_v we_o near_o to_o one_o another_o and_o think_v we_o have_v gain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n when_o we_o have_v overcome_v any_o mistake_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o our_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o generous_a and_o true_o christian_a disposition_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o immediate_a tendency_n towards_o the_o reconcile_n all_o manner_n of_o difference_n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o man_n shall_v ever_o agree_v when_o they_o seem_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v when_o they_o do_v not_o study_v to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o to_o cherish_v their_o scruple_n and_o hunt_v about_o for_o new_a one_o when_o their_o old_a objection_n be_v full_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a and_o untractable_a humour_n which_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n for_o while_n either_o of_o the_o dissent_v party_n be_v thus_o unwilling_a to_o be_v convince_v and_o search_v after_o exception_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v some_o cavil_v or_o other_o that_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o serve_v they_o to_o perpetuate_v the_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n we_o esteem_v our_o cause_n 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more_o perfect_o inform_v in_o some_o necessary_a duty_n or_o more_o efficacious_o move_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o know_v but_o when_o they_o be_v ●_o 2_o tim._n 4._o ●_o more_o gratify_v and_o please_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o a_o sermon_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v nothing_o but_o one_o sort_n of_o those_o itch_a ear_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o they_o that_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o disease_n instead_o of_o be_v edify_v as_o they_o pretend_v be_v common_o the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o all_o and_o as_o blamable_a as_o any_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n i_o wish_v we_o have_v not_o too_o many_o example_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o that_o they_o make_v a_o unwise_a choice_n in_o the_o teacher_n they_o set_v up_o to_o themselves_o at_o last_o they_o likewise_o provoke_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n when_o they_o depend_v rather_o on_o the_o suppose_a 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be_v handle_v by_o other_o to_o better_a advantage_n and_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v and_o to_o the_o happy_a settlement_n of_o a_o last_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o divide_a church_n god_n grant_v that_o all_o our_o endeavour_n may_v tend_v this_o way_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v make_v they_o successful_a if_o these_o paper_n shall_v chance_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o that_o have_v separate_v from_o we_o i_o will_v entreat_v he_o not_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o they_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n as_o a_o well-meaning_a man_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o throw_v a_o little_a water_n upon_o the_o common_a flame_n that_o be_v like_a to_o consume_v we_o they_o be_v not_o write_v i_o be_o sure_a with_o any_o bitterness_n of_o mind_n or_o expression_n but_o out_o of_o mere_a pity_n to_o see_v a_o poor_a lamentable_a distress_a church_n languish_v away_o and_o ready_a to_o perish_v by_o desperate_a wound_n and_o convulsion_n within_o her_o own_o bowel_n such_o sad_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n as_o these_o apprehension_n must_v needs_o occasion_n can_v scarce_o be_v vent_v in_o angry_a and_o provoke_a language_n but_o some_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v take_v up_o that_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a they_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v they_o touch_v they_o be_v impatient_a of_o the_o calm_a opposition_n and_o when_o you_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o persuade_v they_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o brotherly_a love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n they_o suspect_v you_o for_o a_o enemy_n and_o think_v that_o you_o come_v to_o set_v trap_n in_o their_o way_n to_o ensnare_v their_o conscience_n but_o i_o hope_v this_o short_a discourse_n will_v not_o be_v encounter_v by_o any_o such_o prejudice_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v peruse_v with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n that_o it_o be_v write_v on_o this_o presumption_n i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o exhort_v all_o those_o that_o now_o dissent_n to_o a_o brotherly_a union_n upon_o such_o motive_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o gospel_n suggest_v and_o make_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n it_o will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o every_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a man_n that_o peace_n and_o amity_n and_o a_o good_a correspondence_n betwixt_o the_o several_a member_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v the_o only_a beauty_n strength_n and_o security_n of_o all_o society_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o nourish_a of_o animosity_n and_o run_v into_o opposite_a party_n and_o faction_n do_v mighty_o weaken_v and_o by_o degree_n almost_o unavoidable_o draw_v on_o the_o ruin_n and_o dissolution_n of_o any_o community_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a concord_n and_o union_n therefore_o will_v be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o the_o state_n it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o too_o sad_a a_o experience_n as_o well_o in_o we_o as_o other_o age_n what_o a_o pernicious_a influence_n the_o intestine_a broil_n and_o quarrel_n among_o christian_n have_v have_v they_o have_v be_v the_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o jew_n turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o main_a hindrance_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v make_v some_o among_o ourselves_o to_o become_v doubtful_a and_o sceptical_a in_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v lead_v other_o into_o many_o dangerous_a error_n that_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o some_o they_o have_v tempt_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o natural_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o deity_n and_o embolden_v to_o a_o open_a and_o profess_a atheism_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a fruit_n which_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o produce_v over_o and_o above_o the_o particular_a unkindness_n and_o uncharitable_a feud_n which_o they_o common_o beget_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n as_o to_o all_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o desirable_a in_o all_o respect_n that_o these_o at_o least_o shall_v be_v all_o firm_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a communion_n they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o heaven_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v into_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o join_v serious_o in_o send_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n beside_o the_o many_o strict_a precept_n and_o other_o strong_a obligation_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o this_o our_o saviour_n die_v 52._o joh._n 11._o 52._o that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o contradict_v this_o end_n of_o his_o death_n if_o we_o shall_v set_v those_o at_o strife_n and_o variance_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o unite_v nay_o may_v we_o not_o be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o if_o we_o shall_v mangle_v and_o divide_v any_o sound_n and_o healthful_a part_n of_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o head_n if_o indeed_o our_o church_n do_v require_v we_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o any_o false_a and_o erroneous_a opinion_n if_o in_o the_o external_a order_n and_o worship_n we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a command_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o such_o instance_n to_o withdraw_v from_o she_o but_o if_o her_o doctrine_n be_v high_o approve_v by_o most_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o her_o discipline_n and_o service_n such_o as_o be_v not_o any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o any_o
law_n of_o god_n then_o we_o be_v indispensable_o engage_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o for_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_v several_a time_n and_o it_o can_v be_v inculcate_v too_o often_o nothing_o but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o communicate_v can_v make_v a_o separation_n lawful_a but_o if_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v forsake_v notwithstanding_o that_o neither_o her_o doctrine_n nor_o discipline_n can_v be_v just_o condemn_v it_o will_v yet_o convenient_a to_o bethink_v ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o most_o advisable_a to_o be_v do_v after_o we_o have_v leave_v it_o whether_o we_o shall_v set_v up_o another_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o or_o whether_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o liberty_n of_o follow_v that_o which_o he_o fancy_v the_o best_a if_o we_o be_v for_o the_o set_n up_o another_o way_n it_o must_v be_v either_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n for_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o new_a form_n of_o government_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o reputation_n enough_o to_o be_v put_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o two_o great_a pretender_n to_o divine_a right_n and_o presbytery_n which_o have_v once_o the_o fair_a hope_n of_o establish_n itself_o be_v now_o grow_v weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o those_o few_o which_o will_v still_o be_v think_v of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v manifest_o depart_v from_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o support_v themselves_o by_o gather_v assembly_n which_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o allow_v independency_n therefore_o seem_v at_o this_o time_n to_o be_v the_o prevail_a way_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o gather_v member_n and_o associate_a themselves_o into_o particular_a congregation_n their_o holy_a band_n special_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n which_o they_o make_v essential_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n be_v thing_n which_o have_v not_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o ever_o countenance_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o former_a age_n but_o put_v the_o case_n we_o shall_v admit_v of_o either_o of_o these_o form_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n we_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o if_o not_o far_o from_o be_v unite_v than_o we_o be_v now_o for_o they_o have_v both_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v very_o rigorous_a imposer_n wherever_o they_o have_v have_v the_o power_n of_o command_v and_o as_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v so_o they_o will_v soon_o again_o become_v more_o odious_a to_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o dissenter_n than_o episcopacy_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_o foresee_v we_o be_v not_o now_o urge_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o set_v up_o either_o of_o these_o the_o great_a expedient_a that_o have_v be_v propose_v of_o late_a be_v to_o indulge_v a_o liberty_n of_o choose_v what_o church_n and_o what_o way_n of_o 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to_o allow_v the_o same_o freedom_n to_o other_o which_o they_o enjoy_v themselves_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o this_o indulgence_n must_v strange_o multiply_v our_o division_n while_o some_o member_n of_o their_o separate_a church_n will_v take_v offence_n and_o withdraw_v and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o new_a pastor_n and_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o another_o new_a church_n and_o that_o after_o a_o while_n upon_o the_o like_a pretence_n may_v be_v split_v into_o another_o and_o another_o and_o so_o on_o without_o any_o stop_n and_o then_o this_o will_v certain_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n to_o a_o flood_n of_o heresy_n and_o such_o monstrous_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n as_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o prejudice_v dissenter_n to_o be_v of_o far_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o sober_a and_o pious_a liturgy_n and_o those_o few_o indifferent_a rite_n which_o be_v now_o enjoin_v this_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o late_a time_n find_v to_o be_v true_a the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o soon_o overthrow_v but_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o most_o forward_o and_o busy_a to_o pull_v she_o down_o when_o they_o see_v how_o sudden_o the_o swarm_n of_o other_o sectary_n increase_v upon_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o constitution_n which_o they_o have_v destroy_v be_v a_o great_a check_n and_o restraint_n to_o those_o error_n which_o grow_v bold_a and_o licentious_a under_o the_o liberty_n they_o have_v procure_v the_o bishop_n then_o who_o just_o before_o have_v be_v the_o common_a theme_n of_o popular_a obloquy_n have_v some_o good_a word_n unwilling_o drop_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o diligence_n and_o success_n in_o suppress_v absurd_a heretical_a and_o many_o time_n blasphemous_a doctrine_n be_v allow_v some_o just_a commendation_n that_o government_n which_o they_o have_v traduce_v and_o render_v as_o odious_a as_o be_v possible_a by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o defamation_n that_o can_v be_v use_v be_v find_v upon_o trial_n to_o be_v far_o more_o desirable_a by_o some_o of_o its_o great_a enemy_n than_o that_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n they_o have_v contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o violence_n but_o if_o we_o can_v be_v make_v sufficient_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o dismal_a effect_n that_o will_v almost_o natural_o follow_v upon_o a_o public_a toleration_n yet_o methinks_v we_o shall_v now_o be_v a_o little_a suspicious_a of_o it_o since_o we_o know_v it_o be_v the_o main_a engine_n the_o papist_n have_v be_v work_v with_o these_o many_o year_n if_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o church_n must_v fall_v let_v we_o not_o throw_v it_o down_o ourselves_o by_o method_n of_o their_o prescribe_v let_v we_o not_o act_v as_o if_o we_o be_v prosecute_a the_o design_n of_o the_o conclave_n and_o proceed_v just_a as_o if_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v so_o like_o tool_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jesuit_n when_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o those_o measure_n which_o they_o have_v take_v and_o talk_v and_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v immediate_o inspire_v from_o rome_n for_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o toleration_n have_v be_v a_o device_n of_o they_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v any_o part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n to_o grow_v unreasonable_o fond_a of_o the_o invention_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o think_v to_o strengthen_v the_o protestant_a interest_n by_o those_o very_a mean_n which_o their_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n have_v contrive_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o if_o this_o consideration_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v otherwise_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v indulge_v in_o our_o departure_n from_o a_o church_n where_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n as_o we_o may_v certain_o do_v in_o we_o who_o great_a adversary_n have_v not_o be_v able_a after_o the_o most_o curious_a search_v they_o can_v make_v to_o find_v out_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a constitution_n which_o they_o can_v positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o till_o that_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v we_o must_v still_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a if_o the_o imposition_n of_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o separation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o urge_v since_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o unlawfulness_n be_v despair_v of_o than_o we_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o the_o apostolical_a church_n who_o have_v some_o such_o usage_n as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o other_o who_o indifferency_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o be_v whole_o disuse_v we_o must_v have_v separate_v from_o the_o first_o church_n that_o succeed_v they_o which_o have_v all_o some_o indifferent_a
be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o 19_o 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o 25._o heb._n 10._o 25._o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n for_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v our_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n when_o we_o see_v the_o church_n divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o party_n and_o faction_n which_o refuse_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o deplorable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o presbyterian_o independent_o anabaptist_n quaker_n all_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o from_o each_o other_o and_o from_o hence_o some_o conclude_v it_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o all_o the_o divide_a party_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o total_a suspension_n of_o church-communion_n as_o the_o different_a and_o contrary_a opinion_n in_o religion_n be_v for_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o kind_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o divide_a sect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o some_o man_n will_v be_v of_o no_o religion_n and_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o opposite_a and_o separate_a communion_n therefore_o other_o will_v be_v of_o no_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o strong_a in_o one_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o hold_v in_o neither_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o discover_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o different_a and_o contrary_a persuasion_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o which_o of_o these_o divide_a communion_n be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o it_o indeed_o if_o such_o division_n and_o separation_n excuse_v we_o from_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n actual_a communion_n never_o be_v and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o duty_n long_o together_o for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o happy_a long_o together_o as_o to_o be_v without_o division_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o set_v up_o private_a conventicle_n of_o their_o own_o and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o continue_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n who_o divide_v from_o the_o church_n farewell_n to_o all_o church_n communion_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v any_o man_n indeed_o travel_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n and_o there_o find_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v for_o he_o to_o suspend_v communion_n with_o either_o party_n till_o he_o have_v opportunity_n to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n so_o as_o to_o judge_v which_o party_n be_v the_o schismatic_a and_o then_o he_o be_v bind_v if_o he_o understand_v their_o language_n to_o communicate_v
in_o that_o place_n and_o where_o i_o be_o only_o occasional_o there_o i_o can_v only_o communicate_v occasional_o also_o but_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o distemper_n of_o this_o age_n and_o to_o remove_v those_o apology_n some_o man_n make_v for_o their_o schism_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v this_o a_o question_n for_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o who_o think_v they_o can_v maintain_v constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o constant_a and_o fix_a member_n who_o yet_o upon_o some_o occasion_n think_v they_o may_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o all_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o actual_o do_v so_o now_o when_o these_o man_n who_o be_v fix_v member_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o separate_a church_n think_v fit_a sometime_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o part_n of_o worship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o charitable_o suppose_v that_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n will_v do_v nothing_o not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o which_o they_o believe_v or_o suspect_v to_o be_v sinful_a at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o those_o who_o communicate_v occasional_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v thereby_o declare_v that_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o our_o communion_n and_o we_o thank_v they_o for_o this_o good_a opinion_n they_o express_v of_o our_o church_n and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o they_o can_v justify_v their_o ordinary_a separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o require_v no_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n if_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n can_v justify_v a_o separation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n and_o catholick-communion_n be_v a_o impossible_a and_o impracticable_a notion_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v one_o body_n nor_o ever_o can_v be_v for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n which_o observe_v our_o saviour_n insttution_n without_o any_o such_o corrupt_a mixture_n as_o make_v its_o communion_n sinful_a then_o there_o be_v no_o bound_n to_o be_v set_v to_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o they_o may_v new_a model_n church_n and_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v without_o any_o end_n be_v that_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o catholick-church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pray_v what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v any_o church_n sound_v and_o orthodox_n if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o account_n be_v it_o lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n church_n and_o may_v we_o not_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n separate_a from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o nay_o do_v not_o that_o man_n separate_a from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n who_o separate_v from_o any_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o that_o divide_v and_o break_v this_o union_n separate_v himself_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n except_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o to_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n which_o have_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o its_o communion_n be_v the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n but_o these_o be_v such_o plea_n as_o must_v expose_v the_o church_n to_o eternal_a schism_n because_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n but_o the_o various_a and_o uncertain_a fancy_n of_o men._n what_o they_o like_v best_a that_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o their_o edification_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o till_o man_n can_v agree_v these_o matter_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o do_v till_o they_o can_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o diet_n or_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o beauty_n decency_n fitness_n convenience_n they_o may_v and_o will_v divide_v without_o end_n and_o if_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v certain_a these_o principle_n which_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o peace_n and_o unity_n must_v be_v false_a as_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n particular_o but_o very_o brief_o what_o pure_a administration_n and_o ordinance_n will_v man_n have_v than_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o institution_n without_o any_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a mixture_n to_o spoil_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n as_o we_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o occasional_o communicate_v in_o all_o part_n of_o our_o worship_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o sinful_a in_o it_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a administration_n must_v consist_v in_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v neither_o any_o such_o defect_n or_o addition_n as_o alter_v their_o nature_n and_o destroy_v their_o virtue_n for_o the_o efficacy_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n depend_v upon_o their_o institution_n not_o upon_o particular_a mode_n of_o administration_n which_o be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o who_o desire_v great_a purity_n of_o ordinance_n than_o their_o conformity_n to_o their_o institution_n who_o think_v that_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n unless_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o themselves_o best_o like_a be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o attribute_v the_o virtue_n of_o sacrament_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n not_o to_o their_o divine_a institution_n and_o what_o man_n talk_v of_o great_a edification_n be_v general_o as_o little_a understand_v as_o the_o other_o for_o edification_n be_v build_v up_o and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o this_o one_o thing_n well_o consider_v viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d edification_n or_o building_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o do_v always_o primary_o refer_v to_o or_o at_o least_o include_v church-unity_n and_o communion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n what_o a_o ill_a way_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o great_a edification_n in_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o edification_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v consider_v the_o most_o material_a place_n where_o this_o word_n be_v use_v now_o the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n render_v by_o edification_n be_v a_o house_n or_o building_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n wherein_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n you_o be_v god_n husbandry_n you_o be_v god_n building_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v 9_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o god_n house_n or_o building_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n the_o whole_a building_n 21._o eph._n 2._o 21._o i._n e._n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n 42._o matth._n 21._o 42._o hence_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v builder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v labourer_n 11._o act_n 4._o 11._o together_o with_o god_n in_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v himself_o a_o master_n builder_n hence_o 9_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o the_o increase_n growth_n and_o advance_n towards_o perfection_n 10._o 10._o in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n or_o edification_n of_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n commend_v prophesy_v or_o expound_v the_o scripture_n before_o speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n without_o a_o interpreter_n because_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 5._o by_o this_o the_o church_n receive_v building_n or_o edification_n all_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v 12._o v._o 12._o on_o the_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o building_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n the_o apostolical_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n be_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n 10._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 12._o 19_o 13._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o build_v and_o not_o to_o pull_v down_o that_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n entire_a and_o its_o communion_n pure_a and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o edification_n be_v primary_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n
