such_o case_n and_o bind_v christian_n to_o observe_v they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o famous_a decree_n make_v upon_o great_a deliberation_n 28_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n wherein_o they_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v be_v then_o scruple_v and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v afterward_o wherever_o the_o judaize_v christian_n prevail_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o dissatisfaction_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o s._n paul_n here_o require_v the_o most_o forward_a christian_n to_o mind_v their_o rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o but_o do_v not_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o 14_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n lie_v down_o quite_o another_o rule_n viz._n only_o of_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o such_o case_n where_o man_n be_v unsatisfied_a in_o conscience_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n like_o a_o prudent_a governor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o think_v do_v most_o tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o church_n that_o consist_v most_o of_o jew_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o time_n do_v and_o where_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o law_n on_o the_o gentile_a christian_n as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o do_v at_o rome_n the_o apostle_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v the_o law_n bury_v as_o decent_o and_o with_o as_o little_a noise_n as_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n he_o persuade_v both_o party_n to_o forbearance_n and_o charity_n in_o avoid_v the_o judge_n and_o censure_v one_o another_o 10._o since_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o false_a apostle_n make_v use_v of_o this_o pretence_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n be_v still_o in_o force_n to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o to_o separate_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n there_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o their_o practice_n as_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n so_o that_o the_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prevent_a separation_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o direction_n and_o that_o make_v he_o so_o much_o insist_v on_o this_o advice_n to_o the_o philippian_n that_o whatever_o their_o attainment_n in_o christianity_n be_v they_o shall_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n ii_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o whence_o arise_v two_o very_a considerable_a inquiry_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v if_o man_n can_v come_v up_o to_o that_o rule_n for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v so_o far_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n 1._o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o comply_v with_o a_o establish_a rule_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o live_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o because_o i_o can_v persuade_v myself_o that_o so_o many_o scrupulous_a and_o conscientious_a man_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o will_v live_v so_o many_o year_n in_o a_o know_a sin_n i._n e._n in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o in_o conscience_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o must_v be_v certain_o some_o great_a mistake_n in_o their_o judgement_n must_v lead_v they_o to_o this_o for_o i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n willing_a to_o impute_v it_o to_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n and_o out_o of_o the_o hearty_a desire_n i_o have_v if_o possible_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n to_o which_o we_o owe_v so_o much_o of_o our_o present_a distraction_n and_o fear_n but_o for_o the_o better_a prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n and_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o government_n such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n will_v have_v be_v if_o from_o be_v a_o roman_a province_n it_o have_v become_v a_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v unite_v together_o and_o so_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o lydian_a or_o proconsular_a asia_n if_o they_o have_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o kingdom_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n under_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v have_v be_v true_o call_v the_o lydian_a church_n just_o as_o several_a family_n unite_n make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o thus_o national_a church_n be_v national_a society_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v no_o more_o than_o of_o a_o society_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v assoon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o if_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o multitude_n of_o particular_a church_n consent_v in_o one_o faith_n then_o why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v one_o national_a church_n from_o the_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n which_o make_v a_o church_n then_o why_o may_v not_o national_a society_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o under_o the_o same_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n as_o any_o particular_a congregation_n for_o be_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o france_n as_o true_o a_o kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o province_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ivetot_n once_o be_v in_o normandy_n 126._o which_o consist_v of_o a_o very_a small_a territory_n among_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o such_o a_o assembly_n which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n for_o the_o senate_n of_o 500_o be_v distribute_v into_o fifty_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o tribe_n which_o succeed_v by_o course_n through_o the_o year_n 1._o and_o be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o of_o these_o have_v 4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d regular_a assembly_n in_o the_o last_o of_o which_o a_o account_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v take_v and_o of_o other_o matter_n which_o concern_v religion_n as_o in_o the_o comitia_fw-la calata_n at_o rome_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meeting_n of_o one_o of_o
