to_o be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n charge_v with_o schism_n for_o a_o dissent_n from_o such_o a_o rule_n any_o such_o rule_n and_o any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n upon_o it_o be_v apocryphal_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o unto_o that_o which_o i_o call_v primitive_a antiquity_n the_o first_o attempt_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o time_n and_o day_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n this_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n among_o christian_n of_o a_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o humane_a or_o church_n constitution_n or_o groundless_a tradition_n on_o any_o church_n or_o person_n in_o they_o and_o whereas_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o schism_n between_o the_o church_n of_o italy_n and_o asia_n or_o some_o of_o they_o do_v ensue_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o most_o illustrious_a testimony_n from_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a of_o that_o age_n for_o irenaeus_n in_o france_n and_o polycrates_n in_o asia_n be_v not_o alone_o herein_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o attempt_v to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o impose_v on_o they_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v on_o after_o a_o rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n to_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o divine_a institution_n on_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v humane_a constitution_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o such_o pretence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o original_a not_o unmeet_a for_o the_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o imposition_n be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o receive_v such_o a_o solemn_a rebuke_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o attempt_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o ignorance_n pride_n interest_n and_o superstition_n of_o some_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n it_o have_v perish_v without_o imitation_n the_o account_n hereof_o be_v give_v in_o eusebius_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o 22_o 33_o as_o also_o of_o the_o rule_n which_o then_o prevail_v though_o afterward_o shameful_o forsake_v namely_o that_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o communion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v under_o any_o diversity_n in_o voluntary_a observation_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o socrates_n on_o this_o occasion_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 21_o concern_v the_o non-institution_n of_o any_o day_n of_o fast_n or_o feast_n or_o other_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n then_o in_o use_n with_o the_o liberty_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o such_o thing_n unto_o all_o christian_n be_v the_o plain_a truth_n whatever_o some_o except_o against_o it_o declare_v with_o much_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n this_o beginning_n i_o say_v have_v the_o imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a uninstituted_a rite_n ceremony_n and_o religious_a observation_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o solemn_a rebuke_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o howbeit_o the_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o interest_n of_o follow_v age_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o modesty_n break_v through_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o holy_a rebuke_n until_o their_o own_o imposition_n and_o observation_n become_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o church_n discipline_n unto_o the_o total_a subversion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n wherefore_o to_o allow_v church_n ruler_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o appoint_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n comprise_v institution_n and_o command_n of_o sundry_a thing_n to_o be_v constant_o observe_v in_o the_o whole_a worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n not_o warrant_v in_o themselves_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o to_o charge_v beleiver_n abide_v firm_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o schism_n for_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o such_o command_n and_o appointment_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o primitive_a antiquity_n have_v either_o instance_n example_n precedent_n testimony_n rumour_n or_o report_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o the_o pedigree_n of_o this_o practice_n can_v be_v derive_v one_o step_n high_o than_o the_o fact_n of_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v solemn_o condemn_v as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o christian_a liberty_n 3._o after_o these_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n begin_v to_o be_v manage_v various_o according_a unto_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o most_o advantage_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o it_o be_v a_o endless_a thing_n to_o express_v the_o rise_n and_o declare_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o apprehension_n but_o after_o many_o loose_a and_o declamatory_n discourse_n about_o it_o they_o be_v geral_o issue_v in_o two_o head_n the_o first_o be_v that_o any_o kind_n of_o dissent_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v schism_n all_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o be_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n be_v schism_n and_o this_o only_o be_v so_o but_o whereas_o in_o this_o pretend_a definition_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o of_o its_o internal_a cause_n nor_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n but_o a_o bare_a description_n of_o it_o by_o a_o outward_a effect_n it_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o weapon_n in_o every_o man_n hand_n to_o perpetuate_v digladiation_n about_o it_o for_o every_o church_n esteem_v itself_o true_a and_o every_o one_o that_o separate_v himself_o esteem_v himself_o to_o have_v just_a cause_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o follow_a time_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o arian_n heresy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o those_o of_o the_o orthodox_n persuasion_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o arian_n bishop_n do_v preside_v and_o to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o which_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o schism_n and_o in_o sundry_a place_n punish_v according_o yea_o some_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v none_o now_o who_o judge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v schismatic_n the_o separation_n of_o novatus_n and_o donatus_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n on_o unwarrantable_a pretence_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o loud_a noise_n about_o schism_n in_o antiquity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n the_o general_n nature_n and_o moral_a evil_n of_o causeless_a schism_n and_o division_n will_v be_v easy_o grant_v but_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v be_v the_o especial_a nature_n of_o schism_n what_o it_o will_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v use_n of_o any_o one_o reason_n whereon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a cause_n do_v depend_v the_o novatian_o the_o modest_a sect_n of_o the_o two_o pretend_v only_o a_o defect_n in_o discipline_n in_o grant_v church_n communion_n unto_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v though_o they_o be_v apparent_o in_o the_o wrong_n proceed_v on_o mistake_v principle_n the_o donatist_n plead_v only_o some_o personal_a crime_n in_o some_o few_o bishop_n fall_v into_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v and_o thereon_o grow_v angry_a with_o all_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o condemn_v they_o and_o renounce_v their_o communion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o these_o slight_a pretence_n they_o make_v the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o all_o its_o distribution_n for_o communion_n that_o be_v all_o particular_a church_n and_o confine_v sacrament_n and_o salvation_n absolute_o unto_o their_o own_o party_n and_o hereon_o they_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o woeful_a miscarriage_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n it_o be_v indifferent_a by_o what_o name_n any_o be_v please_v to_o call_v this_o evil_a and_o folly_n a_o sin_n and_o evil_a it_o be_v schism_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o term_v it_o and_o just_o condemn_v by_o all_o christian_n not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o animate_v principle_n of_o the_o tumult_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v a_o supposition_n that_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o true_a church_n state_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o bishop_n