say_v nothing_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o conformity_n not_o only_o make_v such_o conformity_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o impute_v to_o the_o church_n the_o damnation_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n who_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v upon_o other_o term_n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n ordinary_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v assert_v but_o that_o this_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o do_v not_o assert_v for_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o every_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o prescribe_v its_o own_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v man_n to_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n because_o christian_n who_o live_v under_o the_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o do_v preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n obedience_n indeed_o and_o subjection_n to_o church-authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n to_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v but_o this_o do_v not_o make_v the_o particular_a law_n of_o conformity_n which_o be_v different_a in_o different_a church_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o destroy_v all_o the_o external_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o charge_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o destroy_v man_n soul_n if_o any_o person_n be_v so_o humorsom_n and_o peevish_a as_o to_o break_v communion_n with_o they_o for_o such_o reason_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o cavil_n as_o these_o you_o may_v find_v answer_v at_o large_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o defence_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v you_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v any_o more_o of_o it_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v with_o great_a patience_n answer_v your_o question_n not_o that_o they_o need_v or_o deserve_v any_o answer_n but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v yourself_o too_o much_o despise_v nor_o other_o weak_a people_n think_v your_o question_n unanswered_a and_o now_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o answer_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v you_o a_o little_a ghostly_a counsel_n too_o which_o you_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o a_o answer_n i_o have_v not_o trouble_v my_o head_n to_o inquire_v scrupulous_o who_o you_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o use_v to_o trust_v common_a fame_n in_o such_o matter_n but_o though_o i_o know_v not_o you_o yet_o i_o perceive_v you_o know_v i_o and_o if_o as_o you_o say_v you_o have_v often_o 1._o p._n 1._o hear_v i_o with_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o as_o you_o hope_v not_o without_o edify_v thereby_o i_o think_v it_o will_v have_v become_v you_o to_o have_v treat_v i_o with_o a_o little_a more_o civility_n than_o you_o have_v do_v if_o it_o be_v in_o your_o nature_n to_o be_v civil_a to_o a_o clergyman_n and_o i_o wish_v more_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n than_o for_o i_o you_o have_v do_v so_o for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o have_v learn_v not_o only_o by_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o my_o great_a master_n but_o by_o frequent_a trial_n to_o go_v through_o good_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o invidious_a and_o spiteful_a reflection_n with_o a_o equal_a mind_n but_o as_o contemptible_a as_o a_o clergyman_n be_v now_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v account_v for_o another_o day_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o you_o have_v a_o great_a spite_n at_o the_o whole_a order_n whatever_o personal_a kindness_n you_o may_v have_v for_o some_o man_n they_o be_v but_o a_o herd_n of_o clergyman_n and_o you_o know_v no_o other_o use_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o to_o oversee_v admonish_v and_o censure_v those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o preface_n preface_n go_v beyond_o their_o due_a bound_n i_o confess_v this_o way_n of_o raillery_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a and_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mode_n and_o to_o be_v a_o accomplish_a gentleman_n but_o i_o never_o know_v a_o man_n that_o be_v serious_o religious_a who_o dare_v affront_v the_o servant_n for_o their_o master_n sake_n but_o you_o sir_n be_v in_o the_o very_a height_n of_o the_o fashion_n and_o think_v their_o office_n as_o contemptible_a as_o their_o person_n general_o be_v think_v to_o be_v you_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v without_o understand_v the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n as_o it_o be_v intreague_v by_o clergyman_n of_o all_o side_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o may_v be_v save_v without_o understand_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n beside_o church-government_n or_o else_o i_o doubt_v your_o salvation_n may_v be_v hazardous_a but_o this_o be_v too_o plain_a a_o contempt_n of_o all_o church-authority_n for_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v usurp_v a_o unlimited_a and_o tyrannical_a power_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church-government_n yet_o what_o have_v the_o sound_a church_n of_o england_n as_o you_o own_v it_o do_v what_o occasion_n do_v i_o give_v for_o this_o censure_n who_o have_v express_o confine_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-authority_n to_o church-communion_n to_o receive_v in_o and_o put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o 39_o resol_n of_o case_n p._n 39_o the_o church_n be_v no_o society_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o if_o be_v a_o society_n how_o can_v any_o society_n subsist_v without_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n to_o receive_v in_o and_o to_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o society_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v though_o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n you_o make_v the_o church_n itself_o a_o very_a needless_a and_o insignificant_a thing_n for_o you_o know_v no_o necessity_n of_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n you_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v schism_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n you_o think_v it_o a_o pretty_a indifferent_a thing_n whether_o man_n be_v baptise_a or_o not_o or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v baptise_a what_o your_o opinion_n be_v about_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o do_v not_o know_v though_o if_o you_o be_v consistent_a with_o yourself_o i_o doubt_v that_o be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a ceremony_n too_o true_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o i_o think_v you_o have_v more_o need_n to_o be_v teach_v your_o catechism_n than_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o writer_n of_o book_n and_o let_v i_o in_o time_n warn_v you_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o way_n you_o be_v in_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n and_o consequent_o of_o christianity_n natural_a religion_n may_v subsist_v without_o any_o positive_a institution_n but_o reveal_v religion_n never_o do_v and_o never_o can_v for_o when_o god_n transact_v with_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o visible_a covenant_n there_o must_v be_v some_o visible_a minister_n and_o visible_a sacrament_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o evangelical_n minister_n and_o sacrament_n fall_v into_o contempt_n man_n must_v think_v mean_o of_o christianity_n and_o return_v to_o what_o they_o call_v natural_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o religion_n without_o a_o priest_n and_o without_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o can_v save_v a_o sinner_n but_o by_o uncovenant_v grace_n and_o mercy_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o and_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v find_v who_o reject_v a_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n provide_v and_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o this_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n of_o the_o evangelical_n priesthood_n and_o sacrament_n be_v original_o owe_v to_o deist_n and_o socinian_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o christ_n or_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o believe_v he_o only_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o a_o great_a reformer_n of_o natural_a
averse_a to_o communion_n 311._o baxter_n cure_n p._n 311._o with_o the_o parish-church_n than_o the_o nonconform_a minister_n be_v as_o one_o complain_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o the_o conformity_n of_o minister_n because_o of_o the_o previous_a term_n require_v of_o they_o they_o will_v judge_v what_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lawful_a as_o some_o 89._o continuat_fw-la morning_n exercise_n serm._n 4._o p._n 89._o of_o they_o do_v and_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o bring_v their_o case_n to_o the_o people_n may_v see_v communion_n then_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n so_o the_o people_n by_o perceive_v their_o case_n not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o the_o minister_n but_o wide_o different_a from_o it_o will_v be_v induce_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o those_o of_o their_o minister_n that_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v therein_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n that_o do_v not_o act_v etc._n act_v act_v act_v rathband_n epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v to_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o true_a worship_n thereof_o and_o subscription_n unto_o or_o practice_n or_o approbation_n of_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o same_o for_o puritan_n for_o for_o for_o nichol_n plea_n for_o the_o puritan_n though_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o the_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o be_v against_o separation_n from_o god_n public_a worship_n as_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n do_v declare_v so_o that_o as_o great_a a_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o presence_n and_o consent_n betwixt_o bare_a communion_n and_o approbation_n betwixt_o the_o office_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o attendance_n of_o a_o private_a person_n so_o much_o be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o ministerial_a and_o lay-communion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n we_o be_v only_o to_o respect_v what_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n what_o part_n they_o be_v to_o have_v and_o exercise_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n now_o what_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o be_v either_o the_o form_n that_o be_v impose_v the_o gesture_n they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o the_o time_n they_o be_v to_o observe_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o ministration_n which_o they_o may_v be_v remote_o suppose_v also_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o which_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n require_v in_o lay-communion_n among_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o maintain_v by_o argument_n take_v from_o those_o that_o already_o be_v in_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v oblige_v to_o justify_v it_o but_o from_o those_o that_o in_o some_o thing_n do_v differ_v from_o it_o who_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v impartial_a and_o who_o reason_n may_v be_v the_o more_o heed_v as_o come_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o such_o that_o be_v forward_o in_o other_o respect_n to_o own_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o that_o whole_o separate_v from_o it_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o case_n and_o of_o their_o judgement_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o what_o opinion_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n have_v have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v have_v of_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n 3._o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v have_v of_o such_o practice_n and_o usage_n in_o that_o church_n as_o layman_n be_v concern_v in_o 1._o what_o opinion_n the_o most_o eminent_a and_o sober_a nonconformist_n have_v have_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n second_o to_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o main_a very_o valuable_a first_o they_o own_v she_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n thus_o mr._n baily_n say_v of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n they_o 21._o dissuasive_a ●_o 2._o p._n 21._o do_v always_o plead_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o never_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o her_o be_v or_o the_o comfort_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o as_o much_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o present_a by_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a person_n among_o they_o the_o presbyterian_o general_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o 33._o corbet_n discourse_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o england_n p._n 33._o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o defective_a in_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n thus_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n by_o one_o that_o undertake_v their_o defence_n and_o will_v defend_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 13._o nonconformist_n not_o schismatic_n p._n 13._o and_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o visible_a church_n with_o they_o this_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bare_o assert_v but_o also_o undertake_v to_o prove_v this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n in_o their_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n who_o thus_o begin_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a 57_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a confut._n p._n 1._o etc._n etc._n p._n 57_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o from_o which_o whosoever_o witting_o and_o willing_o separate_v himself_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o christ_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v be_v persuade_v by_o these_o reason_n follow_v 1._o we_o enjoy_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o outward_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o unfeigned_a conversion_n of_o many_o as_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o the_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o martyrdom_n which_o sundry_a have_v endure_v that_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o our_o whole_a church_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apology_n thereof_o and_o those_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o in_o the_o convocation-house_n anno_fw-la 1562._o whereunto_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o contain_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v prove_v this_o evident_o etc._n etc._n so_o mr._n ball_n wheresoever_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 306._o friendly_a trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o separate_a c._n 13●_n p_o 306._o true_o teach_v and_o profess_v in_o point_n fundamental_a and_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n right_o administer_v there_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o health_n and_o soundness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v craze_v by_o many_o error_n in_o doctrine_n corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o evil_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n as_o much_o as_o this_o be_v also_o affirm_v in_o the_o letter_n pass_v betwixt_o the_o minister_n of_o old-england_n 24._o a._n letter_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o old-england_n to_o other_o in_o new_a england_n p._n 24._o and_o new-england_n it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o the_o want_n of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o title_n or_o right_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o likewise_o argue_v for_o it_o thus_o the_o author_n to_o jerubbaal_n the_o 27._o jerubbaal_n or_o the_o pleader_n implead_v p._n 18_o &_o 27._o essential_o constitutive_a of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v 1._o the_o head_n 2._o the_o body_n 3._o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o they_o which_o three_o concur_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n christ_n be_v the_o profess_a head_n she_o be_v christ_n profess_a body_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v the_o union-band_n whereby_o they_o be_v couple_v together_o she_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v deny_v a_o true_a though_o god_n know_v far_o from_o a_o pure_a church_n if_o we_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o consider_v the_o particular_n i_o may_v fill_v a_o volume_n with_o testimony_n of_o this_o kind_n 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v universal_o hold_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a even_o the_o brownist_n own_v it_o of_o
thing_n and_o somewhat_o favour_v by_o scripture_n and_o by_o experience_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o such_o convenience_n advantage_n and_o security_n to_o religion_n that_o mr._n baxter_n have_v more_o than_o once_o say_v 36._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n baxter_n plea_n for_o peace_n epist_n serm._n on_o gal._n 6._o 10._o p._n 24._o defence_n p._n 21._o par_fw-fr 1._o p._n 36._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o that_o will_v preserve_v religion_n here_o in_o its_o due_a advantage_n must_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o soundness_n concord_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o parish-church_n and_o mr._n corbet_n say_v 26._o say_v say_v say_v mr._n corbet_n account_n of_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n of_o several_a nonconformist_n p._n 26._o that_o the_o nullify_n and_o tread_v down_o the_o parish-church_n be_v a_o popish_a design_n but_o whatever_o opinion_n other_o may_v have_v of_o that_o form_n yet_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n and_o another_o agree_v that_o the_o church_n so_o call_v be_v or_o may_v be_v true_a church_n this_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n thus_o say_v a_o late_a 103._o late_a late_a late_a troughton_n apol._n p._n 103._o writer_n who_o though_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o national_a church_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o do_v admit_v as_o he_o needs_o must_v at_o least_o that_o they_o do_v own_o the_o several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o no_o such_o intolerable_a corruption_n as_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o they_o and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o other_o respect_v opposite_a enough_o to_o the_o church_n do_v so_o declare_v it_o be_v say_v mr._n baxter_n the_o parish_n church_n that_o have_v the_o liturgy_n 49._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2._o p._n 178._o v._o letter_n of_o minister_n of_o old_a england_n to_o new_a p._n 49._o which_o mr._n h._n jacob_n the_o father_n of_o the_o congregational_a party_n write_v for_o communion_n with_o against_o fr._n johnson_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o which_o he_o call_v they_o separatist_n against_o who_o he_o write_v the_o same_o i_o may_v say_v of_o mr._n bradshaw_n dr._n ames_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n who_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n think_v be_v favourable_a to_o their_o way_n and_o if_o you_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a apologist_n he_o say_v again_o and_o again_o that_o the_o general_a sense_n ●17_n apol._n c._n 4._o p._n ●17_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v that_o the_o parish_n of_o england_n general_o be_v true_a church_n both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o people_n be_v christian_n and_o as_o to_o the_o form_n their_o minister_n be_v true_a minister_n such_o as_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v degrade_v but_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o for_o those_o of_o new-england_n mr._n baxter_n do_v say_v that_o 177._o defence_n of_o his_o cure_n part_v 2_o p._n 177._o their_o own_o expression_n signify_v that_o they_o take_v the_o english_a parish_n that_o have_v godly_a minister_n for_o true_a church_n though_o faulty_a mr._n cotton_n profess_v that_o robinson_n denial_n of_o 8._o way_n clear_v p._n 8._o the_o parishional_a church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n be_v never_o receive_v into_o any_o heart_n among_o they_o and_o otherwhere_o say_v we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o bless_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o 1641._o his_o letter_n p._n 3._o print_v 1641._o and_o the_o pape_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v the_o five_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v declare_v 47._o declare_v declare_v declare_v apologet._n narr_n v._o hooker_n survey_n pref._n and_o part_n 1._o p._n 47._o we_o have_v this_o sincere_a profession_n to_o make_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o defilement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n do_v never_o work_v in_o we_o any_o other_o thought_n much_o less_o opinion_n but_o that_o multitude_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parochial_a congregation_n thereof_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v near_o dr._n t._n goodwin_n 489._o on_o the_o ephes_n p._n 477_o 488_o 489._o do_v condemn_v it_o as_o a_o error_n in_o those_o who_o hold_v particular_a church_n those_o you_o call_v parish-church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o upon_o that_o ground_n forbear_v all_o church-communion_n with_o they_o in_o hear_v or_o in_o any_o other_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n and_o say_v i_o acquit_v myself_o before_o from_o this_o and_o my_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o acknowledge_v a_o true_a church_n but_o have_v be_v also_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o valuable_a in_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n itself_o or_o those_o that_o minister_n in_o it_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o modest_a confutation_n thus_o write_v all_o the_o know_a 6._o pag._n 6._o church_n in_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v our_o church_n for_o their_o sister_n and_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n dr._n goodwin_n say_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o ibid._n ibid._n church_n so_o state_v i._n e._n parish-church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n true_a minister_n and_o their_o order_n such_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o too_o in_o the_o sense_n speak_v of_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v no_o church_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v all_o as_o full_a of_o mixture_n as_o we_o and_o mr._n j._n goodwin_n say_v visit_v zion_n college_n visit_v that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n under_o the_o late_a prelatical_a government_n than_o in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o character_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v then_o mr._n bradshaw_n 97._o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o separate_a p._n 97._o give_v it_o our_o church_n be_v not_o inferior_a for_o number_n of_o able_a man_n yea_o and_o painful_a minister_n to_o any_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o foreign_a part_n etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o the_o number_n of_o such_o be_v much_o advance_v since_o his_o time_n but_o i_o can_v say_v more_o of_o this_o subject_a than_o i_o find_v in_o a_o page_n or_o two_o of_o a_o author_n i_o must_v frequent_o 263._o mr._n baxter_n cure_n of_o church_n division_n dir._n 56._o p._n 263._o use_v to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v only_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n the_o church_n true_a church_n the_o ministry_n a_o true_a ministry_n the_o doctrine_n sound_n and_o orthodox_n the_o worship_n in_o the_o main_a good_a and_o allowable_a and_o the_o defect_n such_o as_o render_v not_o the_o ordinance_n unacceptable_a to_o god_n and_o ineffectual_a to_o we_o i_o think_v there_o be_v much_o say_v towards_o the_o prove_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n lawful_a and_o to_o justify_v those_o that_o do_v join_v in_o it_o which_o bring_v to_o the_o second_o general_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v ii_o what_o opinion_n the_o sober_a and_o eminent_a nonconformist_n ii_o sect._n ii_o have_v of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o they_o general_o hold_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o total_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v own_a by_o all_o they_o that_o hold_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n for_o to_o own_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o to_o separate_v total_o from_o it_o will_v be_v to_o own_o and_o disow_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o say_v the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n thus_o to_o 47._o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 47._o depart_v from_o true_a church_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o such_o but_o rather_o by_o depart_v to_o declare_v they_o not_o to_o be_v such_o and_o say_v mr._n baxter_n nothing_o will_v 464._o reason_n for_o the_o christian_a relig._n p._n 464._o warrant_v we_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n as_o no_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o case_n in_o total_a separation_n but_o the_o want_n of_o