and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v they_o i_o do_v not_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o so_o ill_a purpose_n for_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o conscience_n will_v speak_v against_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o declare_v against_o it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v regard_v in_o what_o he_o say_v but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o present_n dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o they_o may_v commit_v very_o great_a sin_n i_o be_o afraid_a the_o common_a mistate_v the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n to_o conscientious_a man_n and_o betray_v they_o into_o great_a security_n while_o they_o be_v assure_v they_o do_v act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n for_o the_o question_n be_v general_o put_v how_o far_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n do_v oblige_v and_o when_o man_n hear_v that_o they_o must_v not_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n though_o they_o be_v mistake_v they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a enough_o and_o inquire_v no_o further_o but_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n conscience_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o thing_n that_o what_o god_n have_v make_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n remain_v so_o whatever_o a_o man_n conscience_n do_v judge_n concern_v they_o that_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v strict_o oblige_v he_o either_o to_o omit_v a_o duty_n or_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n the_o utmost_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o perplex_v and_o entangle_v by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n that_o he_o may_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v if_o he_o act_v either_o with_o or_o against_o it_o not_o that_o god_n ever_o put_v a_o man_n under_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_v for_o then_o it_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o that_o by_o their_o own_o neglect_n and_o carelessness_n without_o look_v after_o due_a information_n and_o run_v on_o with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o of_o many_o christian_n they_o may_v make_v false_a and_o rash_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o sin_n either_o in_o do_v or_o not_o do_v what_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o most_o material_a question_n then_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v what_o error_n of_o conscience_n do_v excuse_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n in_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o error_n be_v whole_o involuntary_a i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o invincible_a ignorance_n or_o after_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o due_a information_n of_o his_o conscience_n though_o the_o act_n may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o as_o a_o sin_n because_o it_o want_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o the_o will_n be_v determine_v but_o if_o man_n fall_v into_o wilful_a error_n of_o conscience_n i._n e._n if_o they_o form_v their_o judgement_n rather_o by_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o just_a rule_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v thing_n fair_o on_o both_o side_n pray_v for_o divine_a direction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o hear_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o opinion_n but_o run_v on_o blind_o and_o furious_o they_o may_v in_o so_o do_v act_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v in_o as_o great_a danger_n of_o commit_v heinous_a sin_n as_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v thus_o if_o man_n through_o the_o power_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n may_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o make_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n to_o disobey_v law_n and_o to_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n of_o they_o may_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o pursue_v their_o conscience_n and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o due_a care_n of_o inform_v themselves_o and_o judge_v aright_o those_o very_a action_n may_v be_v wilful_a and_o damnable_a sin_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o to_o make_v application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o our_o own_o case_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n 2._o to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o it_o i._o to_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n let_v we_o study_v the_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o thereby_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o it_o while_o we_o keep_v to_o one_o rule_n all_o people_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o our_o church_n if_o man_n set_v up_o their_o own_o fancy_n above_o the_o rule_n they_o charge_v it_o with_o imperfection_n if_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o rule_n they_o make_v themselves_o wise_a than_o those_o that_o make_v it_o it_o have_v not_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o our_o church_n which_o have_v ever_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o but_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o some_o in_o go_v beyond_o they_o and_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o other_o in_o not_o hold_v to_o they_o such_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n such_o the_o loyalty_n of_o its_o principle_n such_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n and_o piety_n of_o its_o devotion_n that_o none_o who_o be_v true_a friend_n to_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v enemy_n to_o it_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o give_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o our_o enemy_n to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o our_o church_n for_o our_o sake_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o most_o quarrel_n relate_v to_o constitution_n and_o frame_v of_o government_n be_v more_o