orthodox_n themselves_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o unto_o a_o total_a renunciation_n of_o all_o communion_n whatever_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v enclose_v unto_o their_o own_o party_n 2._o to_o evidence_n that_o we_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o the_o ancient_a schism_n or_o do_v contract_v the_o gild_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n aim_v at_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n incumbent_a on_o he_o to_o prove_v 1._o that_o our_o parochial_a church_n from_o who_o we_o do_v refrain_v actual_a presential_a communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v require_v by_o law_n which_o can_v be_v many_o and_o but_o one_o at_o one_o time_n do_v succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o that_o church_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o which_o those_o schism_n do_v consist_v for_o we_o pass_v no_o judgement_n on_o any_o other_o church_n but_o what_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o unto_o present_a duty_n though_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v extend_v unto_o many_o or_o all_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o these_o schism_n consist_v in_o a_o profess_a separation_n from_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o join_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n state_n then_o passant_a and_o allow_v but_o our_o author_n know_v full_a well_o that_o there_o be_v other_o who_o long_o before_o our_o parochial_a church_n do_v lay_v claim_v unto_o the_o absolute_a enclosure_n of_o this_o church_n state_n unto_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o condemn_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o same_o schism_n that_o those_o of_o old_a be_v guilty_a of_o especial_o they_o make_v a_o continual_a clamour_n about_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o dispossess_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o that_o usurpation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n from_o whence_o those_o separation_n be_v make_v and_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o other_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v cast_v that_o out_o of_o possession_n to_o bring_v in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o to_o press_v the_o gild_n of_o separation_n from_o they_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o but_o new_o press_v withal_o by_o the_o romanist_n namely_o that_o hereby_o we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o yea_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o who_o make_v schism_n in_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o old_a be_v somewhat_o severe_a and_o unequal_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o world_n not_o agree_v and_o act_v with_o they_o and_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n from_o who_o communion_n we_o refrain_v be_v the_o same_o and_o of_o the_o same_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o those_o ancient_a schism_n against_o we_o nor_o be_v any_o countenance_n give_v by_o we_o unto_o they_o for_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o we_o whether_o it_o be_v free_a or_o lawful_a for_o believer_n to_o join_v in_o society_n and_o full_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v of_o our_o way_n and_o especial_a communion_n we_o free_o answer_v that_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v of_o it_o nor_o do_v judge_v they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v prove_v unto_o the_o end_v propose_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o separation_n of_o old_a be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o those_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n now_o though_o the_o dr._n here_o make_v a_o flourish_n with_o some_o expression_n about_o zeal_n discipline_n purity_n of_o the_o church_n edification_n which_o he_o will_v not_o find_v in_o any_o of_o their_o pretence_n yet_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n allege_v wherein_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n between_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n plead_v by_o they_o and_o we_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o general_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o be_v the_o unwarrantable_a imposition_n of_o unscriptural_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n plead_v by_o they_o that_o make_v the_o schism_n of_o old_a indeed_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o imposer_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o their_o imposition_n some_o bishop_n or_o some_o that_o will_v have_v be_v bishop_n but_o can_v not_o entertain_v some_o new_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o all_o other_o be_v not_o submit_v unto_o therein_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n which_o be_v just_o esteem_v criminal_a so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n even_o the_o great_a tertullian_n though_o no_o bishop_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o ground_n for_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o some_o austere_a severity_n in_o fast_v abstinence_n from_o sundry_a meat_n and_o watch_v with_o the_o like_a which_o he_o esteem_v necessary_a though_o no_o way_n warrant_v by_o scripture_n rule_n or_o example_n he_o utter_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o countenance_v himself_o by_o adhere_v unto_o the_o dotage_n of_o montanus_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o they_o contend_v for_o a_o severity_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o in_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o establish_v a_o false_a principle_n rule_n or_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o they_o advance_v namely_o that_o the_o most_o sincere_a penitent_n be_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n whereby_o they_o do_v not_o establish_v but_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o church_n discipline_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o press_v for_o the_o power_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v pretend_v but_o advance_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o prejudice_n both_o unto_o the_o power_n and_o use_v of_o they_o they_o pretend_v indeed_o unto_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o there_o be_v none_o impure_a wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a among_o they_o but_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v who_o have_v once_o fall_v though_o real_o make_v pure_a by_o sincere_a repentance_n this_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o purity_n if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v if_o they_o can_v catch_v he_o in_o such_o a_o fault_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o passaint_n discipline_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o they_o have_v he_o safe_a for_o ever_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a repentance_n can_v prevail_v for_o a_o readmission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o because_o other_o church_n will_v admit_v they_o they_o renounce_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o no_o church_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o our_o principle_n be_v these_o our_o practice_n do_v we_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o by_o any_o thing_n we_o say_v or_o do_v i_o somewhat_o wonder_v that_o the_o dr._n from_o some_o general_a expression_n and_o cast_v their_o pretence_n under_o new_a appearance_n shall_v seem_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o coincidence_n between_o what_o they_o insist_v on_o and_o what_o we_o plead_v in_o our_o own_o defence_n he_o may_v see_v now_o more_o full_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o i_o hope_v thereon_o will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n not_o as_o unto_o our_o cause_n in_o general_a which_o i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o the_o expectation_n of_o but_o as_o unto_o this_o invidious_a charge_n of_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o schism_n condemn_v of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o schism_n which_o we_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o give_v countenance_n unto_o as_o unto_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n which_o they_o plead_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n 3._o it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v charge_v on_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o charge_v on_o they_o of_o old_a for_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o what_o they_o do_v for_o it_o be_v know_v they_o so_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o confine_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o party_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o and_o to_o
preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n all_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o we_o keep_v unto_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n or_o no_o wherein_o we_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o trial_n be_v willing_a to_o teach_v or_o learn_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n contain_v and_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o command_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v for_o the_o order_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n real_a and_o unfeigned_a love_v fervent_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n and_o of_o universal_a gracious_a evangelical_n obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o we_o do_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o the_o only_a real_a foundation_n of_o they_o do_v lie_v herein_o nor_o do_v we_o value_v that_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n which_o may_v be_v without_o it_o or_o be_v neglective_a of_o it_o let_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o those_o therein_o who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o principle_n and_o our_o judgement_n that_o no_o church_n peace_n or_o unity_n be_v value_v by_o or_o accept_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v not_o found_v in_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o the_o entire_a gospel_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o neglect_v hereof_o peace_n be_v be_v but_o carnal_a security_n and_o unity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n add_v hereunto_o in_o particular_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o his_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n and_o they_o who_o walk_v according_a unto_o this_o rule_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o fierce_a of_o their_o adversary_n wherefore_o we_o say_v three_o those_o who_o recede_v from_o this_o rule_n in_o any_o material_a branch_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o church_n unity_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o exorbitancy_n as_o suppose_v that_o any_o preach_v teach_v or_o profess_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n especial_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o person_n office_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o doctrine_n pure_o evangelical_n they_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o true_a peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la nomen_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la vnitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la say_v hilary_n suppose_v that_o man_n retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o act_v their_o habitual_a lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v from_o such_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o edification_n all_o these_o according_a unto_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n do_v disturb_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v four_o that_o conscience_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o concern_v in_o no_o other_o church_n unity_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o that_o end_n we_o know_v what_o be_v speak_v concern_v obedience_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o obedience_n be_v require_v of_o we_o only_o as_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v for_o other_o commission_n from_o he_o they_o have_v none_o when_o this_o rule_n be_v forsake_v and_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o as_o it_o quick_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n unto_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o church_n unity_n so_o that_o other_o do_v either_o proceed_v from_o man_n secular_a interest_n or_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o and_o whereas_o the_o line_n of_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v in_o the_o field_n of_o pretend_a indifferency_n and_o real_a arbitrariness_n it_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o endless_a contention_n whilst_o whatever_o some_o think_v themselves_o to_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v other_o will_v judge_v themselves_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o refuse_v five_o it_o be_v unity_n of_o christ_n appointment_n that_o schism_n respect_v as_o a_o sin_n against_o it_o and_o not_o uniformity_n in_o thing_n of_o man_n appointment_n and_o last_o those_o who_o charge_v schism_n on_o other_o for_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o or_o the_o refrain_v of_o total_a communion_n with_o they_o must_v 1._o discharge_v themselves_o of_o the_o charge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o consistence_n with_o their_o charge_n on_o they_o for_o we_o find_v as_o yet_o no_o arrow_n shoot_v against_o we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v gather_v up_o in_o the_o field_n shoot_v at_o they_o that_o use_v they_o out_o of_o the_o roman_a quiver_n neither_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v other_o manner_n of_o reason_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o any_o we_o have_v for_o our_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o right_o and_o power_n they_o have_v to_o do_v it_o namely_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a church_n state_n of_o their_o own_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o that_o church_n and_o against_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o 2._o require_v no_o communion_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o rule_n before_o declare_v in_o no_o other_o be_v we_o concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o give_v a_o far_a confirmation_n than_o what_o we_o have_v yet_o see_v unto_o the_o principle_n or_o presumption_n they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o that_o 1._o diocesan_a bishop_n with_o their_o metropolitan_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 2._o that_o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o alone_o 3._o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n no_o where_o prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o this_o church_n they_o be_v 5._o that_o no_o man_n voluntary_a consent_n be_v require_v to_o constitute_v he_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v surprise_v into_o that_o state_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n 6_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n plead_v for_o noncompliance_n with_o arbitrary_a unnecessary_a imposition_n 7._o that_o the_o church_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reformation_n neither_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n nor_o conversation_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n that_o they_o need_v unto_o their_o justification_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o mutual_a forbearance_n first_o remove_v animosity_n than_o administer_a occasion_n of_o inoffensive_a converse_n unto_o the_o revival_n of_o decay_a affection_n lead_v unto_o sedate_n conference_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o more_o entire_a conjunction_n in_o the_o thing_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v will_v more_o conduce_v unto_o universal_a peace_n and_o gospel_n unity_n than_o the_o most_o fierce_a contention_n about_o thing_n in_o difference_n or_o the_o most_o vehement_a charge_n of_o schism_n against_o dissenter_n but_o i_o must_v return_v to_o the_o argument_n and_o shall_v add_v something_o give_v light_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n from_o a_o