from_o divine_a providence_n 2._o a_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o humane_a law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 3._o a_o necessity_n from_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o public_a and_o 4._o when_o it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o great_a hindrance_n than_o help_n as_o when_o we_o must_v use_v none_o or_o do_v worse_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n it_o become_v a_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a be_v thereby_o make_v necessary_a and_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v public_o establish_v without_o the_o breach_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o the_o bring_n danger_n upon_o himself_o be_v as_o much_o where_o any_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v restrain_v from_o so_o do_v as_o if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o natural_a or_o providential_a necessity_n that_o be_v the_o one_o he_o can_v do_v physical_o and_o natural_o the_o other_o he_o can_v do_v moral_o honest_o and_o prudent_o have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o communion_n in_o a_o worship_n not_o essential_o defective_a and_o corrupt_a be_v lawful_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o where_o better_a be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o that_o better_o be_v not_o to_o have_v where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v lawful_o i_o may_v free_o pass_v on_o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v take_v from_o malac._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n etc._n etc._n that_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o this_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n reply_n 1._o no_o argument_n can_v be_v 14._o letter_n of_o the_o the_o minist_n of_o old-england_n to_o those_o in_o new-engl_n p._n 14._o bring_v from_o this_o place_n to_o the_o purpose_n but_o by_o analogy_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o argue_v of_o all_o other_o most_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o liable_a to_o most_o exception_n and_o apt_a to_o draw_v aside_o if_o care_n be_v not_o have_v which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o find_v not_o to_o take_v the_o proportion_n in_o every_o material_a point_n just_a and_o true_a 2._o the_o corrupt_a 74._o ball_n be_v trial_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 74._o sacrifice_n be_v that_o which_o the_o deceiver_n bring_v voluntary_o and_o out_o of_o neglect_n have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n but_o the_o faithful_a bring_v himself_o and_o his_o goodly_a desire_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o corruption_n whether_o respect_v matter_n or_o form_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o they_o cleave_v not_o to_o his_o sacrifice_n to_o stain_v or_o pollute_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3._o he_o offer_v not_o a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o offer_v the_o best_a he_o have_v 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball_n that_o what_o be_v 78._o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n etc._n etc._n c._n 4._o p._n 78._o simple_o best_a be_v not_o best_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n or_o end_n what_o be_v best_a in_o a_o time_n free_a be_v not_o best_o in_o a_o time_n not_o free_a it_o be_v grant_v say_v mr._n baxter_n that_o 85._o def._n of_o cure_n p._n 85._o we_o must_v offer_v god_n the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v do_v but_o not_o the_o best_a which_o we_o can_v do_v and_o many_o thing_n must_v concur_v and_o especial_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a good_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o best_a so_o that_o before_o this_o text_n can_v be_v 86._o v._o burrough_n iren._n c._n 12._o p._n 86._o oppose_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v corruption_n as_o much_o prohibit_v as_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a under_o the_o law_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o person_n do_v choose_v and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o offer_v it_o when_o he_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n 3._o that_o such_o a_o corruption_n as_o affect_v not_o the_o substance_n of_o worship_n do_v yet_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o corrupt_a thing_n and_o abominable_a to_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o objection_n reach_v not_o the_o case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o that_o place_n for_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o head_n with_o a_o remarkable_a say_v 5._o platform_n of_o discipline_n c._n 13._o §_o 5._o of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v for_o this_o 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on_o john_n 4._o lect._n 58._o call_v it_o this_o mr._n hildersham_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o prefer_v other_o before_o their_o own_o pastor_n only_o because_o they_o show_v more_o zeal_n in_o their_o voice_n and_o gesture_n and_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n though_o haply_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v nothing_o so_o wholesome_a or_o powerful_a or_o fit_a to_o edify_v their_o conscience_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n be_v of_o such_o he_o say_v we_o may_v wish_v they_o more_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n mr._n baxter_n observe_v the_o 359._o cure_v of_o di●is_n p._n 359._o same_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o another_o that_o the_o other_o be_v best_a and_o common_o appearance_n and_o a_o take_a tone_n and_o voice_n do_v more_o with_o they_o than_o solid_a evidence_n of_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o edification_n which_o say_v a_o reverend_a person_n of_o late_a lie_v more_o in_o 95._o con●inuat_fw-la of_o morn_n exerc._n serm._n 4_o p._n 95._o the_o inform_v of_o our_o judgement_n and_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n than_o in_o the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o affection_n these_o as_o he_o say_v be_v indeed_o of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o other_o but_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o make_v a_o person_n better_o and_o leave_v he_o true_o edify_v again_o it_o may_v be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a pretence_n when_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o that_o complain_v they_o do_v not_o edify_v mr._n hildersham_n charge_v it_o upon_o such_o thou_o 58._o lect._n 28._o p_o 129._o and_o lect._n 58._o may_v receive_v profit_n if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o thyself_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o we_o that_o preach_v and_o he_o thus_o free_o again_o declare_v himself_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v never_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n if_o he_o have_v a_o godly_a heart_n but_o he_o can_v true_o say_v he_o never_o hear_v any_o faithful_a minister_n in_o his_o life_n that_o be_v so_o mean_a but_o he_o can_v discern_v some_o gift_n in_o he_o that_o be_v want_v in_o himself_o and_o can_v receive_v some_o profit_n by_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o advise_v to_o cure_v the_o fault_n before_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n so_o the_o pious_a person_n abovesaid_a argue_v how_o shall_v thou_o profit_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o thou_o come_v with_o prejudice_n without_o any_o reverence_n or_o delight_n unto_o it_o nor_o do_v scarce_o acknowledge_v god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o so_o mr._n jenkin_n direct_v labour_v for_o 19_o comment_fw-fr on_o judas_n v._o 19_o experimental_a benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n man_n
kind_n that_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n that_o will_v as_o well_o wound_v themselves_o as_o those_o they_o bend_v it_o against_o and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n so_o mr._n baxter_n many_o that_o observe_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o great_a neglect_n of_o holy_a discipline_n avoid_v this_o 231._o cure_n dir._n 47._o p._n 231._o error_n by_o turn_v to_o a_o sinful_a separation_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o grave_a advice_n of_o dr._n owen_n when_o 77._o evangel_n lo●e_a c_o 3_o p._n 77._o any_o church_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o consent_n antecedent_o a_o member_n do_v fall_v in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a from_o any_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o have_v profess_v or_o when_o it_o be_v overtake_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n or_o irregulatity_n in_o its_o administration_n such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v place_v in_o his_o present_a state_n by_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o may_v orderly_o therein_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n unto_o such_o defection_n and_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n love_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o they_o who_o miscarriage_n at_o present_a he_o can_v remedy_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v a_o large_a and_o spacious_a field_n for_o wisdom_n patience_n love_n and_o prudent_a zeal_n to_o exercise_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perverse_a imagination_n that_o separation_n be_v the_o only_a cure_n for_o church-disorder_n if_o this_o advice_n be_v good_a in_o one_o case_n it_o be_v so_o in_o another_o and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o faithful_o follow_v this_o argument_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o force_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o little_a this_o plea_n of_o the_o defective_a discipline_n reach_v the_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o if_o open_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o law_n take_v order_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o dr._n bryan_n say_v 28._o say_v say_v say_v dwelling_v with_o god_n serm._n 6._o p_o 301._o v._o grave_a confut_o part_n 1._o p._n 17._o ●ermin_n separation_n examine_v p._n 28._o and_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n put_v thereby_o into_o the_o minister_n hand_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o after_o dr._n collins_n have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o rubric_n canon_n etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v 122._o conclude_v conclude_v conclude_v provocator_n provocatus_fw-la p._n 151_o &_o 154._o v._o vine_n on_o sacrament_n c._n 19_o p._n 233._o brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 40._o cawdrey_n church_n reformat_fw-la p_o 122._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o time_n ever_o since_o it_o be_v a_o church_n have_v be_v to_o suspend_v some_o from_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v defect_n through_o some_o past_a and_o present_a obstruction_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yet_o can_v the_o church_n proper_o stand_v charge_v with_o they_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v 236._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v brinsley_n arraign_v p._n 48._o jenk_n on_o judas_n v._n 19_o blake'_v vindiciae_fw-la c._n 31._o p._n 236._o or_o whatever_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n from_o a_o defect_n remissness_n or_o corruption_n therein_o for_o a_o separation_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v from_o a_o grave_a author_n those_o say_v he_o that_o for_o many_o year_n together_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o three_o last_o prince_n deny_v to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o this_o church_n have_v a_o low_a opinion_n of_o the_o discipline_n then_o exercise_v of_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o large_a evidence_n yet_o how_o tender_a be_v they_o of_o the_o church_n honour_n to_o keep_v christian_n in_o communion_n how_o zealous_a be_v they_o against_o separation_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o mr._n parker_n mr._n paget_n mr._n ball._n mr._n brightman_n lay_v we_o low_a enough_o when_o he_o do_v not_o only_o parallel_v we_o with_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n but_o make_v that_o church_n the_o type_n and_o we_o the_o antitype_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o discipline_n yet_o how_o zealous_a be_v he_o against_o separation_n from_o these_o assembler_n and_o break_v out_o in_o these_o word_n therefore_o their_o error_n be_v wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a who_o so_o forsake_v the_o church_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v altogether_o banish_v thence_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o grave_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n have_v of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n and_o what_o rule_v they_o do_v lay_v down_o about_o it_o and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o those_o rule_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v unlawful_a i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o the_o last_o advice_n give_v by_o a_o reverend_a person_n to_o his_o parishioner_n in_o a_o farewell_n sermon_n in_o 454._o england_n remembranc_n serm._n 16._o p._n 454._o these_o word_n take_v heed_n of_o extreme_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a temptation_n in_o a_o time_n of_o difference_n to_o think_v we_o can_v run_v too_o far_o from_o they_o we_o differ_v from_o and_o so_o whilst_o we_o decline_v one_o rock_n we_o split_v upon_o another_o remember_v the_o old_a nonconformist_n be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o superstition_n and_o separation_n maintain_v i_o beseech_v you_o sober_a principle_n such_o as_o these_o be_v that_o every_o defective_a ministry_n be_v not_o a_o false_a ministry_n that_o sinful_a super-addition_n do_v not_o nullify_v divine_a institution_n that_o sinful_a defect_n in_o ordinance_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o save_a effect_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o direct_v a_o worship_n prescribe_v thing_n simple_o evil_a and_o manifest_o idolatrous_a and_o direct_v about_o worship_n thing_n doubtful_o good_a be_v enjoin_v but_o the_o unquestionable_a substance_n of_o worship_n be_v maintain_v this_o latter_a ter_z do_v not_o justify_v separation_n and_o that_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v such_o but_o what_o may_v be_v safe_o communicate_v in_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v from_o they_o 3._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o opinion_n the_o eminent_a nonconformist_n general_n 3._o general_n have_v have_v of_o the_o several_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v enjoin_v upon_o those_o that_o hold_v lay-communion_n with_o it_o which_o respect_v form_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n in_o general_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n tolerable_a and_o what_o no_o church_n be_v without_o more_o or_o less_o 68_o less_o less_o less_o letter_n of_o the_o mi●ist_n of_o old-engl_n p._n 12_o 13._o bryan_n dwelling_n with_o god_n p._n 311._o troughton_n apol_n c._n 7_o p._n 68_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v communion_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o dedic_n few_o few_o few_o owen_n peace-off_a p._n 17._o mischief_n of_o imposition_n epist_n dedic_n first_o form_n and_o so_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o join_v in_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n or_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v what_o their_o opinion_n be_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o public_a form_n of_o form_n prescribe_v and_o of_o that_o particular_a form_n of_o divine_a service_n use_v in_o this_o church_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v declare_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a in_o itself_o and_o what_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v as_o we_o see_v occasion_n so_o mr._n ball_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v 131._o trial_n c._n 2._o p._n 36_o etc._n etc._n 8._o p._n 131._o any_o particular_a form_n stint_v or_o not_o stint_v as_o necessary_a but_o do_v warrant_n both_o as_o allowable_a for_o where_o nothing_o be_v in_o particular_a command_v touch_v the_o external_a form_n of_o word_n and_o order_n in_o which_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n and_o to_o put_v religion_n in_o read_v or_o utter_v word_n in_o a_o stint_a or_o conceive_a form_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o superstition_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o 137._o
can_v or_o will_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o communion_n with_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v be_v have_v as_o in_o a_o general_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o persecution_n for_o religion_n or_o unjust_a excommunication_n but_o what_o be_v god_n ordinary_a method_n and_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o be_v by_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o 47._o act_n 2._o 47._o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o whatever_o christ_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o mankind_n it_o be_v for_o they_o as_o incorporate_v into_o a_o church_n christ_n love_v his_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o 25._o eph._n 5._o 25._o for_o it_o christ_n redeem_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o 28._o act_n 26._o 28._o blood_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o 23._o eph._n 5._o 23._o church_n but_o also_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n upon_o this_o account_n viz._n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_v afford_v 4._o eph._n 4._o 4._o in_o christ_n church_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v it_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o so_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o it_o as_o laugh_v a_o matter_n as_o some_o now_o adays_o make_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o slight_v the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n church_n and_o count_v it_o their_o glory_n and_o saintship_n voluntary_o to_o cut_v off_o themselves_o from_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o far_o different_a opinion_n of_o it_o with_o they_o to_o be_v cast_v apol._n nam_fw-la judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la etc._n etc._n tert._n apol._n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o one_o account_v full_a as_o dreadful_a a_o doom_n as_o the_o other_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o sentence_n be_v rare_o pass_v against_o a_o offender_n but_o with_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 5_o 2._o grief_n and_o sorrow_n in_o he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o those_o against_o who_o it_o be_v past_a use_v the_o most_o ardent_a importunity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o severe_a penance_n in_o order_n to_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o it_o you_o may_v have_v behold_v they_o kiss_v the_o chain_n of_o imprison_a martyr_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o lazar_n or._n nazion_n 12._o or._n wallow_v at_o the_o temple-door_n on_o their_o knee_n beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n you_o may_v have_v see_v they_o strip_v and_o naked_a their_o hair_n neglect_v their_o body_n wither_v their_o eye_n deject_v and_o sometime_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o word_n of_o david_n as_o the_o great_a theodosius_n 15._o theod._n h._n eccl._n 5._o c._n 15._o in_o the_o state_n of_o penance_n my_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust_n quicken_v thou_o i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n thus_o much_o seem_v to_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o second_o proposition_n but_o that_o our_o passage_n to_o the_o three_o may_v be_v the_o clear_a i_o shall_v add_v a_o little_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n or_o two_o that_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n and_o the_o first_o be_v obj._n do_v not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n that_o come_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n come_v unworthy_o and_o to_o their_o own_o great_a sin_n and_o danger_n no_o less_o than_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o 29._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 27_o 29._o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o can_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o that_o they_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o in_o do_v which_o they_o sin_v so_o heinous_o and_o for_o do_v which_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v so_o severe_o answ_n i_o answer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n in_o a_o strict_a legal_a sense_n be_v unworthy_a and_o that_o even_o of_o common_a mercy_n from_o god_n much_o more_o of_o this_o prime_a duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n every_o man_n in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n we_o be_v all_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o our_o righteousness_n 5._o psal_n 39_o 5._o be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n the_o meaning_n be_v all_o man_n be_v 5._o isa_n 39_o 5._o sinner_n and_o their_o best_a service_n imperfect_a and_o impure_a but_o then_o the_o right_n they_o have_v to_o this_o privilege_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o worth_n but_o as_o be_v say_v before_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o they_o enter_v at_o first_o into_o covenant_n with_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o people_n 2._o those_o member_n that_o we_o have_v assert_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o external_a privilege_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a and_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o those_o unworthy_a communicant_n 1._o they_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n he_o that_o eat_v this_o loc_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s._n chrysost_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 27._o dr._n lightf_n in_o loc_n bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n how_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v eat_v it_o still_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o what_o it_o do_v represent_v or_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v institute_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a value_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n not_o at_o all_o affect_a with_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o love_n nor_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o altogether_o as_o void_a of_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o gratitude_n to_o christ_n for_o that_o mighty_a redemption_n he_o wrought_v for_o mankind_n as_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_a that_o neither_o know_v nor_o believe_v in_o he_o 2._o they_o be_v open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o schism_n and_o division_n ver_fw-la 18_o 21_o 22_o ver_fw-la pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n sensuality_n and_o drunkenness_n in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v usual_o usher_v in_o with_o a_o love-feast_n that_o be_v eat_v just_a before_o it_o but_o so_o unchristian_a be_v these_o corinthian_n that_o every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n they_o run_v into_o party_n and_o though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o leave_v the_o place_n they_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o their_o brethren_n the_o rich_a despise_a and_o exclude_v the_o poor_a that_o come_v not_o so_o well_o provide_v as_o they_o from_o their_o feast_n and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o poor_a be_v hungry_a whilst_o the_o rich_a feed_v and_o pamper_a their_o body_n to_o excess_n and_o luxury_n when_o you_o come_v together_o say_v he_o this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v no_o fit_a preparation_n for_o it_o for_o in_o eat_v every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n and_o one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o be_v drunken_a such_o swine_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o such_o as_o these_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o discourse_n on_o this_o proposition_n have_v forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o it_o and_o aught_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v exclude_v this_o indeed_o be_v to_o be_v unworthy_a with_o a_o witness_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o st._n paul_n sometime_o word_n it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o apostasy_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n to_o crucify_v 16._o heb._n 6._o 6._o heb._n 10._o 16._o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n that_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o despise_v
1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n plain_o solve_v the_o case_n i_o be_o discourse_v on_o and_o show_v w●at_o private_a christian_n in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v not_o judicial_o to_o correct_v vice_n be_v to_o do_v when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o vicious_a member_n intrude_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n viz_o not_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o by_o preparation_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n if_o to_o separate_v have_v be_v the_o way_n the_o apostle_n will_v then_o have_v manage_v his_o discourse_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o schism_n and_o strife_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o incestuous_a person_n not_o cast_v out_o many_o proud_a contemner_n of_o their_o brother_n man_n of_o strange_a opinion_n of_o untamed_a appetite_n and_o unbridled_a passion_n and_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o not_o to_o come_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n with_o they_o lest_o you_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o sore_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o judgement_n but_o advise_v man_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o then_o to_o come_v he_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o these_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o foul_a enormity_n of_o some_o that_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n to_o discourage_v you_o from_o come_v lest_o you_o shall_v be_v pollute_v by_o their_o sin_n but_o to_o excite_v you_o to_o a_o due_a care_n and_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v not_o pollute_v by_o any_o sinful_a act_n and_o compliance_n of_o your_o own_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o but_o as_o clear_v and_o satisfactory_a as_o this_o proposition_n seem_v to_o be_v it_o yet_o suffer_v very_o much_o from_o the_o exception_n of_o some_o weak_a understanding_n who_o meet_v often_o in_o scripture_n with_o such_o command_n and_o exhortation_n as_o these_o to_o separate_v to_o come_v out_o not_o to_o touch_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o and_o the_o like_a present_o without_o stay_v to_o examine_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o character_n of_o good_a man_n to_o be_v always_o separate_v and_o tho_o wherever_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v find_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v understand_v with_o relation_n to_o idolater_n and_o idolatrous_a practice_n either_o among_o jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o will_v they_o have_v they_o extend_v to_o every_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o either_o real_o be_v or_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o call_v a_o corruption_n or_o a_o corrupt_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n many_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v by_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o hope_v in_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n they_o labour_v under_o to_o give_v a_o deliverance_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o be_v obj._n 1_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n 17._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o main_a place_n to_o which_o they_o fly_v upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o their_o strong_a hold_n i_o shall_v give_v it_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n and_o that_o by_o show_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o apostolical_a admonition_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o person_n the_o convert_v corinthian_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o touch_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o apostolical_a exhortation_n to_o this_o purpose_n you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o convert_v corinthian_n live_v in_o civil_a society_n among_o the_o unbelieving_a gentile_n by_o who_o many_o of_o they_o be_v their_o kinsfolk_n and_o friend_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v often_o invite_v to_o their_o idol-feast_n to_o which_o some_o of_o they_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 27._o do_v not_o scruple_n to_o go_v and_o eat_v of_o the_o thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n even_o in_o the_o idol_n temple_n think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a 10._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 10._o to_o do_v so_o so_o long_o as_o they_o know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o and_o do_v not_o intentional_o go_v and_o eat_v in_o any_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n now_o from_o this_o practice_n the_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 4._o apostle_n dissuade_v they_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n to_o their_o weak_a brethren_n tell_v they_o that_o though_o they_o that_o be_v strong_a know_v that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o worship_v the_o idol_n when_o they_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n yet_o some_o other_o weak_a christian_n and_o new_a convert_v may_v not_o know_v so_o much_o and_o consequent_o by_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o sin_n not_o only_o to_o go_v to_o those_o feast_n but_o to_o do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n 2._o as_o harmless_a a_o action_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o that_o it_o be_v 7._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 7._o plain_a idolatry_n be_v not_o you_o idolater_n as_o be_v some_o of_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 14._o they_o as_o it_o be_v write_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o rise_v up_o to_o play_v that_o be_v they_o eat_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o golden_a calf_n 6_o exod._n 32._o 6_o and_o that_o this_o action_n be_v idolatrous_a he_o prove_v by_o a_o analogy_n it_o bear_v to_o a_o rite_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o christian_n for_o as_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o feast_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o god_n to_o who_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v and_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 18._o as_o the_o christian_n when_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o christ_n who_o death_n and_o 16._o ver_fw-la 16._o passion_n be_v therein_o commemorate_a so_o when_o they_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o idol_n sacrifice_n they_o must_v have_v be_v think_v to_o do_v it_o in_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n because_o to_o the_o idol_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n offer_v but_o bless_a be_v 20._o ver_fw-la 20._o god_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o such_o a_o exhortation_n we_o live_v not_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n with_o idolater_n but_o under_o a_o christian_a prince_n and_o with_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n here_o be_v no_o public_a idol_n set_v up_o nor_o any_o feast_n keep_v in_o honour_n of_o they_o have_v the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o we_o have_v be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o corinthian_n be_v but_o be_v far_o otherwise_o not_o the_o least_o aid_n can_v be_v fetch_v from_o hence_o to_o defend_v separation_n from_o our_o public_a assembly_n 2._o who_o be_v the_o person_n the_o christian_a corinthian_n be_v require_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o unbeliever_n than_o infidel_n than_o idolater_n what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o 16._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o ver_fw-la 15._o ver_fw-la 16._o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n or_o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o infidel_n and_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o because_o christian_n 17._o ver_fw-la 17._o by_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o heathen_a idolater_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n because_o some_o who_o while_o they_o profess_v christ_n do_v not_o live_v like_o christian_n afford_v their_o presence_n at_o they_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o pagan_a and_o a_o infidel_n that_o deny_v christ_n and_o worship_n devil_n and_o a_o immoral_a christian_a who_o yet_o outward_o own_v christ_n and_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n betwixt_o a_o church_n whole_o make_v up_o of_o heathen_n and_o idolater_n and_o a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a christian_n together_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o unclean_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o