against_o person_n than_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v with_o their_o management_n than_o they_o blame_v the_o government_n but_o if_o themselves_o be_v in_o place_n or_o those_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v than_o the_o government_n be_v a_o good_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v in_o good_a man_n hand_n thus_o do_v man_n judgement_n vary_v as_o their_o interest_n do_v and_o so_o as_o to_o church_n we_o find_v uniformity_n and_o order_n condemn_v as_o tyrannical_a till_o man_n come_v into_o power_n themselves_o and_o then_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n and_o argument_n be_v use_v and_o think_v very_o good_a and_o substantial_a which_o before_o be_v weak_a and_o sophistical_a those_o who_o speak_v now_o most_o against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v ten_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o 9_o when_o they_o think_v the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o own_o side_n those_o who_o now_o plead_v for_o toleration_n do_v once_o think_v it_o the_o mother_n of_o confusion_n the_o nurse_n of_o atheism_n the_o inlet_n of_o popery_n the_o common_a sink_v of_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v say_v against_o the_o church_n constitution_n than_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v load_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o member_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o pretend_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n for_o a_o pure_a communion_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v this_o objection_n not_o by_o recrimination_n which_o be_v too_o easy_a in_o such_o case_n but_o by_o live_v suitable_o to_o our_o holy_a religion_n by_o reform_v our_o own_o life_n and_o redress_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o scandal_n and_o disorder_n of_o other_o let_v we_o by_o the_o innocency_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o our_o life_n the_o life_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o devotion_n the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o our_o behaviour_n in_o our_o own_o cause_n our_o zeal_n and_o courage_n in_o god_n add_v a_o lustre_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o bring_v other_o to_o a_o love_n of_o our_o church_n ii_o to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o our_o communion_n whether_o they_o hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v i_o can_v dismiss_v this_o subject_n without_o offer_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o 1._o by_o way_n of_o consideration_n 1679._o 2._o by_o way_n of_o advice_n 1._o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o thing_n to_o their_o consideration_n 1._o let_v they_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v without_o spot_n or_o
wrinkle_n and_o if_o man_n will_v set_v themselves_o only_o to_o find_v fault_n it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n they_o shall_v ever_o be_v please_v and_o if_o they_o separate_v where_o they_o see_v any_o thing_n amiss_o 13._o they_o must_v follow_v his_o example_n who_o pursue_v this_o principle_n so_o far_o till_o he_o withdraw_v from_o all_o society_n lest_o he_o shall_v communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o which_o condition_n he_o continue_v till_o his_o child_n lay_v dead_a in_o the_o house_n and_o he_o become_v utter_o unable_a to_o help_v himself_o and_o because_o no_o humane_a invention_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o have_v cut_v out_o of_o his_o bible_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o title_n of_o the_o leave_n and_o so_o leave_v the_o bare_a text_n without_o bind_v or_o cover_v this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o rigid_a and_o impracticable_a principle_n of_o some_o will_v bring_v our_o church_n to_o by_o cut_v off_o all_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n as_o encroachment_n on_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o and_o how_o many_o thing_n must_v be_v allow_v a_o favourable_a interpretation_n in_o public_a constitution_n and_o general_a law_n which_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a so_o to_o frame_v but_o there_o will_v be_v room_n leave_v for_o cavil_n and_o exception_n yea_o when_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n have_v do_v their_o utmost_a some_o of_o themselves_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v dissatisfaction_n still_o and_o if_o christian_a humility_n charity_n and_o discretion_n will_v then_o advise_v person_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o private_a security_n and_o freedom_n 19_o and_o not_o to_o unsettle_v the_o public_a order_n for_o their_o private_a satisfaction_n why_o shall_v not_o man_n practice_v the_o same_o virtue_n themselves_o which_o they_o do_v confess_v will_v be_v necessary_a for_o some_o at_o last_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v consider_v the_o difficulty_n that_o always_o attend_v public_a establishment_n and_o have_v that_o esteem_n for_o peace_n and_o order_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o anything_o tolerable_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o 1667._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n with_o a_o church_n when_o man_n shall_v set_v their_o wit_n to_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o worst_a sense_n to_o stretch_v law_n beyond_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o they_o to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n in_o calendar_n translation_n etc._n etc._n and_o will_v not_o distinguish_v between_o their_o approbation_n of_o the_o use_n and_o of_o the_o choice_n of_o thing_n for_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o man_n think_v to_o justify_v the_o present_a division_n i_o much_o question_n whether_o if_o they_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n 264._o if_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o find_v fault_n no_o church_n can_v be_v pure_a enough_o for_o something_o will_v be_v amiss_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n or_o ceremony_n or_o manner_n but_o if_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o peace_n and_o union_n than_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fail_v and_o then_o according_a to_o s._n paul_n 3._o advice_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n