life_n itself_o a_o opinion_n ignominious_a unto_o christian_a religion_n however_o vapour_a withal_o by_o young_a man_n who_o wit_n fly_v above_o all_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o circumstance_n and_o countenance_v by_o other_o from_o a_o influence_n of_o interest_n who_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o such_o a_o anti-evangelical_n presumption_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o the_o utmost_a distance_n from_o interest_n or_o passion_n brief_o consider_v the_o case_n propose_v and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o thought_n concern_v it_o 1._o one_o or_o two_o thing_n be_v usual_o premise_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o case_n as_o namely_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o refrain_v from_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o we_o insist_v upon_o do_v yet_o agree_v therewith_o in_o all_o important_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o church_n union_n and_o communion_n this_o i_o free_o grant_v but_o with_o this_o limitation_n that_o this_o agreement_n respect_v the_o doctrine_n as_o declare_v at_o the_o first_o reformation_n and_o explain_v in_o the_o age_n next_o ensue_v thereon_o if_o there_o be_v a_o change_n make_v in_o or_o of_o these_o doctrine_n or_o any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o in_o or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o profess_v our_o disagreement_n from_o they_o and_o do_v declare_v that_o thereby_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a bond_n of_o it_o loosen_v 2._o that_o not_o only_o as_o christian_n but_o as_o reform_a protestant_n we_o do_v agree_v in_o the_o renunciation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o call_v yet_o this_o must_v be_v add_v thereunto_o that_o if_o any_o in_o or_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v make_v a_o accession_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n not_o avow_v or_o warrant_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o first_o reformation_n we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o communion_n with_o they_o therein_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v the_o original_a bond_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v weaken_v if_o not_o dissolve_v 2._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o shall_v inquire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o if_o this_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o divine_a prescription_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o great_a diligence_n and_o humility_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v and_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n if_o we_o fail_v of_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o if_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v limit_v and_o exact_v this_o communion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o plead_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n whatever_o fault_n there_o may_v be_v in_o our_o dissent_n from_o it_o schism_n it_o be_v not_o for_o ecclesiastical_a schism_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n but_o divine_a institution_n for_o if_o it_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o make_v schismatic_n of_o who_o they_o please_v as_o practical_o and_o in_o pretence_n it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o book_n of_o canon_n with_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n if_o according_a to_o the_o prescription_n direction_n and_o command_n give_v in_o they_o we_o do_v join_v ourselves_o in_o communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n then_o be_v we_o judge_v conformable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o else_o by_o and_o according_a unto_o these_o be_v all_o inquiry_n make_v concern_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v the_o return_n be_v omnia_fw-la bene_fw-la now_o this_o rule_n have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n for_o its_o institution_n no_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n especial_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o it_o oblige_v we_o unto_o nor_o can_v be_v make_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v his_o disciple_n free_a a_o dissent_n from_o this_o rule_n be_v as_o far_o from_o schism_n as_o any_o man_n need_v desire_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v so_o but_o what_o respect_v some_o command_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o immediate_o affect_v the_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v that_o love_n union_n peace_n and_o order_n whereof_o schism_n be_v a_o disturbance_n and_o whereunto_o it_o be_v opposite_a but_o they_o be_v that_o love_n union_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o unto_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o appoint_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o union_n and_o order_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o rule_n we_o treat_v of_o which_o he_o never_o require_v and_o then_o to_o oblige_v his_o disciple_n unto_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v so_o as_o that_o their_o dissent_n from_o it_o shall_v be_v criminal_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v of_o man_n be_v no_o small_a mistake_n and_o if_o all_o that_o love_n union_n peace_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v enjoin_v his_o disciple_n may_v be_v punctual_o observe_v without_o any_o respect_n unto_o this_o rule_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o dissent_v from_o it_o whatever_o fault_n of_o another_o kind_n it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o more_o schism_n than_o it_o be_v adultery_n and_o if_o on_o some_o man_n arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o the_o dissent_n of_o other_o from_o it_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n ensue_v as_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o schism_n the_o evil_a of_o they_o belong_v unto_o those_o alone_a by_o who_o the_o rule_n be_v frame_v if_o indeed_o some_o shall_v frame_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o church_n communion_n because_o they_o suppose_v they_o see_v cause_n for_o it_o and_o will_v then_o leave_v it_o unto_o other_o to_o observe_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o use_n it_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a unto_o much_o abuse_n but_o whereas_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n equal_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n in_o these_o thing_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v and_o do_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o for_o some_o of_o they_o on_o any_o pretence_n or_o plea_n whatever_o as_o of_o their_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o like_a arbitrary_o to_o frame_v a_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o as_o a_o addition_n unto_o he_o oblige_v all_o other_o unto_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o because_o they_o have_v so_o frame_v it_o be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o primitive_a antiquity_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o i_o will_v not_o inquire_v what_o be_v that_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o this_o rule_n be_v constitute_v and_o confirm_v nor_o in_o who_o it_o do_v reside_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v usual_o pretend_a and_o plead_v but_o before_o any_o can_v be_v concern_v herein_o all_o that_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o the_o true_a state_n and_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n must_v be_v overthrow_v which_o will_v not_o be_v do_v speedy_o rail_n revile_n and_o reproach_n will_v not_o do_v it_o but_o until_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v believe_v that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v indispensible_o oblige_v in_o itself_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n so_o to_o regulate_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o order_n as_o be_v best_a for_o its_o own_o edification_n whereof_o itself_o be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n but_o as_o for_o a_o church_n of_o another_o sort_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n not_o only_o as_o unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o those_o action_n wherein_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n do_v consist_v but_o as_o unto_o sundry_a religious_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o thereby_o be_v add_v unto_o it_o and_o impose_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o on_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o other_o congregation_n without_o their_o consent_n whether_o they_o judge_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v to_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n or_o otherwise_o it_o be_v apparent_o not_o from_o