and_o climb_v upon_o in_o sign_n of_o their_o desire_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o and_o a_o stiff_a straw_n put_v into_o the_o child_n hand_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o fight_v against_o spiritual_a enemy_n as_o with_o a_o spear_n and_o all_o the_o absurdity_n of_o that_o nature_n charge_v injurious_o upon_o our_o proceed_n 1_o proceed_n proceed_n proceed_n ames_n ib_a l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p●id_v 1_o will_v rerurn_v with_o success_n upon_o themselves_o since_o all_o these_o be_v fetch_v from_o custom_n and_o practice_n in_o secular_a matter_n five_o if_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n to_o defend_v the_o use_n of_o rite_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n because_o they_o be_v use_v out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o civil_a case_n then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o that_o position_n before_o speak_v of_o and_o general_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o oppose_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n without_o prescription_n except_o the_o natural_a circumstance_n of_o action_n for_o though_o civil_a and_o natural_a be_v sometime_o coincident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v separate_v for_o feast_v and_o salutation_n be_v civil_a usage_n but_o be_v no_o natural_a circumstance_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o which_o that_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o and_o if_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n and_o apply_v and_o annex_v to_o divine_a worship_n then_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v introduce_v and_o use_v do_v wherever_o that_o reason_n be_v justify_v the_o like_a practice_n and_o we_o be_v leave_v still_o to_o choose_v and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o permission_n and_o allowance_n that_o be_v give_v we_o that_o be_v all_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v be_v just_a matter_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o a_o prudent_a exercise_n of_o it_o 3._o i_o shall_v further_o prove_v and_o strengthen_v the_o proposition_n that_o thing_n indifferent_a though_o not_o prescribe_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v in_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n attend_v the_o contrary_a one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o if_o we_o hold_v all_o thing_n not_o command_v to_o be_v prohibit_v we_o shall_v find_v no_o church_n or_o religious_a society_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v guilty_a and_o if_o the_o do_v so_o make_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n unlawful_a there_o be_v no_o church_n we_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o there_o be_v some_o church_n that_o do_v maintain_v and_o use_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_o condemn_v and_o do_v lay_v aside_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n require_v as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o worship_a saint_n and_o angel_n and_o deny_v the_o cup_n to_o the_o laity_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o thing_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o those_o to_o quit_v its_o communion_n that_o be_v of_o it_o and_o for_o those_o to_o avoid_v it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o it_o but_o other_o church_n there_o be_v that_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o fundamental_a error_n and_o fatal_a miscarriage_n and_o may_v so_o far_o lawful_o be_v communicate_v with_o but_o even_o none_o of_o these_o be_v there_o but_o what_o either_o witting_o or_o unwitting_o do_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o use_v what_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o require_v it_o be_v notorious_o so_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n when_o some_o custom_n do_v universal_o obtain_v among_o they_o as_o the_o anniversary_n solemnity_n of_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n fast_v januar._n fast_v fast_v fast_v aug._n epis._n 118._o januar._n the_o pray_v towards_o the_o east_n 27._o east_n east_n east_n basil_n de_fw-fr spir._n s._n c._n 27._o the_o stand_v in_o their_o devotion_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n januar._n day_n day_n day_n aug._n epis._n 119._o januar._n especial_o from_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n the_o dip_v the_o baptise_a thrice_o in_o water_n 7._o water_n water_n water_n ambros._n lib._n 2._o the_o sacrament_n c._n 7._o etc._n etc._n now_o whatever_o some_o of_o the_o father_n may_v plead_v for_o any_o of_o these_o from_o scripture_n misunderstand_v yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o none_o of_o these_o be_v require_v in_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o a_o person_n that_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o use_v any_o thing_n uncommand_v and_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n so_o use_v must_v have_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n since_o if_o there_o be_v credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o father_n so_o report_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n above_o recite_v and_o he_o that_o hold_v all_o fix_a holiday_n of_o ecclesiastical_a institution_n unlawful_a and_o all_o ceremony_n not_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v prohibit_v must_v not_o have_v worship_v with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o thus_o do_v but_o think_v it_o unlawful_a when_o universal_o practise_v to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o again_o as_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n universal_o hold_v in_o estimation_n so_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o church_n and_o that_o be_v not_o think_v to_o be_v oblige_v out_o of_o that_o particular_a communion_n as_o when_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o fast_o on_o the_o saturday_n and_o of_o most_o orher_n to_o make_v no_o such_o distinction_n betwixt_o that_o and_o other_o day_n 118._o day_n day_n day_n aug._n epist_n 118._o in_o the_o church_n of_o milan_n they_o wash_v the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o use_v it_o not_o 1._o not_o not_o not_o ambros_n l._n 3._o the_o sacrament_n c._n 1._o now_o if_o person_n do_v believe_v such_o thing_n unlawful_a they_o can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n because_o no_o church_n be_v without_o such_o uncommand_v rite_n or_o if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o think_v the_o rite_n of_o their_o own_o church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o how_o can_v they_o have_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n where_o the_o contrary_a custom_n do_v prevail_v as_o in_o the_o case_n abovesaid_a and_o as_o it_o be_v then_o so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o all_o state_v and_o settle_v churcher_n in_o the_o world_n who_o do_v practice_n against_o this_o principle_n and_o either_o expect_v not_o or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v a_o command_n for_o every_o thing_n establish_v among_o they_o and_o that_o practise_v with_o as_o much_o contrariety_n to_o each_o other_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o milan_n once_o do_v so_o in_o some_o church_n they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n kneel_v in_o some_o stand_v in_o other_o sit_v in_o some_o they_o sprinkle_v the_o child_n in_o baptism_n but_o once_o and_o in_o other_o thrice_o now_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reconcile_n of_o these_o one_o to_o another_o and_o no_o possibility_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o under_o these_o circumstance_n or_o of_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n if_o we_o must_v have_v a_o institution_n for_o every_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o must_v join_v in_o nothing_o which_o have_v it_o not_o as_o for_o instance_n what_o church_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o some_o form_n or_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o who_o service_n for_o the_o most_o part_n general_o speak_v be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o they_o especial_o that_o do_v not_o use_v they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o now_o if_o a_o person_n hold_v that_o whatever_o be_v not_o prescribe_v be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o where_o prescribe_v than_o he_o can_v join_v with_o the_o church_n so_o use_v but_o while_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o residence_n he_o must_v be_v no_o member_n of_o that_o body_n in_o communion_n nay_o further_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o none_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n since_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o to_o it_o and_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n against_o communion_n with_o we_o live_v in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o to_o practice_n and_o use_v thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o more_o authority_n nor_o can_v give_v more_o reason_n for_o than_o we_o do_v for_o the_o thing_n they_o condemn_v and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v lawful_a expedient_a and_o convenient_a as_o for_o example_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n we_o may_v expect_v particular_a prescription_n because_o they_o be_v mere_a institution_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o the_o baptise_a person_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v sprinkle_a what_o command_n or_o
austin_n 3._o epist_n 1._o 3._o observe_v some_o warm_o contend_v for_o a_o usage_n because_o its_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o church_n as_o if_o they_o come_v suppose_v into_o another_o place_n where_o lent_n be_v observe_v without_o any_o relaxation_n they_o however_o refuse_v to_o fast_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o do_v in_o their_o country_n there_o be_v other_o again_o do_v like_a and_o be_v bend_v upon_o a_o particular_a rite_n or_o usage_n because_o say_v he_o they_o observe_v this_o in_o their_o travel_n abroad_o and_o so_o a_o person_n be_v for_o it_o as_o perhaps_o he_o will_v be_v think_v so_o much_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o considerable_a as_o he_o be_v distant_a or_o do_v disagree_v from_o what_o be_v observe_v at_o home_n now_o when_o person_n be_v prone_a thus_o to_o judge_n upon_o such_o little_a reason_n and_o may_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o do_v judge_n against_o a_o church_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o it_o will_v become_v they_o to_o think_v again_o and_o to_o think_v that_o the_o case_n perhaps_o require_v only_a time_n or_o use_v to_o wear_v off_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o that_o by_o these_o way_n they_o may_v as_o effectual_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o thing_n practise_v in_o a_o church_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o civil_a usage_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o they_o look_v upon_o in_o their_o kind_n as_o indecent_a and_o inexpedient_a as_o they_o can_v do_v of_o the_o usage_n of_o a_o church_n in_o they_o as_o suppose_v the_o dispute_n shall_v be_v about_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o use_n of_o responsal_n in_o it_o we_o see_v that_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n be_v plead_v by_o the_o party_n contend_v for_o and_o against_o but_o when_o a_o person_n consider_v that_o whatever_o opinion_n he_o therein_o have_v yet_o if_o he_o be_v against_o they_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n against_o all_o form_a church_n in_o the_o world_n he_o may_v conclude_v safe_o that_o there_o be_v a_o decency_n order_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o public_a use_n of_o they_o and_o as_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o casulano_n epist_n 86._o casulano_n rome_n where_o they_o fast_v upon_o the_o saturday_n that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o so_o praise_v a_o christian_a city_n for_o it_o as_o to_z condemn_v the_o christian_a world_n that_o be_v against_o it_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a against_o a_o practice_n as_o to_o condemn_v those_o that_o be_v for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o our_o own_o opinion_n as_o to_o set_v that_o against_o a_o community_n and_o a_o church_n nay_o against_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o this_o will_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o suspect_v its_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n when_o we_o presume_v to_o set_v our_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n against_o the_o judgement_n reason_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o bring_v to_o the_o four_o general_n 4._o how_o be_v we_o to_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o resolution_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v ourselves_o in_o a_o threefold_a capacity_n 1._o as_o particular_a person_n solitary_a and_o alone_a 2._o as_o we_o be_v in_o ordinary_a and_o civil_a conversation_n 3._o as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o public_a society_n or_o church_n in_o the_o first_o capacity_n every_o christian_a may_v choose_v and_o act_v as_o he_o please_v and_o all_o lawful_a thing_n remain_v to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n free_n he_o may_v eat_v this_o or_o that_o choose_v this_o day_n or_o another_o and_o set_v it_o apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o man_n to_o require_v he_o may_v forbear_v to_o use_v what_o be_v indifferent_a where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o forbid_v he_o may_v free_o use_v it_o in_o the_o second_o capacity_n as_o in_o conversation_n with_o other_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o to_o use_v his_o liberty_n so_o as_o shall_v be_v less_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o more_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v 23._o 1._o cor._n 10._o 23._o not_o expedient_a all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o in_o this_o capacity_n man_n be_v still_o in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n they_o may_v safe_o act_v and_o where_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n they_o may_v forbear_v in_o compliance_n with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o advance_v to_o the_o same_o maturity_n of_o judgement_n with_o themselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v though_o say_v he_o i_o be_v free_a from_o all_o man_n yet_o have_v i_o etc._n 1_o cor._n 9_o 19_o etc._n etc._n make_v myself_o servant_n unto_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o more_o and_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v a_o jew_n etc._n etc._n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o strong_a shall_v not_o despise_v affront_n or_o discourage_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o strong_a in_o the_o three_o capacity_n as_o we_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o religious_a society_n so_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n come_v under_o further_a consideration_n since_o then_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o command_v of_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o as_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v when_o alone_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v in_o conversation_n because_o of_o offence_n so_o what_o we_o may_v allowable_o do_v when_o alone_o or_o in_o conversation_n we_o must_v not_o do_v in_o society_n if_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o it_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o that_o restrain_v or_o determine_v we_o in_o conversation_n be_v as_o much_o more_o forcible_a in_o society_n as_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o not_o grieve_v a_o brother_n or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n make_v it_o reasonable_a just_a and_o necessary_a to_o forego_v our_o liberty_n and_o to_o restrain_v ourselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o then_o much_o more_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o which_o the_o present_a welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o future_a welfare_n of_o many_o depend_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o so_o do_v and_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v according_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o 2._o rom._n 15._o 2._o edification_n that_o be_v to_o his_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n or_o grace_n or_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christian_n concord_n and_o charity_n now_o edification_n be_v eminent_o so_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o every_o christian_n one_o of_o the_o live_a stone_n of_o which_o that_o spiritual_a building_n be_v compact_v 5._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o so_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o study_v what_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o any_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o how_o be_v that_o but_o by_o promote_a love_n peace_n and_o order_n and_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o so_o we_o find_v edification_n oppose_v 16._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 26._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o rom._n 14._o 19_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11._o eph._n 4._o 12_o 16._o to_o destruction_n to_o confusion_n to_o disputacity_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o find_v peace_n and_o edify_v comfort_n and_o edification_n union_n and_o edification_n join_v together_o as_o the_o one_o do_v promote_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o be_v always_o in_o our_o eye_n so_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o act_v in_o all_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v comply_v with_o its_o custom_n observe_v its_o direction_n and_o obey_v its_o order_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n thus_o the_o apostle_n resolve_v the_o case_n write_v about_o public_a order_n and_o the_o custom_n new_o take_v up_o of_o worship_v uncover_v if_o any_o man_n seem_v or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contention_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o church_n of_o god_n look_v
not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o our_o service_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n wherein_o their_o conscience_n can_v be_v concern_v but_o only_o they_o be_v not_o please_v with_o many_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n as_o fancy_v they_o not_o to_o be_v so_o decent_a or_o convenient_a or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o prudent_o order_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o admit_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o they_o fancy_v they_o yet_o still_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o they_o it_o can_v go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o any_o assembly_n in_o which_o they_o be_v practise_v because_o conscience_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v be_v not_o touch_v be_v not_o affect_v where_o no_o law_n of_o god_n be_v transgress_v in_o the_o four_o place_n all_o those_o that_o be_v keep_v from_o our_o communion_n pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n that_o be_v of_o another_o persuasion_n those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o our_o worship_n but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v breed_v in_o another_o way_n or_o those_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o but_o that_o they_o know_v a_o great_a many_o religious_a godly_a person_n that_o do_v condemn_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v at_o we_o these_o now_o may_v be_v very_o well_o mean_v man_n but_o yet_o they_o can_v reasonable_o plead_v conscience_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n education_n or_o the_o example_n or_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n that_o make_v any_o action_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v that_o action_n and_o therefore_o before_o i_o can_v say_v that_o this_o or_o the_o other_o action_n be_v against_o my_o conscience_n i_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n law_n have_v 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right_o use_v the_o power_n which_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o but_o have_v exceed_v their_o bound_n have_v make_v perhaps_o too_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n or_o lay_v more_o stress_n than_o be_v meet_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n these_o likewise_o be_v exclude_v by_o the_o former_a rule_n from_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n for_o admit_v the_o lawgiver_n have_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o these_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v soon_o say_v then_o prove_v and_o have_v real_o do_v more_o than_o they_o can_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o they_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o governor_n be_v indeed_o deep_o concern_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o authority_n if_o there_o be_v any_o but_o how_o this_o do_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v not_o easy_o understand_v so_o long_o as_o 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thrice_o than_o to_o do_v it_o once_o and_o do_v it_o constant_o than_o to_o do_v it_o thrice_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v the_o false_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n and_o come_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o that_o can_v true_o say_v it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o our_o communion_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v teal_o believe_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a or_o that_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v as_o for_o those_o that_o only_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v they_o because_o they_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o communicate_v with_o we_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v say_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o 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be_v his_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n most_o earnest_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o well_o but_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v use_v all_o those_o prudent_a mean_n that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n that_o he_o be_v viz._n that_o he_o can_v join_v in_o our_o worship_n without_o sin_n what_o will_v we_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v we_o still_o say_v that_o this_o man_n must_v either_o conform_v though_o against_o his_o conscience_n or_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a before_o god_n this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o or_o of_o the_o 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they_o have_v one_o will_v think_v that_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n they_o shall_v before_o they_o pronounce_v conformity_n to_o be_v unlawful_a be_v able_a to_o produce_v some_o one_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o prove_v it_o so_o either_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v they_o do_v indeed_o produce_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v do_v make_v for_o they_o but_o real_o they_o be_v such_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o supine_o take_v up_o their_o meaning_n upon_o trust_n but_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o careful_o examine_v they_o and_o use_v such_o help_n as_o they_o have_v every_o where_o at_o hand_n for_o the_o understanding_n they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o have_v expound_v those_o text_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o will_v infer_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n but_o further_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o dissenter_n who_o condemn_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a have_v ever_o anxious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o consider_v the_o point_n