they_o will_v be_v endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a virtue_n no_o metaphysical_a discourse_n of_o unity_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n 3._o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o separation_n of_o the_o people_n from_o our_o church_n come_v to_o be_v more_o lawful_a now_o than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n it_o have_v be_v often_o and_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o learned_a nonconformist_n of_o former_a time_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n in_o some_o point_n 52._o yet_o utter_o condemn_v separation_n from_o our_o church_n as_o unlawful_a and_o they_o look_v upon_o this_o not_o as_o a_o mere_a common_a sin_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n 2._o that_o it_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v he_o call_v it_o a_o rent_v the_o church_n the_o disgrace_n of_o religion_n the_o advancement_n of_o pride_n schism_n and_o contention_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v better_a settle_v the_o harden_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o recovery_n or_o rise_v again_o of_o antichristianism_n nay_o even_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o host_n which_o they_o revile_v in_o his_o ordinance_n which_o they_o dishonour_v and_o in_o his_o servant_n who_o footstep_n they_o slander_v who_o grace_n they_o despise_v who_o office_n they_o trample_v upon_o with_o disdain_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a nonconformist_n before_o the_o war_n and_o sure_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v after_o can_v not_o make_v separation_n to_o appear_v less_o odious_a be_v it_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o such_o a_o sin_n then_o and_o be_v it_o none_o now_o either_o our_o brethren_n at_o this_o day_n do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o people_n to_o separate_v or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o not_o it_o must_v either_o be_v that_o there_o be_v new_a and_o hard_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o be_v not_o then_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o they_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v rather_o easy_a for_o the_o people_n or_o it_o must_v be_v that_o they_o be_v go_v off_o from_o the_o peaceable_a principle_n of_o their_o predecessor_n which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n why_o do_v they_o suffer_v the_o people_n to_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n why_o do_v they_o encourage_v they_o by_o preach_v in_o separate_a congregation_n 91._o for_o their_o predecessor_n do_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a much_o less_o a_o duty_n to_o preach_v when_o forbid_a by_o a_o law_n neither_o do_v they_o understand_v what_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v in_o such_o a_o case_n by_o god_n word_n 570._o so_o to_o draw_v any_o church_n or_o people_n to_o his_o private_a ministry_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n he_o live_v under_o they_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o apostle_n case_n and_o they_o and_o never_o think_v the_o apostle_n woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o they_o but_o think_v that_o silence_a minister_n ought_v to_o live_v as_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v and_o the_o people_n bind_v to_o learn_v of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v far_o less_o ground_n to_o dispute_v when_o themselves_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n by_o law_n establish_v to_o be_v true_a and_o find_v 4._o last_o let_v i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o common_a danger_n that_o threaten_v we_o all_o by_o mean_n of_o our_o division_n 30._o we_o have_v adversary_n subtle_a and_o industrious_a enough_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o they_o promise_v themselves_o more_o from_o 25._o than_o the_o continuance_n of_o these_o breach_n among_o ourselves_o this_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o have_v be_v aware_a of_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v tell_v the_o people_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o separation_n as_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o particular_a among_o we_o certain_o nothing_o will_v tend_v more_o to_o our_o common_a security_n than_o for_o all_o true_a and_o sincere_a protestant_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_n and_o to_o join_v hearty_o in_o communion_n with_o we_o which_o many_o of_o their_o teacher_n at_o this_o day_n allow_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o how_o can_v they_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o hazard_v our_o religion_n by_o not_o do_v that_o which_o themselves_o confess_v lawful_a to_o be_v do_v 2._o but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o a_o perfect_a union_n yet_o i_o will_v entreat_v our_o brethren_n to_o make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o harken_v to_o these_o follow_a advice_n 1._o not_o to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n which_o rend_v all_o in_o piece_n and_o make_v reconciliation_n impossible_a those_o who_o see_v least_o into_o thing_n be_v usual_o the_o
fierce_a condender_n about_o they_o and_o such_o eager_a disputant_n be_v fit_a to_o make_v quarrel_n than_o to_o end_v they_o for_o they_o can_v be_v contentious_a for_o peace-sake_n and_o make_v new_a difference_n about_o the_o way_n of_o unity_n wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n a_o good_a judgement_n a_o prudent_a temper_n and_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n will_v tend_v more_o to_o end_v our_o difference_n than_o warm_a debate_n and_o long_a disputation_n which_o as_o greg._n nazianzen_n say_v once_o of_o council_n seldom_o have_v have_v any_o good_a end_n but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o fiery_a sort_n of_o zeal_n and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o this_o which_o may_v lie_v smother_a for_o a_o time_n till_o it_o meet_v with_o suitable_a matter_n and_o a_o free_a vent_n and_o then_o it_o break_v out_o into_o a_o dreadful_a flame_n this_o we_o have_v already_o see_v such_o dismal_a effect_n of_o in_o this_o age_n that_o we_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v less_o need_n to_o give_v man_n