heaven_n but_o of_o men._n wherefore_o leave_n christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o then_o let_v those_o who_o first_o break_v union_n and_o order_n bear_v the_o charge_n of_o schism_n which_o they_o can_v avoid_v 3._o the_o church_n communion_n require_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v constant_a and_o complete_a exclusive_a unto_o any_o other_o church_n order_n or_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n it_o do_v not_o command_n or_o appoint_v that_o man_n shall_v communicate_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n when_o there_o be_v occasion_n when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o edification_n when_o scandal_n will_v arise_v if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v it_o but_o absolute_o and_o complete_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n relate_v unto_o church_n order_n and_o divine_a worship_n enjoin_v in_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n make_v between_o they_o that_o some_o thing_n be_v always_o necessary_a that_o be_v in_o the_o season_n of_o they_o and_o some_o thing_n wherein_o man_n may_v forbear_v a_o compliance_n but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o require_v in_o their_o place_n and_o season_n though_o perhaps_o on_o different_a penalty_n and_o whoever_o fail_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o ceremony_n time_n or_o place_n appoint_v therein_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o church_n power_n or_o jurisdiction_n for_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o can_v be_v call_v suppose_v a_o man_n will_v comply_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n only_o he_o esteem_v the_o use_n of_o one_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n as_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v unlawful_a if_o he_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o or_o to_o tender_v his_o child_n unto_o baptism_n where_o it_o be_v use_v he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o as_o a_o schismatic_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o less_o then_o if_o he_o have_v absolute_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a rule_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v pretend_v he_o that_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n be_v in_o misericordia_fw-la concellarii_fw-la which_o oft_o prove_v a_o uneasy_a posture_n if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o that_o they_o can_v bind_v they_o unto_o the_o religious_a observance_n of_o every_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v on_o the_o penalty_n of_o excision_n from_o all_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o mind_n nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o 4._o this_o communion_n contain_v a_o virtual_a approbation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o as_o good_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v so_o even_o order_n itself_o which_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v say_v be_v frame_v for_o be_v good_a only_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o now_o it_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v that_o whatever_o a_o man_n practise_v in_o religion_n that_o he_o approve_v of_o for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v a_o vile_a hypocrite_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o will_v practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o he_o approve_v the_o dispute_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o about_o do_v thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o approve_v not_o of_o in_o themselves_o tend_v all_o to_o atheism_n and_o the_o eternal_a dishonour_n of_o christian_a religion_n beget_v a_o frame_n of_o mind_n which_o a_o honest_a heathen_a will_v scorn_v wherefore_o unless_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v they_o approve_v and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o their_o practice_n be_v their_o profession_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a rule_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v propose_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n whereof_o many_o can_v conform_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o join_v in_o constant_a complete_a communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n so_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n to_o approve_v the_o rule_n of_o that_o communion_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o use_v no_o other_o public_a mean_n for_o their_o own_o edification_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o either_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o original_a institution_n or_o else_o have_v degenerate_v from_o it_o what_o have_v already_o be_v discourse_v concern_v the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n with_o man_n voluntary_a coalescency_n into_o such_o sacred_a society_n with_o what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o treat_v concern_v their_o essential_a part_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n will_v sufficient_o evidence_n their_o present_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n neither_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v be_v it_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a church_n of_o divine_a institution_n but_o secular_a appointment_n as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o a_o accommodation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v no_o more_o they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n into_o the_o enquiry_n about_o schism_n for_o withhold_a church_n communion_n from_o such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o church_n be_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o schism_n unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n and_o for_o that_o which_o take_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o church_n by_o a_o divine_a warranty_n suppose_v it_o be_v so_o to_o command_v constant_a complete_a communion_n exclusive_a unto_o all_o other_o church_n communion_n with_o that_o or_o they_o which_o be_v no_o church_n determine_v a_o refusal_n thereof_o to_o be_v schism_n be_v to_o undertake_v a_o cause_n which_o need_v not_o only_o great_a part_n but_o great_a power_n also_o to_o defend_v it_o but_o let_v these_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v esteem_v church_n without_o a_o supposition_n whereof_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ecclesiastical_a concernment_n we_o can_v have_v in_o they_o three_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v thereon_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o parochial_a assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v nor_o can_v reform_v themselves_o 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o by_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o their_o edification_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n nor_o do_v any_o necessity_n from_o hence_o ensue_v of_o a_o departure_n from_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n unto_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o assertion_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v as_o 1._o church_n institute_v plant_v rule_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v degenerate_v into_o a_o corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n in_o a_o neglect_n whereof_o they_o must_v perish_v as_o unto_o their_o church_n state_n and_o privilege_n this_o need_v no_o confirmation_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o apostasy_n and_o defection_n that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o it_o be_v frequent_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o will_v be_v the_o event_n in_o and_o among_o all_o church_n that_o have_v original_o a_o divine_a institution_n do_v make_v uncontrollable_o evident_a the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n most_o of_o they_o within_o few_o year_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n be_v so_o degenerate_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n threaten_v they_o with_o cast_v off_o unless_o they_o reform_v themselves_o what_o a_o woeful_a apostasy_n all_o other_o church_n both_o of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n be_v involve_v in_o be_v know_v unto_o and_o confess_v by_o all_o protestant_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v deplorable_a or_o desperate_a until_o through_o pride_n and_o carnal_a interest_n they_o fall_v some_o of_o they_o into_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o need_v no_o reformation_n nor_o can_v be_v reform_v