or_o gain_v satisfaction_n about_o it_o because_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o consult_v their_o own_o teacher_n in_o this_o affair_n and_o much_o less_o those_o of_o our_o way_n if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v have_v be_v dispose_v to_o think_v better_o of_o our_o communion_n than_o they_o do_v for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o the_o churchman_n do_v teach_v &_o press_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o eminent_a of_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v ready_a thus_o far_o to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o our_o communion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o but_o what_o a_o lay-person_n may_v honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n incovenient_a and_o which_o they_o wish_v be_v amend_v nay_o they_o themselves_o be_v ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o afford_v we_o their_o company_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o lay-communion_n but_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v a_o invidious_a one_o all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o we_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o church_n constitution_n that_o they_o have_v do_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o it_o but_o have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n hand_n over_o head_n without_o much_o think_n or_o inquire_v and_o have_v once_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n they_o adhere_v to_o it_o without_o scarce_o so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n that_o may_v with_o reason_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o point_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n give_v we_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v no_o end_n no_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o his_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o who_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thither_o have_v the_o indifference_n of_o a_o traveller_n to_o who_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o his_o way_n light_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a be_v only_o concern_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o concern_v himself_o as_o little_a as_o you_o please_v in_o the_o speculative_a dispute_n and_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o be_v wonderful_o solicitous_a about_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o will_v refuse_v no_o pain_n or_o trouble_n that_o may_v give_v he_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a heat_n and_o division_n and_o different_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o modest_a and_o humble_a and_o docible_a that_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o his_o private_a friend_n may_v be_v mistake_v too_o and_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o governor_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o to_o admit_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o may_v see_v far_o into_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o every_o tenent_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v inbibe_v in_o his_o education_n that_o be_v infuse_v by_o private_a man_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n or_o that_o be_v espouse_v upon_o a_o very_a few_o thought_n and_o little_a consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o stiff_o maintain_v as_o to_o control_v or_o to_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o public_a establishment_n of_o authority_n last_o give_v we_o a_o man_n that_o where_o the_o public_a law_n do_v run_v counter_a to_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n to_o reconcile_v his_o duty_n to_o man_n with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n yet_o do_v not_o present_o upon_o this_o set_v up_o a_o flag_n of_o defiance_n to_o authority_n but_o rather_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o the_o indifference_n and_o honesty_n he_o can_v to_o get_v a_o true_a information_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o for_o his_o assistance_n he_o call_v in_o the_o best_a help_n and_o consult_v the_o best_a guide_n he_o can_v his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o what_o both_o side_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o and_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o read_v a_o book_n which_o be_v write_v against_o his_o opinion_n as_o one_o that_o defend_v
be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o governor_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n no_o nor_o by_o as_o learned_a and_o religious_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o divine_n by_o far_o the_o most_o and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o as_o able_a as_o any_o be_v clear_o of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unlawful_a in_o our_o worship_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v be_v at_o least_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n if_o not_o pure_a and_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o very_o obscure_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o hardly_o to_o be_v find_v out_o it_o be_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o innocent_o and_o inculpable_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a little_a or_o no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o to_o act_v against_o it_o because_o if_o it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o know_v this_o law_n it_o can_v be_v his_o sin_n that_o his_o practice_n be_v not_o according_a to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o only_o to_o be_v gather_v by_o such_o remote_a consequence_n it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v it_o and_o then_o far_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o if_o conformity_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o worship_n shall_v prove_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n yet_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o man_n person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o damage_n arise_v either_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o any_o man_n be_v a_o conformist_n but_o 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we_o disobey_v they_o too_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o we_o have_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n of_o old_a and_o far_o the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o we_o well_o but_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o sin_n the_o greatness_n of_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v estimate_v i_o speak_v as_o to_o the_o material_a part_n of_o it_o with_o which_o we_o be_v here_o concern_v why_o they_o be_v most_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o by_o this_o unnatual_a separation_n we_o do_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o division_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n and_o lend_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o all_o those_o animosity_n and_o hatred_n all_o that_o bitter_a contention_n and_o strife_n and_o uncharitableness_n which_o have_v long_o tear_v the_o very_a bowel_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o give_v occasion_n to_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n which_o have_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o it_o we_o put_v affront_v upon_o our_o lawful_a governor_n who_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o give_v scandal_n to_o all_o our_o brethren_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o live_v peaceable_o and_o pious_o and_o last_o as_o we_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a handle_n and_o pretence_n to_o all_o discontent_a and_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_n against_o the_o best_a of_o government_n so_o we_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_n the_o best_a constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n this_o now_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_v church_n among_o we_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n to_o determine_v whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n though_o that_o doubt_v be_v back_v with_o great_a probability_n than_o do_v appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v with_o all_o the_o probability_n that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o doubt_n can_v have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n as_o separation_n in_o our_o case_n do_v involve_v a_o man_n in_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o unconcerned_a person_n but_o will_v pronounce_v that_o suppose_v where_o there_o be_v doubt_n on_o both_o side_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n certain_o bind_v to_o choose_v communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n rather_o than_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o but_o now_o after_o all_o this_o be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n who_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o that_o after_o a_o consideration_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o or_o against_o conformity_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o more_o probable_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o withal_o that_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o will_v involve_v he_o in_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o in_o worse_a consequence_n than_o to_o continue_v in_o separation_n i_o say_v if_o any_o man_n have_v so_o unfortunate_a a_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o estimate_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n such_o a_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o continue_v a_o nonconformist_n than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n but_o then_o let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o for_o his_o act_n in_o this_o case_n according_a to_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o a_o doubt_v conscience_n will_v not_o as_o i_o say_v before_o at_o all_o acquit_v he_o either_o of_o the_o gild_n or_o consequence_n of_o criminal_a schism_n and_o disobedience_n suppose_v that_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o along_o under_o a_o mistake_n as_o we_o say_v he_o certain_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o our_o communion_n that_o he_o may_v not_o honest_o and_o lawful_o comply_v with_o as_o there_o certain_o be_v not_o unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o man_n fall_v into_o these_o mistake_n without_o any_o fault_n
or_o leave_v out_o of_o it_o till_o all_o party_n among_o we_o be_v satisfy_v which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v as_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o our_o become_a more_o true_o christian_n in_o our_o life_n and_o temper_n they_o be_v our_o vicious_a disposition_n more_o than_o our_o different_a apprehension_n that_o keep_v we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n let_v the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v what_o they_o will_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v the_o same_o quarrelsome_a mind_n and_o industrious_o seek_v for_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v they_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n before_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o their_o governor_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v plain_a our_o division_n and_o animosity_n will_v not_o can_v cease_v but_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o which_o be_v to_o propound_v to_o you_o the_o best_a way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n may_v get_v rid_v of_o and_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o scruple_n where_o i_o shall_v especial_o consider_v those_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o communicate_v with_o our_o parish-church_n you_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o and_o answer_v the_o particular_a exception_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o constant_a communion_n with_o we_o but_o only_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o advise_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o will_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o remove_v those_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o yet_o detain_v so_o many_o in_o a_o state_n of_o utter_a separation_n from_o we_o or_o at_o least_o discourage_v their_o total_a and_o hearty_a join_v with_o we_o which_o charitable_a design_n and_o attempt_v however_o unsuccessful_a i_o may_v be_v in_o it_o yet_o can_v i_o hope_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o who_o conscience_n be_v pester_v with_o such_o scruple_n since_o i_o endeavour_v only_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o those_o mistake_v which_o beside_o the_o disservice_n they_o do_v to_o religion_n and_o the_o protestant_a interest_n do_v also_o expose_v they_o to_o trouble_v and_o danger_n from_o the_o public_a law_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n of_o many_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v insist_v only_o on_o these_o follow_v 1._o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o high_a and_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n almighty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n will_v be_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n according_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o shall_v we_o judge_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v most_o offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o now_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o can_v that_o man_n 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with_o variety_n of_o word_n or_o the_o copiousness_n of_o our_o invention_n or_o the_o elegancy_n of_o our_o phrase_n and_o style_n be_v it_o not_o the_o heart_n and_o inward_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o god_n principal_o respect_v in_o all_o our_o prayer_n or_o can_v we_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v shut_v his_o ear_n against_o the_o unite_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n because_o offend_v at_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o garment_n in_o which_o the_o minister_n officiate_n suppose_v two_o person_n both_o with_o equal_a preparation_n with_o true_a repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n one_o of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a blessing_n and_o out_o of_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o benefit_n therein_o confer_v upon_o he_o take_v the_o sacrament_n upon_o his_o knee_n in_o the_o humble_a posture_n the_o other_o sit_v or_o stand_v can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v effectual_a or_o beneficial_a or_o that_o god_n bless_v it_o only_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o he_o if_o he_o also_o have_v receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o surmise_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v sure_o to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o low_a poor_a humoursome_a be_v like_o a_o father_n that_o shall_v disinherit_v his_o child_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n most_o dutiful_a to_o he_o and_o every_o way_n deserve_v his_o great_a kindness_n only_o because_o he_o do_v not_o like_o his_o complexion_n or_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o hair_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a any_o person_n be_v to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o the_o less_o he_o will_v stand_v upon_o little_a punctilio_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o minute_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v exact_o describe_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n at_o all_o to_o vary_v from_o they_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o because_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o and_o those_o many_o nice_a observance_n that_o be_v appoint_v be_v not_o command_v for_o themselves_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o excellency_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v all_o now_o do_v away_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n the_o only_a thing_n always_o please_v to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a rational_a service_n god_n now_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o very_a fond_a and_o captious_a be_v who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n though_o we_o be_v most_o hearty_a and_o devout_a in_o they_o yet_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o he_o only_o 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galatia_n yet_o no_o one_o member_n of_o they_o be_v ever_o command_v to_o come_v out_o or_o separate_v from_o those_o church_n to_o join_v in_o a_o pure_a congregation_n or_o to_o avoid_v mix_v communion_n or_o for_o better_a edification_n for_o man_n to_o be_v drink_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v certain_o a_o worse_a fault_n than_o to_o kneel_v at_o it_o or_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o advise_v any_o to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n but_o only_o every_o one_o to_o examine_v himself_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v without_o sin_n submit_v to_o a_o hundred_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o our_o mind_n or_o we_o have_v rather_o let_v alone_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n so_o desirable_a in_o itself_o so_o necessary_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n for_o our_o common_a interest_n and_o safety_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o what_o i_o may_v without_o 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church-division_n as_o they_o be_v of_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n or_o any_o other_o enormous_a crime_n and_o do_v man_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o schism_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n let_v we_o therefore_o divert_v our_o fear_n and_o scruple_n upon_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v far_o more_o certain_a that_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n be_v sinful_a than_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n or_o pray_v by_o a_o book_n be_v such_o why_o then_o have_v man_n such_o invincible_a scruple_n about_o one_o and_o none_o at_o all_o about_o the_o other_o they_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o separate_a assembly_n which_o sure_o be_v more_o like_a to_o schismatical_a conventicle_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o church_n be_v to_o idolatry_n let_v man_n be_v as_o scrupulous_a and_o fearful_a of_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n of_o subjection_n peaceableness_n and_o charity_n as_o they_o be_v of_o worship_v god_n after_o a_o impure_a manner_n and_o this_o alone_a will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o make_v up_o those_o breach_n which_o threaten_v sudden_a ruin_n to_o our_o church_n and_o nation_n i_o only_o add_v here_o that_o in_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v use_v any_o argument_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o many_o of_o those_o very_a minister_n who_o now_o dissent_n from_o we_o do_v teach_v and_o maintain_v and_o print_v too_o against_o the_o independent_o and_o other_o sectary_n that_o divide_v from_o they_o when_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o parish-church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a doctrine_n against_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o corruption_n for_o pure_a ordinance_n in_o those_o day_n i_o see_v not_o why_o it_o be_v not_o as_o good_a against_o themselves_o when_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o pretence_n and_o no_o other_o they_o divide_v from_o we_o now_o the_o lord_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o then_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o finis_fw-la some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n london_n print_v by_o h._n hill_n jun._n for_o t._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n b._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o f._n gardiner_n and_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1683._o of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v concern_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n that_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o mention_v any_o one_o thing_n require_v of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n judge_v by_o they_o absolute_o sinful_a on_o the_o account_n of_o which_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o justifiable_a they_o either_o put_v we_o off_o with_o some_o inconvenience_n inexpedience_n or_o corruption_n as_o they_o call_v they_o some_o thing_n appoint_v and_o use_v which_o in_o their_o opinion_n render_v our_o service_n less_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o chief_a of_o which_o exception_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o several_a discourse_n late_o write_v with_o great_a temper_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v they_o do_v not_o see_v but_o a_o good_a christian_a may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o and_o devout_o our_o way_n and_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n live_v and_o die_v in_o our_o communion_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v long_o join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o at_o least_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n as_o be_v by_o law_n require_v which_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o such_o dreadful_a consequence_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o st._n matt._n 18._o 6._o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_n of_o he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom_n 14._o 15._o now_o this_o case_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n i_o have_v undertake_v brief_o to_o consider_v where_o i_o once_o for_o all_o suppose_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v who_o make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o church_n that_o nothing_o be_v among_o we_o impose_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o itself_o sinful_a require_v by_o our_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o plea_n of_o scandal_n that_o alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o i_o discourse_v therefore_o at_o this_o present_a only_a with_o such_o who_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a can_v well_o enough_o join_v with_o we_o but_o dare_v not_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o offend_a those_o who_o yet_o scruple_n and_o be_v dissatisfy_v at_o the_o use_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n nor_o do_v i_o design_v exact_o to_o handle_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o scandal_n or_o elaborate_o explain_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v it_o or_o state_n the_o case_n there_o treat_v of_o nor_o shall_v i_o now_o meddle_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o superior_n how_o far_o they_o ought_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o charge_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o this_o one_o question_n whether_o there_o do_v lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o any_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o to_o absent_a from_o his_o parish_n church_n or_o to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n by_o law_n appoint_v for_o fear_v of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o of_o all_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o three_o how_o
can_v charge_v the_o church_n with_o any_o plain_a degeneracy_n or_o open_a apostasy_n from_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n when_o any_o particular_a church_n degenerate_v plain_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n there_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o determine_v how_o far_o she_o forfeit_v all_o that_o respect_n that_o she_o may_v otherwise_o claim_v from_o man_n nor_o how_o much_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o single_a person_n may_v vie_v with_o she_o perhaps_o when_o the_o church_n be_v degenerate_v into_o arrianism_n the_o judgement_n of_o athanasius_n and_o some_o few_o other_o bishop_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o that_o of_o a_o whole_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o horrid_a apostasy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n perhaps_o the_o single_a doctrine_n of_o john_n huss_n be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o constance_n but_o still_o in_o both_o these_o case_n or_o any_o other_o parallel_a one_o that_o respect_v derive_v itself_o not_o from_o their_o person_n but_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n our_o church_n do_v challenge_v and_o triumph_v over_o all_o charge_n of_o any_o such_o apostasy_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o contest_v with_o she_o by_o any_o of_o these_o man_n be_v about_o thing_n confess_o doubtful_a and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n about_o which_o to_o say_v the_o least_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o single_a person_n may_v err_v and_o mistake_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n unless_o in_o this_o also_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n man_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o gross_a tenet_n in_o popery_n that_o single_a person_n may_v more_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o man_n deride_v and_o think_v he_o can_v baffle_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n and_o therefore_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o own_o either_o arrogate_a it_o to_o himself_o or_o ascribe_v it_o to_o another_o for_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o his_o pretence_n be_v as_o just_a as_o another_o man_n i_o e._n indeed_o they_o be_v both_o monstrous_o unreasonable_a and_o yet_o alas_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o source_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o age_n nor_o need_v i_o be_v condemn_v for_o stay_v a_o little_a while_n to_o drop_v a_o tear_n upon_o it_o man_n turn_v dictator_n in_o religion_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o dream_n as_o magisterial_o upon_o their_o follower_n as_o if_o they_o be_v oracular_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v their_o disciple_n hang_v as_o much_o upon_o their_o single_a authority_n and_o confidence_n and_o yield_v as_o absolute_a and_o implicit_a faith_n to_o all_o their_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o any_o poor_a papist_n against_o who_o they_o exclaim_v so_o tragical_o for_o blind_a obedience_n and_o faith_n they_o be_v keep_v in_o as_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o their_o placit_n and_o dare_v no_o more_o read_v and_o consult_v book_n that_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v they_o than_o a_o poor_a papist_n dare_n let_v a_o prohibit_v book_n be_v see_v in_o his_o house_n by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o inquisition_n if_o ever_o people_n follow_v their_o leader_n blindfold_a these_o man_n do_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o they_o have_v their_o person_n in_o admiration_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v not_o say_v of_o some_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n or_o at_o least_o some_o mean_a reason_n equivalent_a thereto_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o submit_v to_o mean_n of_o information_n they_o common_o say_v they_o be_v satisfy_v already_o and_o the_o single_a bluster_a of_o one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbi_n shall_v signify_v more_o with_o they_o than_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o sober_a man_n live_v beside_o but_o i_o be_o insensible_o draw_v aside_o from_o my_o chief_a subject_n which_o be_v not_o to_o treat_v so_o much_o of_o a_o respect_n of_o credit_n and_o faith_n as_o of_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o just_o due_a from_o we_o to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o any_o private_a person_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o fail_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unjust_a