caution_n against_o it_o again_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o where_o reason_n can_v prevail_v experience_n will_v not_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v to_o such_o person_n that_o may_v be_v like_a to_o move_v they_o be_v that_o if_o their_o blind_a zeal_n transport_v they_o as_o it_o do_v samson_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o house_n over_o their_o head_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o perish_v themselves_o in_o the_o fall_n of_o it_o but_o here_o will_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n while_o they_o and_o their_o friend_n perish_v together_o the_o philistines_n without_o will_n rejoice_v to_o make_v other_o the_o instrument_n to_o execute_v their_o design_n 2._o not_o to_o be_v always_o complain_v of_o their_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n as_o though_o no_o people_n have_v suffer_v so_o much_o since_o the_o day_n of_o dioclesian_n whereas_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o so_o much_o gentleness_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o that_o other_o have_v as_o much_o complain_v of_o indulgence_n as_o they_o of_o persecution_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o make_v such_o noise_n and_o outcry_n of_o their_o suffer_v so_o much_o when_o they_o will_v have_v be_v rather_o thankful_a that_o they_o suffer_v no_o more_o be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o peace_n to_o represent_v their_o case_n still_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o exasperate_n and_o provoke_a manner_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o incline_v their_o governor_n to_o more_o condescension_n to_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o people_n as_o a_o ithacian_a persecute_v party_n where_o be_v the_o priscillian_o that_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o their_o instigation_n what_o do_v such_o insinuation_n mean_v but_o that_o our_o bishop_n be_v the_o follower_n of_o ithacius_n and_o idacius_n in_o their_o cruelty_n and_o they_o of_o the_o good_a and_o meek_a bishop_n s._n martin_n who_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o on_o that_o account_n if_o man_n do_v entertain_v such_o kind_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o such_o hard_a thought_n of_o their_o superior_n whatever_o they_o plead_v for_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o peace_n 3._o not_o to_o condemn_v other_o for_o that_o which_o themselves_o have_v practise_v and_o think_v to_o be_v lawful_a in_o their_o own_o case_n what_o outcry_n have_v some_o make_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a for_o expect_v and_o require_v uniformity_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o such_o man_n even_o at_o this_o day_n contend_v for_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o covenant_n which_o bind_v man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n 7_o but_o they_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o adonibezek_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o thumb_n and_o the_o toe_n which_o they_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o other_o and_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o again_o if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n who_o can_v have_v be_v think_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o way_n than_o those_o who_o go_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o even_o in_o new_a england_n 1651._o when_o their_o own_o churchway_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v among_o they_o they_o make_v it_o no_o less_o than_o banishment_n for_o the_o anabaptist_n to_o set_v up_o other_o church_n among_o they_o or_o for_o any_o secret_o to_o seduce_v other_o from_o the_o approbation_n and_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n and_o how_o they_o have_v since_o proceed_v with_o the_o quaker_n be_v very_o well_o know_v nay_o even_o these_o notwithstanding_o the_o single_a independency_n of_o every_o man_n light_n within_o he_o have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v rule_n and_o order_n among_o themselves_o to_o govern_v their_o society_n to_o which_o they_o expect_v a_o uniform_a obedience_n and_o allow_v no_o liberty_n out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n etc._n as_o they_o love_v to_o speak_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v the_o true_a controversy_n be_v not_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o uniformity_n but_o who_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o now_o a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v load_v with_o bitter_a reproach_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o common_a hatred_n of_o all_o party_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v practice_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n and_o think_v it_o very_o justifiable_a so_o to_o do_v 4._o not_o to_o inflame_v the_o people_n heat_n by_o make_v their_o difference_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o appear_v to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v let_v they_o deal_v honest_o and_o faithful_o with_o they_o by_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o occasional_a communion_n at_o least_o with_o they_o to_o be_v lawful_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v if_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a that_o constant_a communion_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o abate_v man_n great_a prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o soften_v their_o spirit_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o close_a union_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o darken_v and_o confound_v thing_n and_o cast_v mist_n before_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o can_v see_v their_o way_n clear_a before_o they_o all_o understand_a man_n will_v conclude_v they_o prefer_v some_o little_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o before_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n 5._o not_o to_o harbâ—â—_n or_o foment_n unreasonable_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n in_o people_n mind_n concern_v we_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o successful_a art_n of_o keep_v up_o the_o distance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v be_v so_o great_a among_o