part_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n do_v or_o ever_o do_v consist_v in_o they_o in_o his_o procedure_n hereon_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o embrace_v occasion_n of_o contend_v seek_v for_o advantage_n therein_o in_o thing_n not_o belong_v unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o think_v be_v beneath_o he_o from_o my_o concession_n that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a church_n he_o ask_v in_o what_o sense_n be_v they_o church_n right_o constitute_v with_o who_o they_o may_v join_v in_o communion_n as_o member_n i_o think_v it_o be_v somewhat_o too_o late_o now_o after_o all_o this_o dispute_n about_o the_o reason_n of_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o his_o severe_a charge_n of_o schism_n upon_o we_o for_o our_o so_o do_v to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n wherefore_o he_o answer_v himself_o no_o but_o his_o mean_v be_v say_v he_o that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v my_o word_n but_o than_o come_v in_o the_o advantage_n do_v say_v he_o this_o kindness_n belong_v only_o unto_o some_o of_o our_o parochial_a church_n i_o have_v think_v that_o every_o parochial_a church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n which_o among_o we_o suppose_v the_o own_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o answer_v brief_o it_o be_v true_a every_o church_n be_v true_a or_o false_a according_a unto_o its_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n this_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o church_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a and_o approvable_a if_o it_o depend_v only_o on_o a_o national_a establishment_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o say_v unto_o it_o but_o let_v any_o of_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o to_o answer_v the_o legal_a establishment_n in_o the_o land_n yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v open_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o have_v no_o lawful_a or_o sufficient_a ministry_n we_o can_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o true_a church_n some_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v ensue_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o he_o gather_v up_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o title_n of_o the_o cause_n allege_v for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o those_o parochial_a assembly_n which_o he_o call_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o and_o hereon_o he_o inquire_v whether_o these_o reason_n be_v a_o ground_n for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v no_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n that_o be_v as_o he_o before_o cite_v my_o word_n as_o shall_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o church_n and_o it_o they_o be_v not_o then_o say_v he_o such_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v a_o formal_a schism_n because_o they_o set_v up_o other_o church_n of_o their_o own_o the_o rule_n before_o lay_v down_o that_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n take_v in_o the_o supposition_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o establish_v church_n tyranny_n as_o any_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o its_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o that_o here_o insinuate_v of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o which_o have_v pernicious_a error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o be_v be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o be_v as_o good_a security_n unto_o church_n in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o reformation_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n be_v ruin_v among_o they_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o they_o need_v desire_v and_o i_o confess_v i_o suspect_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_o suit_v unto_o the_o security_n of_o the_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o men._n i_o say_v therefore_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o church_n or_o that_o which_o pretend_v itself_o on_o any_o ground_n so_o to_o be_v do_v not_o profess_v any_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o worship_n destroy_v its_o nature_n and_o be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o refrain_v from_o its_o communion_n in_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n and_o to_o join_v in_o or_o with_o other_o church_n for_o edification_n that_o be_v that_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o reformation_n or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o reform_v itself_o under_o the_o utmost_a necessity_n thereof_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n to_o reform_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o where_o man_n be_v no_o otherwise_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o by_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n and_o outward_a penal_a law_n prevent_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o any_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o join_n with_o such_o church_n the_o case_n be_v different_a from_o they_o who_o relation_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v found_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n as_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o law_n institution_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o afterward_o 3._o the_o doctor_n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v state_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v charge_v a_o formal_a schism_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o some_o outward_a act_n only_o 4._o what_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v parochial_a assembly_n how_o far_o we_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o refrain_v communion_n with_o they_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o have_v be_v now_o full_o declare_v and_o thereunto_o we_o must_v appeal_v on_o all_o occasion_n for_o we_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v undue_o impose_v on_o we_o either_o as_o unto_o principle_n or_o practice_n to_o show_v as_o he_o say_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o cause_n of_o separation_n he_o will_v take_v this_o way_n namely_o to_o show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v on_o the_o allowance_n of_o they_o and_o add_v these_o five_o especial_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o 1._o that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o it_o hinder_v all_o union_n between_o the_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n which_o have_v be_v always_o condemn_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o it_o make_v separation_n endless_a 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o christian_n to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o offer_v on_o these_o several_a head_n and_o his_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n so_o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o reason_n already_o give_v of_o our_o separation_n if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o call_v from_o parochial_a assembly_n with_o these_o five_o consideration_n 1._o that_o they_o strengthen_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n 2._o that_o they_o open_v a_o way_n to_o union_n between_o all_o protestant_a church_n 3._o that_o they_o give_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a schism_n that_o ever_o any_o christian_a church_n do_v just_o condemn_v 4._o that_o they_o give_v due_a bound_n unto_o separation_n 5._o that_o they_o absolute_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o absurdity_n charge_v by_o he_o on_o our_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n this_o he_o prove_v by_o long_a quotation_n out_o of_o some_o french_a divine_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v speak_v unto_o our_o cause_n or_o make_v any_o determination_n in_o it_o see_v to_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o it_o be_v unknown_a but_o they_o say_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o principle_n so_o they_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o this_o not_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o say_v somewhat_o also_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o episcopal_a brethren_n for_o which_o one_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_o revile_v but_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o weaken_v thereby_o the_o first_o