for_o man_n to_o be_v more_o regardless_o of_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o set_v up_o one_o single_a man_n opinion_n against_o that_o of_o many_o other_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n and_o every_o way_n both_o as_o know_v and_o as_o upright_o as_o himself_o whatever_o consideration_n there_o be_v to_o determine_v our_o charity_n to_o single_a person_n there_o be_v the_o same_o at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a towards_o the_o church_n and_o as_o strong_a reason_n to_o restrain_v we_o from_o offend_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o whatever_o become_v a_o argument_n in_o one_o case_n be_v equal_o so_o also_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o effectual_a with_o we_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o distinguish_v without_o any_o reason_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o partial_a and_o unjust_a respect_n let_v man_n be_v please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o consult_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o or_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o and_o their_o thought_n will_v soon_o be_v resolve_v in_o this_o matter_n they_o will_v find_v the_o one_o call_v for_o as_o much_o deference_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o private_a person_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o careful_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o in_o all_o case_n extreme_o careful_a not_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v in_o instance_n enough_o that_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o read_v and_o can_v scarce_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o any_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a easy_a postulatum_fw-la a_o very_a modest_a and_o reasonable_a intimation_n and_o yet_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v a_o good_a point_n gain_v and_o a_o very_a good_a step_n towards_o our_o peace_n be_v man_n hearty_a in_o their_o concession_n of_o it_o will_v man_n pay_v but_o the_o same_o deference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o her_o constitution_n as_o they_o ready_o do_v to_o their_o own_o single_a opinion_n or_o the_o confident_a suggestion_n of_o some_o admire_a leader_n we_o may_v quick_o hope_v to_o see_v some_o end_n of_o our_o question_n and_o dispute_n and_o will_v they_o be_v but_o as_o tender_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o public_a as_o they_o be_v of_o do_v so_o to_o every_o little_a person_n 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and_o i_o perceive_v you_o mean_v that_o it_o please_v you_o to_o find_v it_o not_o write_v in_o a_o heat_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o censorious_a or_o peevish_a humour_n or_o of_o a_o haughty_a contempt_n of_o those_o he_o deal_v with_o therein_o express_v and_o he_o hope_v that_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n you_o be_v no_o less_o please_v with_o the_o other_o resolution_n of_o case_n which_o bear_v this_o company_n but_o he_o think_v it_o no_o mighty_a attainment_n to_o be_v able_a in_o write_v to_o manage_v a_o controversy_n cool_o and_o sedate_o without_o bitter_a or_o provoke_a reflection_n or_o contemptuous_a expression_n though_o man_n of_o warm_a temper_n may_v find_v it_o somewhat_o difficult_a to_o govern_v their_o spirit_n and_o passion_n as_o it_o become_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o humility_n or_o good_a nature_n or_o of_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n shall_v make_v it_o no_o hard_a matter_n to_o acquire_v that_o other_o attainment_n and_o much_o more_o that_o no_o one_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o spirit_n and_o temper_n as_o well_o as_o in_o notion_n and_o profession_n can_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o but_o enough_o of_o this_o in_o your_o second_o paragraph_n you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o our_o author_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o pain_n in_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o distance_n between_o our_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o reason_n you_o give_v for_o the_o needlesness_n of_o so_o do_v your_o reason_n be_v two_o first_o because_o he_o argue_v chief_o for_o communion_n in_o worship_n and_o second_o you_o never_o meet_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n charge_v as_o popish_a nor_o our_o church_n reflect_v on_o as_o symbolise_v with_o that_o idolatrous_a church_n in_o point_n of_o 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that_o very_o few_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n do_v understand_v how_o anti-popish_a they_o be_v though_o they_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o as_o popish_a and_o i_o doubt_v you_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o i_o be_o sure_a very_o many_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o who_o have_v reflect_v upon_o our_o church_n as_o a_o idolatrous_a church_n though_o you_o never_o hear_v she_o accuse_v as_o symbolise_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o they_o will_v find_v it_o somewhat_o hard_a to_o understand_v how_o a_o church_n can_v be_v idolatrous_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o yet_o be_v pure_a in_o her_o doctrine_n from_o any_o tang_n of_o idolatry_n sure_o her_o practice_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o her_o doctrine_n or_o they_o will_v be_v strange_a practice_n indeed_o and_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a if_o she_o shall_v practise_v idola_fw-la try_v and_o yet_o believe_v nothing_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o that_o foul_a sin_n nay_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v as_o opposite_a to_o idolatry_n as_o light_a to_o darkness_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o to_o our_o author_n purpose_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n of_o many_o against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n and_o what_o can_v signify_v more_o to_o their_o conviction_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o opinion_n than_o the_o show_v how_o abhorrent_n to_o popery_n our_o church_n be_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o what_o a_o testimony_n she_o bear_v in_o her_o article_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o the_o practice_n which_o she_o found_v upon_o those_o doctrine_n as_o to_o the_o several_a addition_n you_o say_v may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o 4._o the_o the_o the_o pag._n 4._o anti-popish_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o 39_o article_n our_o author_n conceive_v he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o oversight_n in_o not_o prevent_v you_o because_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o anti-popish_a but_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o sect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o abhorrer_n of_o popery_n as_o well_o as_o papist_n and_o other_o of_o they_o our_o author_n have_v not_o omit_v but_o if_o you_o will_v look_v again_o you_o may_v find_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n viz._n those_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o artic._n vi_o and_o artic._n xi_o this_o under_o the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n flat_o contradict_v the_o holy_a scripture_n pag._n 9_o that_o under_o the_o head_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o each_o of_o the_o two_o church_n find_v its_o whole_a religion_n pag._n 18._o now_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v from_o this_o first_o part_n of_o his_o performance_n which_o you_o say_v 4._o say_v say_v say_v pag._n 4._o you_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v and_o whereas_o you_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v in_o they_o nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o add_v that_o you_o dare_v say_v there_o be_v not_o a_o judicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o answer_v if_o there_o be_v any_o injudicious_a dissenter_n in_o england_n that_o will_v say_v they_o have_v i_o hope_v these_o poor_a people_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v as_o that_o we_o shall_v use_v no_o mean_n for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o they_o but_o our_o author_n will_v have_v you_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v what_o he_o design_v which_o be_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v not_o to_o show_v that_o the_o 39_o article_n have_v nothing_o of_o kin_n to_o popery_n but_o that_o they_o be_v most_o abhorrent_n from_o it_o and_o that_o our_o church_n be_v at_o the_o wide_a and_o vast_a distance_n from_o popery_n in_o her_o doctrinal_n and_o consequent_o one_o will_v think_v too_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n but_o our_o author_n do_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o to_o prove_v this_o by_o this_o consequence_n but_o go_v on_o to_o show_v it_o in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o matter_n of_o practice_n after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o return_v now_o to_o your_o second_o page_n you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v mighty_o satisfactory_a to_o you_o to_o hear_v our_o author_n assure_v you_o that_o our_o church_n allow_v her_o member_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n etc._n etc._n but_o sir_n you_o need_v no_o author_n to_o assure_v you_o of_o this_o since_o our_o church_n have_v do_v it_o as_o full_o as_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n and_o our_o author_n no_o otherwise_o assure_v you_o of_o it_o than_o by_o cite_v our_o church_n article_n but_o whereas_o you_o add_v that_o this_o you_o can_v but_o think_v impli_v a_o liberty_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v and_o judge_n but_o to_o do_v also_o according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o judge_v sure_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o able_a to_o think_v otherwise_o when_o you_o have_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o thought_n viz._n that_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o law_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o allow_v to_o man_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n according_a to_o this_o large_a notion_n and_o that_o therefore_o our_o church_n do_v faulty_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o have_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o government_n and_o discipline_n you_o next_o say_v that_o our_o author_n speak_v very_o true_a as_o to_o the_o popish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o that_o those_o in_o our_o church_n be_v
from_o thence_o on_o supposition_n you_o can_v make_v good_a proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a your_o design_n in_o all_o this_o talk_n be_v to_o justify_v if_o not_o a_o total_a yet_o a_o partial_a separation_n you_o do_v indeed_o to_o conceal_v nothing_o of_o your_o candour_n after_o all_o acknowledge_v 7._o acknowledge_v acknowledge_v acknowledge_v p._n 7._o that_o you_o be_v very_o far_o from_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o multitude_n of_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o our_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la that_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o excuse_v separation_n from_o their_o church_n nay_o you_o say_v 9_o say_v say_v say_v p._n 9_o that_o hundred_o of_o the_o speak_a church_n be_v as_o we_o believe_v as_o far_o from_o symbolise_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o mean_v in_o doctrine_n as_o the_o article_n and_o that_o in_o this_o thing_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o silent_a as_o well_o as_o this_o part_n of_o the_o speak_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a and_o in_o thus_o declare_v you_o condemn_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o separate_a it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n divine_n and_o those_o which_o you_o account_v heterodox_n be_v much_o alike_o boggle_v at_o but_o i_o fear_v when_o all_o be_v do_v you_o condemn_v only_a separation_n in_o heart_n from_o these_o orthodox_n man_n your_o undertake_n in_o your_o 8_o page_n make_v i_o fear_v this_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o valuable_a person_n in_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a congregation_n shall_v give_v any_o reasonable_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o heart_n divide_v from_o a_o single_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o speak_v in_o matter_n concern_v doctrine_n as_o our_o church_n do_v in_o her_o article_n but_o if_o you_o think_v that_o all_o the_o communion_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o these_o divines_n be_v only_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v think_v they_o orthodox_n and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o but_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o nay_o and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v they_o we_o thank_v you_o for_o nothing_o this_o be_v such_o church_n communion_n as_o will_v well_o consist_v with_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n but_o i_o pray_v do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o this_o while_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o we_o take_v to_o be_v in_o some_o point_v heterodox_n nay_o upon_o supposition_n that_o your_o ecclesia_fw-la loquens_fw-la do_v as_o general_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n do_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o grant_v that_o separation_n from_o their_o congregation_n be_v lawful_a except_o there_o be_v a_o constraint_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o subscribe_v to_o their_o heterodox_n opinion_n till_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v of_o the_o jew_n separation_n from_o the_o pharisee_n which_o you_o never_o can_v but_o the_o contrary_n who_o can_v show_v he_o bid_v his_o disciple_n indeed_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o so_o be_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o such_o heterodox_n teacher_n but_o not_o so_o to_o beware_v of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o come_v within_o their_o church_n for_o that_o that_o caution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o interpret_v appear_v not_o only_o from_o his_o own_o practice_n who_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o separatist_n from_o the_o jewish_a temple_n or_o synagogue_n and_o by_o what_o he_o say_v mat._n 23._o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o your_o 9th_o page_n you_o return_v to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o our_o author_n and_o first_o you_o reflect_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o his_o book_n p._n 24._o but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o agree_v in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n see_v whatsoever_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o forbid_v by_o any_o moral_a or_o positive_a law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o you_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o obvious_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o if_o our_o author_n stop_v here_o but_o he_o thus_o proceed_v and_o whereas_o certain_a circumstance_n will_v make_v thing_n that_o in_o themselves_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o sin_n to_o be_v either_o duty_n or_o sin_n and_o to_o fall_v by_o consequence_n under_o some_o divine_a command_n or_o prohibition_n i_o have_v admire_v how_o this_o circumstance_n of_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v being_n use_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v think_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v sinful_a so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o our_o author_n word_n that_o he_o have_v wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o church_n may_v lawful_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v and_o whereas_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n direct_o be_v notwithstanding_o forbid_v thereby_o consequential_o he_o have_v admire_v how_o the_o mere_a circumstance_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v speak_v it_o to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n consequential_o and_o then_o he_o immediate_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o of_o those_o law_n give_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o prohibit_v their_o imitate_v the_o do_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n which_o be_v urge_v by_o nonconformist_n to_o prove_v it_o unlawful_a to_o imitate_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o mere_a indifferent_a nature_n and_o that_o that_o circumstance_n of_o their_o be_v practise_v by_o that_o church_n make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v indifferent_a and_o to_o become_v sinful_a and_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v gather_v from_o these_o law_n and_o how_o i_o pray_v be_v this_o a_o obvious_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o a_o church_n symbolise_v or_o agree_v in_o some_o thing_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o warrant_n for_o separatian_n from_o the_o church_n so_o agree_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o question_n which_o our_o author_n handle_v but_o you_o next_o make_v a_o question_n for_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v this_o 10._o this_o this_o this_o p._n 10._o whether_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a be_v still_o indifferent_a as_o to_o christian_n use_n in_o god_n worship_n when_o it_o have_v be_v once_o use_v in_o idolatrous_a service_n if_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v neither_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act_n nor_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o nor_o such_o without_o which_o it_o can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v but_o our_o author_n much_o more_o wonder_n how_o this_o shall_v become_v a_o question_n than_o how_o that_o of_o his_o own_o propound_v shall_v for_o first_o there_o be_v three_o apparent_a contradiction_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v concern_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o natural_o necessary_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a act._n it_o be_v so_o too_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o vnsuitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n again_o to_o say_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o yet_o such_o as_o without_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n can_v in_o common_a judgement_n be_v decent_o perform_v for_o you_o must_v mean_v by_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v so_o in_o divine_a worship_n for_o otherwise_o you_o trifle_v egregious_o in_o put_v this_o question_n or_o make_v your_o nonconformist_n so_o to_o do_v for_o who_o you_o put_v it_o but_o you_o abuse_v they_o if_o you_o do_v so_o for_o that_o which_o divers_a of_o they_o do_v
church_n impose_v they_o not_o as_o the_o other_o do_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o her_o member_n as_o thing_n of_o necessity_n as_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o meritorious_a service_n and_o you_o need_v not_o one_o word_n more_o of_o answer_n to_o what_o you_o object_n against_o this_o than_o you_o have_v have_v already_o give_v you_o viz._n pag._n 6._o in_o your_o 25_o page_n you_o begin_v as_o our_o author_n do_v with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o surplice_n and_o 1._o you_o say_v he_o right_o observe_v that_o all_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o wear_v it_o and_o this_o be_v sagacious_o indeed_o observe_v by_o he_o if_o he_o do_v observe_v it_o but_o he_o only_o say_v that_o he_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o who_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o wear_v it_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o our_o church_n by_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o so_o innocent_a a_o thing_n as_o he_o before_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o our_o church_n but_o show_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o innocent_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v not_o scandalize_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o for_o all_o that_o you_o know_v that_o not_o a_o few_o dissenter_n do_v profess_v to_o be_v so_o 3._o you_o say_v that_o you_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o use_v a_o garment_n of_o the_o same_o form_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n though_o they_o use_v some_o garment_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n so_o that_o you_o doubt_v whether_o in_o that_o we_o do_v symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o no._n i_o be_v in_o good_a hope_n when_o i_o have_v read_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o controversy_n between_o you_o and_o our_o author_n about_o this_o ceremony_n but_o i_o present_o find_v myself_o mistake_v for_o 4._o you_o make_v we_o notwithstanding_o faulty_o to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v this_o garment_n to_o be_v wear_v but_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o you_o say_v it_o be_v neither_o mere_o for_o necessity_n nor_o natural_a decency_n nor_o ornament_n nor_o for_o distinction_n but_o i_o say_v that_o this_o garment_n be_v require_v both_o for_o ornament_n and_o distinction_n you_o say_v it_o be_v not_o require_v for_o either_o because_o all_o minister_n wear_v it_o not_o at_o other_o time_n but_o i_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o it_o be_v require_v as_o a_o ornamental_a garment_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o distinction_n between_o a_o minister_n officiate_a and_o not_o officiate_a you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o judge_n scarlet_a be_v neither_o for_o ornament_n nor_o distinction_n and_o see_v it_o be_v such_o a_o offence_n that_o this_o garment_n shall_v be_v appropriate_v to_o divine_a worship_n i_o desire_v you_o sir_n at_o your_o leisure_n to_o answer_v our_o famous_a hooker_n question_n viz._n to_o solemn_a action_n of_o royalty_n and_o edit_n eccl._n pol._n book_n 5_o p._n 228._o last_o edit_n justice_n their_o suitable_a ornament_n be_v a_o beauty_n be_v they_o only_o in_o religion_n a_o stain_n time_n be_v when_o put_v on_o a_o gown_n mere_o for_o the_o desk_n and_o pulpit_n be_v account_v no_o offence_n by_o nonconforming_a minister_n and_o consequent_o they_o do_v not_o then_o espy_v any_o unlawfulness_n in_o appropriate_v a_o garment_n to_o religious_a exercise_n nor_o do_v we_o place_v one_o jot_n more_o holiness_n in_o a_o surplice_n than_o in_o a_o gown_n or_o cloak_n either_o but_o you_o say_v may_v not_o jealousy_n of_o some_o homage_n by_o it_o intend_v to_o god_n and_o such_o thought_n as_o those_o you_o suggest_v arise_v in_o weak_a christian_n i_o answer_v whether_o these_o thought_n may_v arise_v in_o they_o or_o no_o you_o take_v as_o effectual_a a_o course_n as_o you_o can_v that_o they_o shall_v arise_v in_o they_o and_o as_o for_o homage_n intend_v to_o god_n by_o wear_v the_o surplice_n i_o do_v think_v any_o christian_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o fancy_n such_o a_o thing_n if_o you_o and_o other_o will_v but_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o objection_n against_o innocent_a thing_n when_o you_o may_v employ_v your_o time_n with_o they_o to_o infinite_o better_a purpose_n i_o pray_v sir_n be_v not_o offend_v if_o i_o once_o for_o all_o free_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o your_o possess_v these_o weak_a christian_n with_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o obey_v governor_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v by_o yourselves_o doubtful_a to_o they_o and_o not_o with_o one_o objection_n against_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o disobedience_n in_o doubtful_a matter_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o everlasting_o weak_a and_o to_o make_v they_o worse_o than_o weak_a too_o it_o sadden_v the_o heart_n of_o not_o a_o few_o good_a people_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o fearful_a consequent_n of_o such_o do_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v you_o sensible_a who_o interest_n you_o have_v all_o along_o serve_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o you_o next_o object_n three_o thing_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n pag._n 26._o 1._o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o add_v to_o the_o divine_a institution_n unnecessary_o i_o answer_v we_o add_v nothing_o to_o divine_a institution_n i_o mean_v we_o add_v nothing_o more_o to_o baptism_n or_o any_o other_o ordinance_n as_o of_o divine_a institution_n than_o yourselves_o do_v and_o as_o to_o the_o vnnecessariness_n of_o this_o ceremony_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o will_v be_v no_o ceremony_n at_o least_o not_o humane_a one_o if_o you_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o impose_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o ceremony_n that_o it_o be_v impose_v for_o good_a and_o profitable_a end_n and_o use_n and_o our_o church_n tell_v you_o for_o what_o end_n and_o use_v this_o of_o the_o cross_n be_v require_v in_o the_o 30_o canon_n if_o you_o mean_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o use_v it_o now_o it_o be_v impose_v i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n till_o you_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o any_o law_n of_o god_n and_o when_o you_o have_v do_v this_o i_o will_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o to_o use_v it_o 2._o you_o say_v we_o attribute_v to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n more_o than_o be_v true_o due_a to_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o we_o say_v we_o do_v not_o and_o shall_v persist_v in_o say_v so_o till_o you_o prove_v we_o do_v 3._o you_o say_v that_o to_o expound_v dedicate_v in_o the_o canon_n by_o declare_v you_o shall_v have_v say_v declare_v to_o be_v dedicate_v be_v a_o catachrestical_a use_n of_o the_o word_n what_o care_v i_o for_o that_o if_o the_o word_n ought_v so_o to_o be_v expound_v you_o say_v you_o will_v take_v no_o private_a doctor_n be_v word_n for_o it_o though_o great_a than_o dr._n burges_n but_o you_o can_v otherwise_o understand_v that_o word_n except_o you_o will_v make_v our_o church_n to_o speak_v contradiction_n in_o that_o canon_n there_o be_v nothing_o you_o object_n or_o i_o think_v can_v object_v against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n but_o you_o may_v find_v most_o satisfactory_o answer_v in_o the_o learned_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o whole_o pass_v by_o what_o you_o say_v against_o it_o have_v call_v the_o declaration_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v it_o a_o excellent_a declaration_n pag._n 26_o you_o say_v pag._n 27_o that_o it_o may_v be_v it_o satisfi_v you_o abstract_v your_o thought_n from_o the_o bread_n while_o you_o be_v upon_o your_o knee_n and_o he_o that_o can_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n abstract_n his_o thought_n from_o the_o bread_n must_v be_v almost_o starve_v with_o fast_v but_o it_o follow_v if_o all_o can_v be_v so_o satisfy_v shall_v they_o therefore_o be_v ruin_v for_o their_o doubt_n in_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o new_a answer_n to_o this_o beside_o ask_v you_o this_o question_n if_o there_o be_v any_o danger_n of_o ruin_n in_o this_o case_n who_o be_v most_o charitable_a to_o these_o doubter_n those_o that_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o the_o danger_n or_o those_o that_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o make_v all_o mean_v unsuccessfull_a that_o be_v use_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n i_o must_v needs_o take_v notice_n also_o of_o your_o pleasant_a answer_n to_o this_o passage_n in_o our_o author_n pag._n 49._o viz._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o say_v of_o the_o gesture_n in_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n he_o