we_o viz._n by_o private_a whisper_n by_o false_a suggestion_n by_o idle_a story_n by_o unreasonable_a interpretation_n of_o word_n beyond_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v they_o by_o such_o device_n as_o these_o great_a mischief_n have_v be_v do_v among_o we_o and_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a be_v do_v still_o for_o nothing_o set_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o our_o church_n than_o the_o apprehend_n that_o we_o be_v not_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o protestant_a cause_n which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o most_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a calumny_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o conscience_n or_o common_a ingenuity_n as_o not_o only_o to_o charge_v particular_a person_n but_o our_o church_n itself_o with_o march_v towards_o popery_n what_o injustice_n what_o uncharitableness_n what_o impudence_n be_v it_o to_o fasten_v such_o a_o imputation_n upon_o a_o church_n that_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v and_o long_o may_v it_o do_v so_o the_o chief_a bulwark_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n little_o do_v such_o person_n consider_v how_o much_o they_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v but_o be_v mighty_o please_v to_o find_v their_o most_o formidable_a adversary_n represent_v to_o the_o people_n as_o their_o secret_a friend_n 6._o not_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o all_o for_o a_o show_n of_o great_a liberty_n to_o themselves_o for_o under_o this_o pretence_n our_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o their_o instrument_n to_o bring_v upon_o our_o neck_n 〈◊〉_d yoke_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o universal_a toleration_n be_v that_o trojan_a horse_n which_o bring_v in_o our_o enemy_n without_o be_v see_v and_o which_o after_o a_o long_a siege_n they_o hope_v to_o bring_v in_o at_o last_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o set_v our_o gate_n wide_a enough_o
business_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o this_o religion_n promise_v this_o he_o pursue_v from_o vers_fw-la 7_o to_z vers_n 15._o 4._o have_v do_v this_o he_o persuade_v all_o good_a christian_n to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v vers_fw-la 15._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v but_o because_o many_o dispute_n and_o difference_n as_o to_o opinion_n and_o practice_n may_v happen_v among_o they_o he_o therefore_o lay_v down_o two_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o 1._o if_o any_o happen_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n they_o live_v with_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o humility_n not_o break_v out_o into_o faction_n and_o division_n but_o wait_v for_o far_a information_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n will_v give_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o sober_a use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o by_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n immediate_a care_n for_o far_a illumination_n he_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o depend_v upon_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o require_v they_o to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n without_o proceed_v with_o the_o false_a apostle_n to_o the_o way_n of_o faction_n and_o separation_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v 2._o for_o those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o a_o firmness_n and_o settlement_n of_o judgement_n upon_o the_o christian_a principle_n he_o charge_v they_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o preserve_v unity_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o fix_a and_o certain_a rule_n notwithstanding_o the_o different_a attainment_n among_o christian_n nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n ii_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n to_o observe_v it_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unthinking_a multitude_n not_o to_o the_o licentious_a rabble_n nor_o to_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n which_o some_o think_v be_v only_o desirous_a of_o uniformity_n but_o to_o the_o very_o best_a christian_n to_o those_o who_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o other_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v that_o they_o will_v be_v a_o example_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o their_o brethren_n i._o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o fix_a and_o certain_a rule_n notwithstanding_o the_o different_a attainment_n of_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o phrase_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a allusion_n to_o a_o race_n for_o as_o eustathius_n observe_v 3._o the_o first_o thing_n the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v as_o to_o their_o exercise_n be_v to_o circumscribe_v the_o bound_n within_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v that_o which_o fix_v and_o determine_v these_o limit_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o greek_n and_o regula_n and_o lineae_fw-la by_o the_o latin_n thence_o transilire_fw-la lineas_fw-la in_o cicero_n be_v to_o commit_v a_o fault_n to_o break_v the_o bound_n within_o which_o we_o be_v confine_v all_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o this_o rule_n whether_o only_o a_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n with_o a_o liberty_n of_o different_a practice_n or_o such_o a_o rule_n which_o limit_n and_o dermine_v the_o manner_n of_o practice_n it_o can_v be_v the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v the_o case_n the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v to_o just_a before_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v therefore_o now_o subjoin_v this_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o have_v go_v beyond_o they_o he_o do_v imply_v such_o a_o agreement_n and_o uniformity_n of_o practice_n as_o do_v lie_v in_o observe_v the_o same_o stand_a rule_n for_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o they_o understand_v already_o what_o order_n and_o direction_n he_o have_v give_v they_o when_o a_o church_n be_v first_o form_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n mention_n a_o rule_n without_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n