testimony_n produce_v be_v that_o of_o calvin_n a_o large_a discourse_n he_o have_v institut_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o against_o causeless_a separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n and_o by_o who_o be_v they_o not_o condemn_v no_o determination_n of_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n can_v be_v thence_o derive_v nor_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o he_o condemn_v as_o insufficient_a for_o a_o total_a separation_n nor_o be_v the_o separation_n he_o oppose_v in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a with_o a_o condemnation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o wherewith_o we_o be_v charge_v at_o least_o not_o with_o what_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v he_o give_v the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v the_o pure_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n where_o these_o be_v he_o allow_v a_o true_a church_n to_o be_v not_o only_o without_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n but_o in_o a_o form_n and_o under_o a_o rule_n opposite_a unto_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o all_o speak_v to_o our_o case_n as_o he_o do_v not_o nor_o unto_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n more_o than_o other_o from_o who_o he_o differ_v also_o on_o the_o other_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o belong_v unto_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a unto_o christ_n institution_n than_o some_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v they_o may_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o explain_v as_o that_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o whole_a cause_n both_o these_o may_v be_v want_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o heinous_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o shall_v overthrow_v its_o be_v and_o their_o want_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o refrain_v communion_n from_o a_o church_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v as_o none_o at_o all_o calvin_n express_v his_o judgement_n n._n 12._o i_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n unto_o error_n no_o not_o to_o the_o least_o so_o as_o to_o cherish_v they_o by_o flattery_n or_o connivance_n but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forsake_v for_o tri_a difference_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v safe_a and_o sound_a wherein_o the_o integrity_n of_o godliness_n do_v abide_v and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v preserve_v and_o we_o say_v the_o same_o and_o this_o very_a calvin_n who_o do_v so_o severe_o condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n as_o by_o he_o state_v do_v himself_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n when_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v that_o discipline_n which_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o by_o the_o separation_n which_o he_o condemn_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o peaceable_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n as_o unto_o a_o constant_a participation_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o want_v of_o due_a mean_n of_o edification_n much_o less_o that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o other_o cause_n concur_v therewith_o for_o the_o other_o learned_a man_n who_o he_o quote_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o his_o assertion_n that_o our_o principle_n weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o plead_v other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o those_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o much_o to_o blame_v have_v so_o many_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v to_o plead_v of_o great_a importance_n do_v we_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o plead_v be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n for_o we_o shall_v then_o deny_v that_o idolatry_n and_o fundamental_a error_n in_o faith_n be_v any_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o that_o separation_n however_o we_o know_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o they_o on_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_n be_v more_o plead_v in_o justification_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o than_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o allow_v those_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v plead_v against_o the_o roman_a communion_n as_o we_o do_v it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o follow_v that_o our_o reason_n for_o refrain_v communion_n with_o parochial_a assembly_n do_v weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n however_o let_v i_o not_o be_v misinterpret_v as_o unto_o that_o expression_n of_o destroy_v our_o faith_n which_o the_o communion_n require_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o important_a article_n of_o it_o do_v not_o do_v and_o i_o can_v subscribe_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o daille_n as_o quote_v by_o our_o author_n out_o of_o his_o apology_n if_o say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o we_o which_o destroy_v our_o faith_n offend_v our_o conscience_n and_o overthrow_v the_o service_n which_o we_o believe_v due_a to_o god_n if_o the_o difference_n have_v be_v small_a and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v safe_o have_v yield_v unto_o then_o he_o will_v grant_v their_o separation_n be_v rash_a and_o unjust_a and_o they_o guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n he_o close_v his_o transcription_n of_o the_o word_n of_o sundry_a learned_a man_n who_o have_v justify_v the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v with_o a_o enquiry_n what_o triumph_n will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v over_o we_o have_v we_o no_o other_o reason_n to_o justify_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o those_o which_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o plead_v in_o our_o cause_n i_o say_v whereas_o we_o do_v plead_v confirm_v and_o justify_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n plead_v for_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n from_o they_o not_o oppose_v not_o weaken_v any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o but_o far_o press_v the_o force_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o cause_n in_o all_o instance_n whereunto_o they_o will_v extend_v i_o see_v neither_o what_o cause_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o triumph_n noâ—_n any_o thing_n that_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n he_o add_v further_a how_o shall_v we_o be_v hiss_v aâ—d_v laugh_v at_o all_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o we_o do_v allege_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o those_o which_o we_o insist_v on_o for_o our_o refrain_v communion_n with_o our_o own_o parochial_a assembly_n we_o shall_v deserve_v to_o be_v deride_v for_o relinquish_a the_o plea_n of_o those_o other_o important_a reason_n which_o the_o heresy_n and_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o that_o church_n do_v render_v just_a and_o equal_a but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o what_o we_o have_v for_o our_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n at_o home_n as_o weak_a as_o our_o allegation_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v the_o world_n act_n like_o itself_o in_o hiss_v whereas_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n weaken_v by_o our_o principle_n no_o argument_n no_o reason_n solid_o plead_v to_o justify_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desert_v by_o we_o neither_o testimony_n proof_n nor_o evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a cause_n of_o the_o protestant_n separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o we_o there_o be_v some_o general_a principle_n on_o which_o the_o protestant_n proceed_v in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o which_o they_o constant_o plead_v in_o justification_n thereof_o the_o first_o
to_o choose_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o person_n meet_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n act._n 6._o the_o same_o people_n who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o grand_a case_n concern_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o be_v associate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o it_o act._n 15._o the_o same_o to_o who_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n except_v some_o to_o particular_a person_n be_v write_v and_o unto_o who_o such_o direction_n be_v give_v and_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o they_o as_o suppose_v not_o only_o a_o liberty_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o also_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o be_v to_o say_v unto_o archippus_n their_o bishop_n take_v heed_n unto_o the_o ministry_n thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o col._n 4._o unto_o who_o of_o all_o sort_n it_o be_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v examine_v and_o try_v antichrist_n spirit_n and_o false_a teacher_n that_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n heresy_n and_o error_n 1_o joh._n chap._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n that_o people_n who_o even_o in_o follow_v age_n adhere_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o orthodox_n profession_n of_o it_o when_o almost_o all_o their_o bishop_n be_v become_v arian_n heretic_n and_o keep_v their_o private_a conventicle_n in_o opposition_n unto_o they_o at_o constantinople_n antioch_n alexandria_n and_o other_o place_n and_o