275._o hierom_n st._n ambrose_n st._n chrysostom_n st._n athanasius_n gregory_n nazianzen_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n who_o all_o speak_v of_o infant-baptism_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n general_o practise_v and_o most_o of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n furthermore_o none_o of_o the_o four_o testimony_n for_o infant-communion_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n as_o origen_n do_v of_o infant-baptism_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o the_o pelagian_o never_o own_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant-communion_n as_o they_o do_v of_o infant-baptism_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o near_o the_o like_a evidence_n in_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a evidence_n for_o the_o constant_a successive_a and_o general_a practice_n of_o infant-communion_n that_o there_o be_v for_o infant-baptism_n so_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o because_o baptism_n be_v the_o sacrament_n or_o mystery_n of_o initiation_n of_o which_o person_n of_o all_o age_n be_v capable_a it_o be_v institute_v chief_o for_o a_o initiatory_a sign_n to_o solemnize_v the_o admission_n of_o the_o baptise_a person_n into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o seal_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o he_o as_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o four_o question_n be_v equal_o answer_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o child_n as_o well_o as_o of_o profess_v believer_n confession_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o accidental_a circumstantial_o which_o be_v necessary_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a but_o not_o to_o baptism_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o communion_n be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v primary_o and_o chief_o institute_v for_o a_o sacrificial_a feast_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o piety_n child_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o perform_v but_o second_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o that_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o tradition_n be_v fair_o and_o genuine_o interpretable_a for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v ground_v only_o upon_o one_o text_n john_n 6._o 53._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o which_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o no_o because_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o proleptical_a sense_n the_o lord_n supper_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o institute_v by_o he_o or_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v yet_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n contain_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o do_v you_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o wherefore_o though_o this_o text_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o st._n augustine_n first_o interpret_v it_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v strain_v to_o infant-communion_n because_o infant_n can_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a banquet_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o custom_n of_o communicate_v infant_n prevail_v by_o degree_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o western_a church_n discern_v the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v ground_v have_v long_o since_o lay_v it_o aside_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o infant-baptism_n as_o full_o answer_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o baptism_n and_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o more_o and_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o much_o more_o noble_a tradition_n than_o infant-communion_n be_v but_o three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v infant_n because_o the_o correspondent_a practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o infant-circumcision_n and_o infant-baptism_n answer_v as_o a_o pattern_n unto_o that_o under_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o pattern_n under_o it_o which_o answer_v so_o to_o infant-communion_n because_o a_o child_n never_o partake_v of_o the_o 27._o the_o the_o the_o exod._n 12._o 26_o 27._o passover_n before_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o to_o take_v his_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o to_o go_v up_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o service_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v old_a enough_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o understand_v that_o than_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o be_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o will_v if_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o confirm_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christian_a child_n be_v usual_o much_o old_a than_o the_o jewish_a be_v before_o they_o communicate_v which_o be_v mere_o accidental_a because_o it_o require_v a_o ripe_a reason_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a deliverance_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o cross_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o plain_a and_o easy_a meaning_n of_o the_o passover_n which_o be_v annual_o keep_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o speak_v yet_o more_o full_o of_o infant-communion_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o cause_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o it_o mighty_o confirm_v it_o because_o none_o be_v or_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o they_o be_v valid_o 〈◊〉_d valid_o valid_o valid_o theodoret._n therapeut_n serm._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d baptise_a and_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o infant-communion_n be_v a_o most_o emphatical_a declaration_n that_o all_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o ever_o be_v or_o indies_n or_o or_o or_o as_o in_o the_o greek_a russian_a and_o abyssin_n church_n and_o among_o the_o christian_n of_o st._n thomas_n in_o the_o indies_n still_o be_v practise_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n be_v as_o lawful_a and_o valid_a as_o that_o of_o profess_v believer_n can_v be_v as_o for_o the_o original_a of_o this_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o know_v when_o it_o begin_v probable_o it_o come_v in_o by_o degree_n from_o the_o ancient_a and_o laudable_a custom_n of_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n to_o grow_v person_n present_o after_o their_o baptism_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v so_o tender_a towards_o infant_n as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n rather_o than_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o right_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o excuse_n of_o those_o uncharitable_a man_n who_o will_v rather_o destroy_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o bring_v their_o child_n unto_o baptism_n of_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a so_o high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v above_o the_o second_o objection_n against_o infant-baptism_n which_o i_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o but_o reserve_v for_o this_o place_n be_v take_v from_o their_o incapacity_n to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o say_v these_o man_n all_o who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v contract_v and_o stipulate_v for_o their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o god_n do_v for_o his_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o the_o baptism_n which_o save_v we_o must_v 21._o 1_o ep._n 3._o 21._o have_v the_o answer_n or_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n but_o how_o can_v infant_n restipulate_v or_o what_o conscience_n can_v be_v in_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o covenant_n mean_v to_o this_o objection_n i_o answer_v as_o former_o that_o it_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o infant-circumcision_n as_o infant-baptism_n for_o the_o infant_n
lord_n jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n amen_n i_o receive_v yesternight_o from_o you_o dear_a brother_n s._n and_o fellow-prisoner_n for_o the_o truth_n for_o christ_n gospel_n a_o letter_n wherein_o you_o gentle_o require_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o before_o i_o do_v show_v you_o what_o i_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o his_o true_a infallible_a church_n touch_v the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n first_o to_o declare_v what_o vision_n i_o have_v the_o same_o night_n whilst_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n i_o fall_v asleep_a know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o without_o cause_n reveal_v to_o his_o people_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n fix_v on_o he_o special_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n to_o their_o comfort_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o kingdom_n to_o come_v which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v comprehend_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sweet_a rest_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o great_a beautiful_a city_n all_o of_o the_o colour_n of_o azure_a and_o white_a four_o square_n in_o a_o marvellous_a beautiful_a composition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sight_n whereof_o so_o inward_o comfort_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o consolation_n i_o have_v thereof_o yea_o the_o remembrance_n thereof_o cause_v my_o heart_n as_o yet_o to_o leap_v for_o joy_n and_o as_o charity_n be_v no_o churl_n but_o will_v have_v other_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o delight_n some_o thought_n i_o call_v to_o other_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o and_o whilst_o they_o come_v and_o we_o together_o behold_v the_o same_o by_z and_z by_z to_o my_o great_a grief_n it_o vade_v away_o this_o dream_n i_o think_v not_o to_o have_v come_v of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n because_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o so_o much_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o contentation_n of_o your_o request_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o peter_n to_o satisfy_v cornelius_n therefore_o i_o interpret_v this_o beautiful_a city_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sky_n signify_v the_o heavenly_a state_n thereof_o who_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n man_n ought_v to_o measure_n and_o judge_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o in_o earth_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a hill_n and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o the_o marvellous_a quadrature_n of_o the_o same_o i_o take_v to_o signify_v the_o universal_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n here_o militant_a aught_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n throughout_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o prophet_n affirm_v say_v god_n make_v we_o to_o dwell_v after_o one_o manner_n in_o one_o house_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v so_o wonderful_a joy_n at_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o i_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a joy_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v at_o unity_n with_o christ_n primitive_a church_n for_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o psalm_n as_o of_o joyful_a person_n be_v the_o dwell_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o call_v other_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o vision_n and_o to_o behold_v this_o wonderful_a city_n i_o construe_v it_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o vision_n to_o have_v come_v upon_o i_o muse_v on_o your_o letter_n to_o the_o end_n that_o under_o this_o figure_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o move_v you_o with_o many_o other_o to_o behold_v the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o your_o opinion_n concern_v faith_n and_o to_o conform_v yourself_o in_o all_o point_n to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o teach_v the_o true_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o have_v with_o a_o great_a fullness_n than_o we_o have_v now_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v declare_v the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o all_o verity_n even_o as_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v they_o another_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o truth_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n be_v teach_v and_o reveal_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v our_o mother_n let_v we_o all_o that_o be_v obedient_a child_n of_o god_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o doubtful_a sentence_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o go_v 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you_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v good_a handfast_a of_o your_o opinion_n against_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o antiquity_n and_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n word_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o must_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abuse_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v neglect_v or_o think_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v in_o christ_n church_n auxentius_n one_o of_o the_o arrian_n sect_n with_o his_o adherent_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o child_n and_o next_o after_o he_o pelagius_n the_o heretic_n and_o some_o other_o there_o be_v in_o st._n bernard_n time_n as_o it_o do_v appear_v by_o his_o write_n and_o in_o our_o day_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o inordinate_a kind_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o
they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n he_o that_o do_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v but_o who_o be_v so_o barbarous_a that_o may_v think_v hereby_o that_o child_n shall_v be_v famish_v the_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o set_n up_o his_o true_a religion_n unto_o all_o nation_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v both_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o true_o such_o person_n it_o behove_v not_o first_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o after_o baptize_v if_o at_o this_o day_n we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o turk_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n very_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o teach_v they_o and_o afterward_o baptise_v such_o as_o will_v yield_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n likewise_o the_o lord_n himself_o in_o time_n past_a do_v when_o first_o he_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o ordain_v circumcision_n to_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n after_o that_o abraham_n be_v circumcise_a but_o he_o when_o he_o perceive_v the_o infant_n also_o to_o pertain_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o that_o circumcision_n be_v the_o seal_n up_o of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o circumcise_v ishmael_n his_o son_n that_o be_v 13_o year_n of_o age_n but_o all_o other_o infant_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n among_o who_o we_o reckon_v isaac_n even_o so_o faithful_a people_n which_o be_v convert_v from_o heathen_a idolatry_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o confess_v the_o faith_n be_v baptise_a when_o they_o understand_v their_o child_n to_o be_v count_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o that_o baptism_n be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o procure_v also_o their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v write_v abraham_n circumcise_a all_o the_o male_a child_n of_o his_o house_n semblable_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o 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in_o that_o i_o have_v already_o write_v although_o not_o in_o such_o order_n as_o it_o have_v be_v meet_a and_o as_o i_o purpose_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o understand_v that_o you_o will_v be_v no_o contentious_a man_n neither_o in_o this_o matter_n neither_o in_o any_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n primitive_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o desire_v you_o in_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o he_o or_o rather_o christ_n desire_v you_o by_o i_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v perfect_a whereto_o you_o be_v now_o call_v to_o submit_v your_o judgement_n to_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o same_o that_o the_o coat_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o seam_n but_o now_o alas_o most_o miserable_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o many_o dangerous_a sect_n and_o damnable_a opinion_n may_v appear_v by_o you_o in_o no_o part_n to_o have_v be_v rend_v neither_o that_o any_o giddy_a head_n in_o these_o dog-day_n may_v take_v a_o ensample_n by_o you_o to_o dissent_v from_o christ_n true_a church_n i_o beseech_v thou_o dear_a brother_n in_o the_o gospel_n follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o glorious_a martyr_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o such_o as_o at_o this_o day_n follow_v the_o same_o decline_v from_o they_o neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a then_o shall_v death_n be_v it_o never_o so_o bitter_a be_v more_o sweet_a than_o this_o life_n then_o shall_v christ_n with_o all_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n triumphant_o embrace_v your_o spirit_n with_o unspeakable_a gladness_n and_o exaltation_n who_o in_o this_o earth_n be_v content_a to_o join_v your_o spirit_n with_o their_o spirit_n according_a as_o it_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophet_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n one_o thing_n ask_v with_o david_n ere_o you_o depart_v and_o require_v the_o same_o that_o you_o may_v dwell_v with_o a_o full_a accord_n in_o his_o house_n for_o there_o be_v glory_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o with_o simeon_n in_o the_o temple_n embrace_v christ_n depart_v in_o peace_n to_o the_o which_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 14._o peace_n christ_n bring_v both_o you_o and_o i_o and_o all_o our_o love_a brethren_n that_o love_v god_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n by_o such_o way_n as_o shall_v please_v he_o to_o his_o glory_n let_v the_o bitter_a passion_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o your_o sake_n and_o the_o horrible_a torment_n which_o the_o godly_a martyr_n of_o christ_n have_v endure_v before_o we_o and_o also_o the_o inestimable_a reward_n of_o your_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v hide_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n from_o you_o with_o christ_n strengthen_v comfort_n and_o encourage_v you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o glorious_a race_n which_o you_o be_v in_o amen_n your_o yoke-fellow_n in_o captivity_n for_o the_o verity_n of_o christ_n gospel_n to_o live_v and_o die_v with_o you_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n john_n philpot_n finis_fw-la the_o case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n consider_v wherein_o be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o can_v be_v any_o just_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o it_o galat._n vi_o 14._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n london_n print_v for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white-horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1684._o the_o case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n may_v general_o seem_v to_o the_o unconcern_v slander_n by_o of_o so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a moment_n that_o he_o must_v needs_o wonder_v how_o in_o the_o world_n the_o controversy_n shall_v come_v to_o have_v arisen_a to_o that_o deplorable_a height_n which_o in_o this_o last_o age_n it_o have_v do_v and_o although_o the_o case_n which_o will_v fall_v under_o our_o present_a debate_n seem_v to_o have_v admit_v of_o the_o most_o specious_a scruple_n and_o give_v the_o best_a scope_n of_o reason_v of_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v fall_v under_o question_n among_o we_o since_o the_o reformation_n yet_o even_o here_o also_o the_o immeasurable_a bias_n of_o prejudice_n and_o fervency_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o opposition_n have_v too_o apparent_o manage_v the_o argument_n so_o that_o the_o plea_n against_o it_o have_v not_o seem_v so_o weighty_a as_o they_o have_v be_v numerous_a as_o if_o the_o objector_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o that_o direction_n in_o quintilian_n they_o will_v sustinentur_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 20._o infirmiora_fw-la argumenta_fw-la congreganda_fw-la sunt_fw-la imbecilla_fw-la enim_fw-la naturâ_fw-la mutuo_fw-la auxilio_fw-la sustinentur_fw-la be_v sure_a to_o amass_o all_o the_o weak_a argument_n which_o though_o weak_a in_o themselves_o yet_o by_o stand_v together_o may_v lend_v a_o mutual_a assistance_n to_o one_o another_o like_o article_n of_o impeachment_n none_o of_o which_o single_o will_v perhaps_o affect_v the_o accuse_a person_n but_o all_o together_o may_v amount_v to_o accumulative_a treason_n my_o business_n therefore_o in_o handle_v this_o case_n shall_v not_o be_v to_o follow_v every_o nice_a scruple_n or_o trivial_a objection_n as_o where_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o every_o particular_a precept_n in_o the_o decalogue_n not_o to_o concern_v myself_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o either_o by_o long_a induction_n of_o consequence_n have_v be_v far_o fetch_v or_o with_o great_a difficulty_n draw_v in_o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o argument_n but_o as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o may_v be_v to_o sum_n up_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o seem_v of_o
there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n in_o scripture_n for_o any_o one_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o who_o judgement_n and_o example_n will_v i_o presume_v sway_n much_o with_o those_o who_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o other_o neighbour-churche_n be_v and_o who_o stand_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o and_o see_v whether_o she_o ought_v to_o 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found_v and_o reform_v by_o luther_n and_o be_v the_o first_o protestant_n proper_o so_o call_v both_o these_o church_n so_o early_o reform_v and_o of_o so_o large_a extent_n do_v not_o only_o use_v the_o same_o gesture_n that_o our_o church_n enjoin_v at_o the_o sacrament_n but_o they_o together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o helvetick_a confession_n do_v in_o three_o general_a synod_n unanimous_o condemn_v the_o sit_v gesture_n though_o they_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o lawful_a 1583._o 1_o at_o cracow_n anno._n dom._n 1573._o 2_o petricow_n or_o peterkaw_n 1578._o 3_o wladislaw_n 1583._o as_o be_v scandalous_a for_o this_o remarkable_a reason_n viz._n because_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o arrian_n as_o their_o synod_n call_v the_o socinian_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n who_o therefore_o place_v themselves_o as_o fellow_n with_o their_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o thereupon_o they_o entreat_v and_o exhort_v all_o christian_n of_o their_o communion_n to_o change_v sit_v into_o kneel_v or_o stand_v both_o which_o ceremony_n we_o indifferent_o leave_v free_a according_a as_o the_o custom_n of_o any_o church_n have_v obtain_v and_o we_o approve_v of_o their_o use_n without_o scandal_n and_o blame_v moreover_o they_o affirm_v that_o these_o socinian_o who_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v the_o first_o that_o introduce_v sit_v at_o the_o sacrament_n into_o their_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o evangelical_n church_n in_o europe_n among_o all_o these_o foreign_a church_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o i_o can_v find_v which_o use_v sit_v and_o forbid_v kneel_v for_o fear_v of_o bread-worship_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o synod_n wherein_o they_o condemn_v kneel_v they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n to_o use_v stand_v sit_v or_o a_o ambulatory_a gesture_n as_o the_o french_a do_v and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o holl._n harmon_n 4_o synod_n of_o holl._n these_o article_n be_v settle_v by_o mutual_a consent_n that_o if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v change_v augment_v or_o diminish_v what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n touch_v the_o gesture_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v or_o imagine_v that_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n meet_v together_o on_o purpose_n to_o consult_v how_o to_o reform_v their_o church_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v through_o weakness_n and_o inadvertency_n overlook_v a_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o any_o particular_a gesture_n if_o any_o such_o there_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o these_o eminent_a church_n wilful_o past_o it_o by_o and_o establish_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n will_v they_o have_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o use_v several_a gesture_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o our_o lord_n have_v tie_v they_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o will_v they_o declare_v as_o the_o dutch_a synod_n do_v that_o what_o they_o enjoin_v may_v be_v alter_v if_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n so_o require_v if_o so_o be_v sit_v have_v be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n no_o undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o we_o can_v either_o in_o reason_n or_o charity_n suppose_v it_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o these_o reform_a church_n build_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o seem_a difference_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n go_v by_o in_o her_o synod_n and_o convocation_n viz._n that_o as_o to_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n every_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o institute_v change_n and_o abolish_v they_o as_o they_o in_o prudence_n and_o charity_n shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conducive_a to_o the_o set_v forth_o god_n glory_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n and_o the_o decent_a and_o reverend_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n whosoever_o therefore_o refuse_v arbitramur_fw-la vid._n art_n 34_o observat_fw-la of_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a divine_n on_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n edit_n geneva_n 1681._o sect_n 14._o p._n 120._o in_o hoc_fw-la etiam_fw-la ritu_fw-la speak_v of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacr._n svam_fw-la cuique_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la libertatem_fw-la saluam_fw-la reliquendam_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pure_o because_o kneel_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n must_v condemn_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o gesture_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o whether_o we_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o stand_v or_o receive_v walk_v we_o transgress_v no_o law_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o prove_v my_o assertion_n true_a that_o kneel_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o express_a command_n no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o because_o they_o allow_v of_o all_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v use_v which_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o express_a command_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o one_o gesture_n whatsoever_o query_n ii_o whether_o kneel_v be_v not_o a_o devotion_n from_o that_o example_n which_o christ_n set_v we_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n for_o a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n i_o shall_v propound_v the_o four_o follow_v particular_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v with_o all_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n to_o make_v good_a 1._o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v so_o as_o that_o the_o conscience_n may_v sure_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o gesture_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n do_v sit_v yet_o his_o bare_a example_n do_v not_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o a_o like_a practice_n 3._o that_o they_o who_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o who_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v manifest_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n first_o the_o particular_a gesture_n use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o institution_n and_o celebration_n of_o