which_o they_o very_o well_o know_v which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o before_o so_o we_o find_v elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n refer_v to_o such_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o church_n and_o be_v already_o receive_v and_o practise_v among_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v their_o epistle_n for_o the_o sound_n of_o church_n but_o they_o be_v already_o in_o be_v only_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o disorder_n among_o they_o and_o reform_a abuse_n and_o leave_v some_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o direction_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v among_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v 34._o and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o leave_v all_o person_n to_o act_v as_o they_o judge_v fit_a 17._o but_o do_v make_v rule_n determine_v their_o practice_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o uniformity_n therein_o for_o may_v not_o man_n pretend_v that_o these_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v scruple_v by_o some_o person_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n on_o this_o account_n do_v forbear_v give_v rule_n in_o such_o case_n and_o to_o oblige_v christian_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o that_o not_o on_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o apostle_n but_o as_o governor_n of_o church_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o themselves_o who_o consequence_n and_o tendency_n be_v very_o great_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n lie_v in_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o little_a thing_n and_o keep_v the_o zeal_n of_o well-meaning_a person_n within_o its_o due_a bound_n for_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v below_o in_o the_o valley_n fight_v in_o small_a party_n and_o pursue_v their_o advantage_n do_v run_v into_o their_o enemy_n camp_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o may_v receive_v a_o unexpected_a check_n from_o their_o commander_n in_o chief_a who_o from_o the_o high_a ground_n espy_v the_o hazard_n they_o be_v in_o by_o their_o over-forwardness_n and_o the_o art_n which_o their_o enemy_n use_v in_o draw_v they_o into_o little_a company_n to_o fight_v separately_z and_o the_o danger_n they_o may_v thereby_o bring_v upon_o the_o whole_a army_n and_o therefore_o send_v they_o a_o peremptory_a order_n to_o give_v over_o fight_v by_o themselves_o and_o make_v good_a their_o retreat_n into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o army_n they_o wonder_v they_o complain_v they_o think_v themselves_o hardly_o use_v but_o no_o understand_a man_n blame_v their_o general_n who_o regard_v their_o safety_n more_o than_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o know_v the_o allow_v they_o the_o liberty_n they_o desire_v will_v endanger_v the_o destruction_n of_o they_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n of_o governor_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o the_o zeal_n and_o courage_n of_o inferior_a person_n who_o know_v their_o own_o resolution_n and_o integrity_n think_v much_o to_o be_v control_v but_o those_o who_o stand_v upon_o high_a ground_n and_o see_v further_o than_o they_o can_v do_v must_v be_v allow_v a_o better_a capacity_n of_o judge_v what_o make_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o they_o can_v have_v and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o look_v on_o in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o think_v they_o mean_v and_o trifle_a the_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o their_o consequence_n and_o the_o influence_n they_o may_v have_v upon_o the_o public_a safety_n it_o be_v extreme_o desirable_a that_o all_o good_a and_o useful_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v without_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o unsettle_v all_o it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o general_a safety_n or_o some_o man_n particular_a satisfaction_n be_v the_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o give_v we_o reason_n to_o consider_v for_o although_o there_o be_v many_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n in_o their_o time_n about_o several_a rite_n and_o custom_n yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v give_v rule_n in_o
honest_a and_o conscientious_a man_n let_v they_o tell_v the_o people_n plain_o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o time_n if_o they_o find_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v here_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n 2._o if_o the_o bare_a dissatisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n do_v justify_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o separation_n and_o break_v a_o establish_a rule_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o make_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o which_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a man_n shall_v not_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o because_o what_o we_o say_v may_v not_o weigh_v so_o much_o with_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o what_o be_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n by_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o the_o assembly_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v not_o so_o much_o want_v to_o their_o cause_n as_o not_o to_o plead_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o advantage_n and_o earnestness_n as_o any_o man_n now_o can_v do_v it_o to_o which_o they_o answer_v 1._o that_o though_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v 61._o yet_o it_o can_v never_o justify_v separation_n we_o much_o doubt_n say_v they_o whether_o such_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n as_o arise_v out_o of_o a_o opinion_n cui_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la which_o may_v be_v false_a when_o the_o conscience_n be_v so_o tender_a that_o it_o may_v be_v withal_o a_o err_a conscience_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o justify_v such_o a_o material_a separation_n as_o our_o brethren_n plead_v for_o for_o though_o it_o may_v bind_v to_o forbear_v or_o suspend_v the_o act_n of_o communion_n in_o that_o particular_a wherein_o man_n conceive_v they_o can_v hold_v