to_o idolatry_n but_o here_o a_o few_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v to_o prevent_v cavil_n and_o mistake_v 1._o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n may_v be_v lawful_o thing_n see_v the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o present_a question_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v sinful_a in_o we_o to_o kneel_v whether_o that_o gesture_n have_v be_v ever_o use_v or_o abuse_v by_o idolater_n or_o no._n 2._o i_o grant_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v pure_a 443._o see_v dr._n fal._n lib._n eccles_n p._n 443._o from_o all_o sinful_a mixture_n and_o defilement_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n and_o that_o thing_n otherwise_o indifferent_a which_o either_o in_o the_o design_n of_o they_o that_o use_v they_o or_o in_o their_o own_o present_a tendency_n do_v direct_o promote_v or_o propagate_v such_o corruption_n do_v in_o that_o case_n become_v thing_n unlawful_a to_o follow_v idolater_n in_o what_o they_o think_v or_o do_v amiss_o to_o follow_v they_o general_o in_o what_o they_o do_v without_o other_o reason_n than_o only_o the_o like_n we_o have_v to_o the_o pattern_n of_o their_o example_n which_o like_v do_v intimate_v a_o more_o universal_a approbation_n than_o be_v allowable_a in_o these_o case_n i_o think_v with_o the_o reverend_n mr._n hooker_n conformity_n 165._o hook_n ecles_n pol._n l._n 4._o p._n 165._o with_o idolater_n be_v evil_a and_o blame-worthy_a in_o any_o christian_a church_n but_o except_v these_o case_n it_o be_v not_o sinful_a or_o blame-worthy_a in_o any_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o agree_v with_o idolater_n in_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n which_o they_o abuse_v and_o consequent_o our_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v or_o charge_v with_o idolatry_n for_o her_o agreement_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o use_v the_o same_o ceremony_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v abuse_v the_o say_a ceremony_n to_o sinful_a end_n or_o that_o the_o ceremony_n use_v and_o appoint_v by_o our_o church_n natural_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o corruption_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o be_v ill_o design_v or_o that_o she_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o appoint_v and_o enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n as_o be_v godly_a comely_a profitable_a but_o overlook_v all_o this_o have_v a_o eye_n pure_o to_o the_o example_n of_o idolatrous_a papist_n in_o what_o they_o do_v amiss_o now_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v make_v good_a against_o our_o church_n who_o have_v sufficient_o vindicate_v herself_o by_o the_o open_a declaration_n she_o have_v print_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o accusation_n of_o this_o nature_n let_v but_o any_o man_n consult_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n 18._o art_n 20._o art_n 34._o canon_n 18._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n just_a after_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n the_o two_o excellent_a discourse_n that_o follow_v it_o concen_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o reason_n she_o have_v publish_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion-service_n for_o enjoin_v her_o communicant_n to_o receive_v kneel_v i_o say_v let_v any_o man_n peruse_v these_o and_o he_o will_v receive_v ample_a satisfaction_n that_o our_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n in_o appoint_v the_o use_n of_o ceremony_n do_v not_o steer_v by_o the_o example_n of_o idolater_n nor_o enjoin_v they_o out_o of_o any_o ill_a design_n or_o to_o any_o ill_a end_n but_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o use_v such_o thing_n and_o rite_n as_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o therefore_o sinful_a because_o it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v notorious_o abuse_v to_o idolatry_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o in_o general_n no_o abuse_n of_o any_o gesture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o manifest_a idolatry_n do_v render_v that_o gesture_n simple_o evil_a and_o for_o ever_o after_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n for_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n suppose_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a become_v sinful_a by_o a_o abuse_n of_o it_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o by_o accident_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o somewhat_o else_o this_o be_v clear_a from_o scripture_n for_o if_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n after_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v by_o idolater_n become_v absolute_o evil_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o than_o the_o jew_n sin_v in_o offer_v sacrifice_n erect_v altar_n burn_a incense_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n bow_v down_o themselves_o before_o he_o wearing_z a_o linen_n garment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o observe_v other_o thing_n and_o rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a go_n no_o say_v the_o dissenter_n we_o except_v all_o such_o rite_n as_o be_v command_v or_o approve_v of_o by_o god_n and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o forementioned_a but_o say_v i_o it_o be_v a_o silly_a exception_n and_o avail_v nothing_o for_o if_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n make_v it_o absolute_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o destroy_v that_o relation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v once_o abuse_v must_v ever_o remain_v so_o that_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n can_v undo_v what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o clear_v it_o from_o ever_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o command_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n that_o a_o bare_a conformity_n with_o idolater_n in_o use_v those_o rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o practice_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v not_o simple_o sinful_a or_o formal_a idolatry_n for_o if_o it_o have_v god_n have_v oblige_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o his_o express_a command_n to_o commit_v sin_n and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o strict_o and_o severe_o prohibit_v in_o other_o place_n in_o truth_n such_o a_o position_n will_v plain_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o this_o position_n that_o the_o idolatrous_a abuse_n of_o any_o thing_n render_v the_o use_n of_o it_o sinful_a to_o all_o that_o know_v it_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o effect_n first_o it_o intrench_v great_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n as_o dear_a to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o the_o apple_n of_o their_o eye_n and_o i_o wonder_v they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o at_o other_o time_n they_o affirm_v that_o no_o earthly_a power_n can_v right_o restrain_v the_o use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o be_v lawful_a become_v sinful_a when_o impose_v and_o enjoin_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o yet_o these_o very_a man_n give_v that_o power_n to_o stranger_n both_o heathen_n and_o papist_n which_o they_o take_v away_o from_o their_o own_o rightful_a prince_n and_o lawful_a superior_n a_o idolater_n may_v yoke_v they_o when_o a_o protestant_a prince_n must_v not_o touch_v they_o and_o what_o more_o heavy_a and_o intolerable_a yoke_n can_v be_v clap_v on_o our_o neck_n than_o this_o that_o another_o man_n abuse_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o idolatry_n though_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o leave_v free_a by_o god_n render_v the_o use_n of_o it_o sinful_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o violation_n of_o christian_a liberty_n let_v st._n paul_n determine_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o affirm_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o eat_v whatsoever_o be_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 25_o 27_o 28_o 29._o sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o a_o gesture_n shall_v be_v more_o defile_v by_o idolater_n than_o meat_n which_o they_o have_v offer_v up_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o why_o shall_v one_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a to_o use_v and_o not_o the_o other_o certain_o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v grant_v they_o
have_v be_v lessen_v with_o the_o character_n of_o dull_a honest_a and_o moral_a man_n fit_a only_o for_o catechist_n and_o christian_n of_o the_o low_a form_n tickle_v but_o their_o imagination_n with_o conjectural_a discourse_n about_o the_o situation_n of_o paradise_n of_o old_a or_o hell_n now_o and_o you_o be_v a_o sound_a divine_a than_o he_o that_o only_o draw_v wholesome_a conclusion_n from_o adam_n prevarication_n to_o caution_n you_o against_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n or_o how_o to_o avoid_v those_o dismal_a flame_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o other_o have_v be_v silly_a and_o fantastic_a in_o admire_v those_o who_o have_v prattle_v about_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n that_o guard_v paradise_n or_o how_o the_o spirit_n above_o pass_n eternity_n away_o and_o scorn_v he_o who_o in_o plain_a method_n chalk_v they_o out_o the_o way_n that_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o heaven_n the_o ancient_a gnostic_n because_o they_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o make_v a_o 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particular_a church-covenant_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o imagine_v how_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o coherence_n of_o the_o part_n unite_v into_o one_o entire_a society_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o the_o disciplinarian_o be_v of_o all_o party_n the_o most_o numerous_a and_o prevalent_a yet_o experience_n show_v how_o hard_o a_o work_n it_o be_v for_o all_o of_o they_o to_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o public_a disquiet_n they_o have_v great_a power_n they_o have_v in_o humane_a appearance_n fair_a and_o promise_a opportunity_n and_o yet_o there_o grow_v up_o at_o their_o root_n another_o party_n which_o in_o conclusion_n over-dropped_n they_o and_o bring_v their_o interest_n into_o a_o sensible_a decay_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o faction_n upon_o victory_n obtain_v over_o their_o common_a adversary_n to_o subdivide_v in_o the_o year_n 1640_o 45._o 1640_o 1640_o 1640_o july_n 17._o 1640._o whitelock_n memorial_n p._n 45._o the_o commons_o have_v a_o debate_n about_o a_o new_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o they_o agree_v that_o every_o shire_n shall_v be_v a_o several_a diocese_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o each_o shire_n a_o presbytery_n of_o twelve_o divine_n with_o a_o precedent_n as_o a_o bishop_n over_o they_o that_o this_o precedent_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v ordain_v suspend_v deprive_v degrade_v excommunicate_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o diocesan_n synod_n once_o a_o year_n and_o each_o three_o year_n a_o national_a synod_n a_o while_n after_o 117._o after_o after_o after_o a._n 1644._o id._n ibid._n p._n 117._o it_o be_v vote_v by_o they_o that_o to_o have_v a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o other_o step_n be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o discipline_n the_o common-prayer-book_n be_v remove_v a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v establish_v their_o directory_n be_v introduce_v they_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n there_o be_v send_v up_o 1313._o up_o up_o up_o i●_n sept._n 15._o 1646._o diurnal_a p._n 1313._o from_o the_o county_n of_o lancaster_n a_o petition_n sign_v with_o 12000_o hand_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o class_n in_o those_o part_n a_o petition_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v frame_v by_o divers_a of_o the_o common-council_n of_o london_n they_o seem_v 187._o whitlock_n memoir_n p._n 187._o nigh_o the_o gain_n of_o their_o point_n yet_o they_o wide_o miss_v of_o it_o there_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n itself_o a_o ferment_n of_o dissension_n mr._n sympson_n and_o some_o other_o favour_v a_o independent_a mr._n selden_n and_o some_o of_o his_o admirer_n a_o erastian_n interest_n there_o be_v a_o party_n in_o the_o nation_n who_o be_v then_o call_v dissent_v brethren_n and_o to_o these_o the_o directory_n be_v as_o offensive_a as_o
the_o worldly_a increase_n with_o their_o power_n and_o for_o illustration-sake_n when_o the_o house_n be_v garbel_v have_v much_o less_o right_a but_o more_o force_n the_o army_n as_o yet_o agree_v with_o they_o and_o the_o good_a king_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o they_o give_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o pleasure_n the_o title_n not_o as_o before_o of_o ordinance_n but_o of_o act_n of_o parliament_n 363._o parliament_n parliament_n parliament_n while_z memoirs_fw-fr p._n 363._o oliver_n likewise_o declare_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o need_n to_o keep_v the_o cause_n by_o power_n as_o to_o get_v it_o and_o be_v potent_a he_o enter_v the_o house_n and_o mock_v at_o his_o master_n and_o command_v with_o insolent_a disdain_n that_o that_o bauble_n 22_o bauble_n bauble_n bauble_n speech_n at_o the_o dissol_n of_o the_o house_n jan._n 22._o 1654._o p._n 22_o mean_v the_o mace_n of_o the_o speaker_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o man_n may_v intend_v well_o but_o use_v the_o help_n of_o the_o illegal_a secular_a arm_n they_o can_v never_o secure_v 529._o secure_v secure_v secure_v id._n ibid._n ●_o 529._o what_o they_o propose_v but_o frequent_o render_v that_o which_o be_v well_o settle_v much_o worse_o by_o their_o unh_n of_o it_o but_o such_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v embroil_v and_o religion_n sensible_o decay_v in_o stead_n of_o grow_v towards_o perfection_n where_o public_a order_n be_v interrupt_v and_o man_n gain_v a_o liberty_n which_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v second_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o our_o late_a revolution_n which_o begin_v with_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o pure_a religion_n that_o our_o dissension_n occasion_v great_a corruption_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n then_o the_o war_n be_v preach_v up_o as_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o one_o of_o the_o city-soldier_n mortal_o wound_v at_o newberry-fight_a be_v applaud_v in_o a_o epistle_n 1644._o epistle_n epistle_n epistle_n hill_n be_v ser._n call_v temple_n work_v a._n 1644._o to_o the_o house_n as_o one_o who_o voice_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a when_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o that_o i_o have_v another_o life_n to_o lose_v for_o jesus_n christ_n then_o this_o doctrine_n so_o very_o immoral_a and_o unchristian_a be_v by_o some_o 275._o some_o some_o some_o d._n crisp_n in_o ser._n call_v our_o sin_n be_v already_o lay_v on_o christ_n p_o 274_o 275._o preach_v and_o by_o great_a number_n embrace_v the_o lord_n have_v no_o more_o to_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o elect_a person_n yet_o in_o the_o height_n of_o iniquity_n and_o the_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o commit_v all_o the_o abomination_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v than_o he_o have_v to_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o saint_n triumphant_a in_o glory_n then_o certain_a soldier_n 153._o soldier_n soldier_n soldier_n h._n of_o indep_n part_n 2._o p_o 152_o 153._o enter_v a_o church_n with_o five_o light_n as_o emblem_n of_o five_o thing_n think_v fit_a to_o be_v extinguish_v viz._n the_o lord's-day_n tithe_n minister_n magistrate_n the_o bible_n then_o by_o a_o public_a intelligencer_n who_o call_v himself_o mercurius_n britanicus_n 97._o britanicus_n britanicus_n britanicus_n merc._n brit._n n_o 13._o nou._n a._n 43_o p._n 97._o the_o lord_n primate_n usher_n himself_o be_v reproach_v as_o a_o old_a dote_v apostate_v bishop_n instance_n be_v endless_a but_o what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o further_a witness_n than_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n of_o london_n who_o complaint_n and_o acknowledgement_n be_v here_o subjoin_v the_o lord_n and_o commons_o in_o one_o of_o their_o ordinance_n 1646._o ordinance_n ordinance_n ordinance_n die_fw-fr jou●z_fw-fr febr._n 4_o 1646._o use_v these_o word_n we_o have_v think_v fit_a lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n to_o set_v forth_o this_o our_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o perilous_a condition_n that_o this_o kingdom_n be_v in_o through_o the_o abominable_a blasphemy_n and_o damnable_a heresy_n vent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o therein_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o faith_n contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o minister_n make_v a_o like_a acknowledgement_n say_v instead_o 31._o instead_o instead_o instead_o testim_fw-la to_o truth_n of_o j._n chr._n p._n 31._o of_o extirpate_v heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n we_o have_v such_o a_o impudent_a and_o general_a inundation_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n that_o multitude_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o press_v and_o plead_v for_o public_a formal_a and_o universal_a toleration_n and_o again_o we_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v hereby_o testify_v to_o all_o our_o flock_n to_o all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o our_o great_a dislike_n of_o pilacy_n erastianism_n brownism_n and_o independency_n so_o our_o utter_a abhorrence_n of_o anti-scripturism_a popery_n arianism_n socinianism_n arminianism_n antimonianism_n anabaptism_n libertinism_n and_o familism_n with_o all_o such_o like_a now_o too_o rife_o among_o we_o three_o some_o dissenter_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n mean_v agreeableness_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o life_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o removal_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o notion_n be_v true_a but_o with_o reference_n to_o our_o church_n it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a reflection_n for_o it_o have_v but_o one_o principal_a rule_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o subordinate_a rule_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o general_a canon_n in_o holy_a writ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o our_o church_n any_o more_o than_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christian_a church_n who_o pattern_n it_o follow_v humane_a imagination_n but_o rule_v of_o ecclesiastical_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n but_o there_o be_v other_o among_o the_o dissenter_n who_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n mean_v a_o simplicity_n as_o oppose_v to_o composition_n and_o not_o to_o such_o mixture_n as_o corrupt_v the_o circumstance_n or_o part_n of_o worship_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v pure_a quaker_n and_o some_o other_o believe_v their_o way_n the_o pure_a because_o they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o it_o sacrament_n and_o external_n form_n of_o worship_n and_o endeavour_v as_o they_o phrase_v it_o 11._o it_o it_o it_o g._n fox_n in_o j._n perrot_n hide_a thing_n bring_v to_o light_n p._n 11._o to_o bring_v the_o people_n mind_n out_o of_o all_o visibles_fw-fr by_o equal_a reason_n the_o papist_n may_v say_v their_o eucharist_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o that_o of_o the_o protestant_n because_o they_o have_v take_v the_o cup_n from_o it_o but_o that_o which_o make_v a_o pure_a church_n be_v like_o that_o which_o make_v a_o pure_a medicine_n not_o the_o fewness_n of_o the_o ingredient_n but_o the_o good_a quality_n of_o they_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v and_o the_o aptness_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o health_n man_n who_o have_v this_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n distil_v it_o till_o it_o evaporate_v and_o all_o that_o be_v leave_v be_v a_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a sediment_n and_o here_o i_o have_v judge_v the_o follow_a word_n of_o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n not_o unfit_a to_o be_v by_o i_o transcribe_v and_o consider_v by_o all_o 249._o all_o all_o all_o hist_o of_o the_o world_n l._n 2._o 1._o part_n c._n 5._o p._n 249._o the_o reverend_a care_n which_o moses_n have_v in_o all_o that_o belong_v even_o to_o the_o outward_a and_o least_o part_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n ark_n and_o sanctury_n be_v now_o so_o forget_v and_o cast_v away_o in_o this_o superfine_a age_n by_o those_o of_o the_o family_n by_o the_o anabaptist_n brownist_n and_o other_o sectary_n as_o 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gift_n of_o
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sedition_n sedition_n rebellion_n and_o rebellion_n the_o ruin_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o what_o wonder_n if_o the_o law_n bear_v a_o little_a hard_a there_o where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o appearance_n and_o where_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o tendency_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o same_o dismal_a state_n of_o thing_n whoever_o consider_v by_o what_o way_n the_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v miserable_o harrass_v and_o destroy_v can_v think_v that_o those_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o have_v they_o ruin_v again_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n especial_o after_o the_o king_n for_o several_a year_n together_o have_v in_o vain_a try_v by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o win_v upon_o they_o three_o let_v those_o who_o now_o complain_v so_o much_o consider_v how_o little_a favour_n themselves_o show_v to_o other_o 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three_o shall_v suffer_v one_o whole_a year_n imprisonment_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v very_o hard_o but_o there_o be_v something_o hard_a yet_o behind_o for_o cromwell_n be_v get_v into_o the_o throne_n publish_v a_o declaration_n 1655._o 24_o november_n 1655._o at_o that_o time_n equivalent_a to_o a_o law_n that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v be_v sequester_v for_o delinquency_n or_o have_v be_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o parliament_n or_o adhere_v unto_o or_o have_v abet_v or_o assist_v the_o force_v raise_v against_o they_o shall_v keep_v in_o their_o house_n or_o family_n as_o chaplain_n or_o schoolmaster_n for_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n any_o sequester_a or_o eject_v minister_n fellow_n of_o a_o college_n or_o schoolmaster_n nor_o permit_v any_o of_o their_o child_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o upon_o pain_n of_o be_v proceed_v against_o as_o be_v direct_v and_o that_o no_o person_n who_o have_v be_v sequester_v or_o eject_v for_o delinquency_n or_o scandal_n shall_v hereafter_o keep_v any_o school_n either_o public_a or_o private_a nor_o preach_v in_o any_o public_a place_n or_o at_o any_o private_a meeting_n of_o any_o other_o person_n than_o those_o of_o his_o own_o family_n nor_o administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o marry_v any_o person_n or_o use_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n or_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n therein_o contain_v upon_o pain_n that_o every_o person_n so_o offend_a in_o any_o of_o the_o premise_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o by_o the_o say_a order_n be_v provide_v and_o direct_v there_o need_v no_o comment_n upon_o these_o proceed_n they_o do_v not_o only_a whisper_n but_o speak_v aloud_o to_o the_o present_a generation_n of_o dissenter_n to_o tell_v they_o how_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o complain_v x._o last_o we_o beg_v of_o they_o that_o before_o they_o pull_v down_o any_o further_a trouble_n or_o suffer_v upon_o themselves_o they_o will_v 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never_o so_o holy_a and_o just_a unto_o man._n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o call_v upon_o our_o dissenting-brethren_n by_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o themselves_o of_o tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o peace_n security_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n wherein_o they_o live_v that_o they_o will_v due_o and_o impartial_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o separation_n wherein_o they_o be_v engage_v return_v to_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o mighty_a evil_a schism_n be_v and_o will_v be_v so_o find_v before_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o vastly-important_a consequence_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o a_o deep_a sense_n the_o best_a and_o most_o pious_a christian_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v rend_v asunder_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o glorious_a and_o in_o my_o opinion_n a_o far_o great_a martyrdom_n to_o die_v for_o not_o divide_v the_o church_n than_o for_o refuse_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n say_v dionysius_n the_o good_a bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o novatian_n etc._n ap._n euseb_n lib._n 6._o c._n 45._o epist_n 52._o add_v antonian_a de_fw-la unit_fw-la eccles_n fol._n 181_o 184._o etc._n etc._n and_o st._n cyprian_n speak_v very_o severe_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o a_o person_n go_v from_o the_o church_n to_o schismatic_n though_o in_o that_o capacity_n he_o shall_v die_v for_o christ_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o how_o oft_o elsewhere_o do_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o without_o this_o unity_n and_o charity_n a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o although_o he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o flame_n or_o cast_v his_o body_n to_o wild_a beast_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o falsehood_n not_o the_o glorious_a exit_fw-la of_o a_o religious_a courage_n but_o the_o issue_n of_o despair_n such_o a_o one_o may_v be_v kill_v but_o he_o can_v be_v crown_v he_o rend_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n destroy_v the_o faith_n disturb_v the_o peace_n dissolve_v charity_n and_o profane_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o be_v it_o necessary_a i_o can_v show_v that_o the_o ancient_a father_n general_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o can_v we_o now_o be_v such_o degenerate_a christian_n if_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o all_o as_o to_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n thing_n as_o considerable_a as_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a now_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n return_v from_o whence_o you_o be_v fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o with_o one_o shoulder_n set_v ourselves_o to_o support_v that_o church_n with_o who_o ruin_n we_o be_v all_o likely_a to_o sink_v and_o fall_v let_v we_o lay_v aside_o envy_v and_o strife_n confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n and_o let_v we_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o finis_fw-la