communion_n without_o sin_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v contrary_a unto_o conscience_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v such_o a_o positive_a prescript_n as_o possible_o may_v be_v divers_a from_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n of_o which_o kind_n we_o conceive_v this_o of_o gather_v separate_v church_n out_o of_o other_o true_a church_n to_o be_v one_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o hope_v to_o give_v satisfation_n to_o err_a conscience_n 66._o the_o ground_n say_v they_o upon_o which_o this_o separation_n be_v desire_v be_v such_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o possible_a scruple_n which_o err_v conscience_n may_v in_o any_o other_o case_n be_v subject_a unto_o may_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o like_a indulgence_n and_o so_o this_o toleration_n be_v the_o first_o shall_v indeed_o but_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o open_v the_o gap_n whereat_o as_o many_o division_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o may_v be_v scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n shall_v upon_o the_o self_n same_o equity_n be_v let_v in_o and_o again_o 68_o that_o this_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o a_o perpetual_a schism_n 73._o and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v no_o protection_n against_o schism_n 68_o no_o cause_n of_o separate_a nor_o do_v it_o take_v off_o causeless_a separation_n from_o be_v schism_n 73._o which_o may_v arise_v from_o error_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o therefore_o they_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o separation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o ex_fw-la natura_fw-la rei_fw-la will_v bear_v it_o out_o 4._o that_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n 111._o for_o say_v they_o they_o suppress_v the_o contention_n of_o man_n by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o and_o ordain_v the_o same_o practice_n in_o all_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o our_o brethren_n distinction_n of_o difference_n of_o light_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 17._o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n bind_v the_o burden_n of_o some_o necessary_a thing_n on_o the_o church_n albeit_o there_o be_v in_o those_o church_n gradual_a difference_n of_o light_n 5._o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o text_n 114._o do_v not_o intend_v to_o allow_v brethren_n who_o agree_v in_o all_o substantial_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o in_o those_o very_a substantial_o wherein_o they_o agree_v be_v this_o say_v they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o church_n in_o those_o very_a thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o 115._o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o we_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v 6._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n ibid._n and_o rule_n of_o uniformity_n for_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n charge_v the_o assembly_n with_o set_v up_o a_o uniformity_n for_o uniformity_n sake_n i._n e._n affect_v uniformity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o regard_v man_n conscience_n and_o without_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o variety_n of_o light_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o lesser_a nature_n which_o say_v they_o will_v prove_v a_o perfect_a tyranny_n and_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o stretch_v a_o low_a man_n to_o the_o same_o length_n with_o a_o tall_a or_o to_o cut_v a_o tall_a man_n to_o the_o stature_n of_o one_o that_o be_v low_a for_o uniformity_n sake_n to_o which_o the_o other_o answer_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v uniformity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o tyranny_n but_o only_o for_o order_n and_o order_n for_o edification_n but_o for_o aught_o they_o can_v perceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v one_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o foundation_n of_o tyranny_n which_o be_v their_o own_o word_n 116._o as_o to_o variety_n of_o light_n they_o desire_v their_o brethren_n to_o answer_v they_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o then_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n unto_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o variety_n of_o light_n 117._o without_o any_o tyranny_n at_o all_o as_o to_o their_o similitude_n they_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v pretty_a and_o plausible_a but_o such_o argument_n be_v popular_a and_o inartificial_a have_v more_o of_o flourish_n than_o substance_n in_o they_o for_o do_v not_o they_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v low_a church_n to_o a_o great_a height_n will_v they_o permit_v other_o church-government_n if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n because_o man_n must_v not_o for_o uniformity_n sake_n be_v pare_v or_o stretch_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n will_v they_o endure_v the_o low_a sucker_n at_o the_o root_n of_o their_o tree_n to_o grow_v till_o they_o have_v kill_v the_o tree_n itself_o ad_fw-la populum_fw-la phaleras_fw-la from_o whence_o we_o see_v the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_n after_o uniformity_n be_v acquit_v from_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n for_o such_o we_o do_v not_o question_v they_o choose_v to_o manage_v this_o debate_n upon_o which_o the_o turn_n of_o their_o whole_a affair_n depend_v 3._o a_o wilful_a error_n or_o mistake_n of_o conscience_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v from_o sin_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o divide_v the_o church_n by_o a_o sinful_a separation_n that_o separation_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o sin_n for_o his_o think_a himself_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o 9_o for_o s._n paul_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 15._o for_o what_o he_o do_v under_o that_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n 2._o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v god_n service_n but_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a mistake_n when_o they_o take_v kill_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v very_o bad_a thing_n