who_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o burn_v here_o in_o england_n by_o their_o own_o bishop_n on_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o present_a people_n with_o who_o the_o dr._n be_v acquaint_v be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o some_o body_n else_o beside_o their_o own_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o right_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o christian_a people_n to_o judge_v and_o choose_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o join_v free_o in_o those_o church_n duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o which_o the_o work_n of_o it_o have_v never_o be_v carry_v on_o we_o do_v abide_v by_o and_o maintain_v yea_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n more_o fierce_a than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o assert_v the_o liberty_n and_o right_o of_o the_o people_n in_o reference_n unto_o church_n order_n and_o worship_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o on_o this_o principle_n so_o when_o this_o people_n shall_v through_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o ignorance_n weakness_n and_o unmeetness_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o duty_n be_v keep_v and_o debar_v from_o it_o or_o when_o through_o their_o own_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o viciousness_n they_o shall_v be_v real_o uncapable_a to_o manage_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o be_v fit_a only_o to_o be_v govern_v if_o not_o as_o brute_n creature_n yet_o as_o mute_a person_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v improve_v by_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n engross_a all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v in_o former_a age_n if_o the_o old_a popedom_n do_v not_o return_v a_o new_a one_o will_v be_v erect_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o other_o three_o another_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o catholic_n visible_a organical_a govern_v church_n traduce_v by_o succession_n into_o that_o of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d all_o church_n power_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v absolute_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o first_o reformer_n here_o in_o england_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o they_o constant_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o catholic_n church_n but_o that_o invisible_a of_o elect_a believer_n allow_v the_o external_n denomination_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o diffuse_a community_n of_o the_o baptize_v world_n so_o believe_v and_o profess_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n that_o rome_n be_v mystical_a babylon_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o apostatise_v church_n of_o the_o gentile_n devote_v to_o destruction_n they_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o such_o church_n state_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o the_o derivation_n of_o any_o power_n and_o order_n from_o it_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o this_o principle_n so_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v weaken_v and_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v reject_v as_o shall_v be_v far_o manifest_v if_o occasion_n require_v it_o this_o principle_n we_o do_v firm_o adhere_v unto_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v know_v that_o our_o fix_a judgement_n concern_v the_o divine_a institution_n nature_n and_o order_n of_o evangelical_n church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o a_o body_n organise_v in_o and_o under_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o hierarchy_n from_o any_o pretence_n unto_o church_n state_n order_n or_o power_n and_o it_o may_v be_v hence_o judge_v who_o do_v most_o weaken_v the_o cause_n of_o reformation_n we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o by_o who_o we_o be_v oppose_v a_o second_o absurdity_n that_o he_o charge_v on_o our_o way_n be_v that_o it_o will_v make_v union_n among_o the_o protestant_a church_n impossible_a suppose_v they_o to_o remain_v as_o they_o be_v sect._n 24._o pag._n 186._o to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n he_o insist_o on_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n then_o our_o church_n have_v 2._o that_o notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n yet_o many_o learned_a protestant_a divine_n have_v plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o our_o principle_n and_o supposition_n they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v but_o whether_o they_o plead_v for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o by_o admit_v into_o their_o church_n and_o submit_v unto_o those_o ceremony_n and_o unscriptural_a imposition_n which_o be_v alone_o unto_o the_o doctor_n purpose_n or_o whether_o they_o judge_v their_o member_n oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o local_a communion_n with_o they_o under_o those_o imposition_n he_o do_v not_o declare_v but_o whereas_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o cause_n be_v in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o what_o the_o dr._n here_o insist_v upon_o yet_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v no_o less_o then_o that_o our_o principle_n give_v disturbance_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n i_o shall_v brief_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o conducive_v thereunto_o but_o such_o as_o without_o which_o that_o peace_n and_o union_n will_v never_o be_v attain_v 1._o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o that_o from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n there_o be_v difference_n among_o the_o church_n which_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o as_o this_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n unto_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o in_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n begin_v and_o carry_v on_o by_o person_n of_o all_o for_o we_o in_o many_o nation_n of_o divers_a tongue_n and_o language_n none_o of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o it_o shall_v otherwise_o fall_v out_o god_n also_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o cause_n know_v then_o to_o himself_o but_o since_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o all_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n a_o far_a agreement_n consider_v our_o sloth_n negligence_n and_o proness_n of_o man_n to_o abuse_v security_n and_o power_n may_v have_v produce_v as_o evil_a effect_n as_o the_o difference_n have_v do_v for_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o those_o which_o have_v be_v on_o the_o other_o have_v be_v and_o will_v have_v be_v from_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o secular_a interest_n 2._o these_o difference_n be_v principal_o in_o or_o about_o some_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n whereon_o some_o fiery_a spirit_n among_o they_o take_v occasion_n mutual_o and_o unjust_o enough_o to_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o heresy_n especial_o be_v this_o do_v among_o the_o lutheran_n
who_o write_n be_v stuff_v with_o that_o charge_n and_o miserable_a attempt_n to_o make_v it_o good_n there_o be_v also_o other_o difference_n among_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n order_n rite_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n take_v a_o way_n by_o itself_o which_o at_o present_a we_o do_v not_o consider_v 3._o consider_v the_o agreement_n in_o all_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n between_o these_o church_n thus_o at_o difference_n and_o of_o what_o great_a use_n their_o union_n may_v be_v unto_o the_o protestant_a religion_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o spiritual_a and_o political_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o union_n among_o they_o have_v be_v attempt_v by_o many_o private_a person_n prince_n colloquy_n or_o synod_n of_o some_o of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n have_v sedulous_o engage_v herein_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v never_o miss_v it_o in_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o union_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v alone_o desirable_a and_o alone_a attainable_a nor_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o disadvantageous_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o some_o verbal_a composition_n have_v sometime_o by_o some_o be_v consent_v unto_o yet_o all_o thing_n continue_v practical_o among_o they_o as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o person_n who_o be_v manage_v proposal_n for_o such_o a_o union_n with_o great_a projection_n in_o point_n of_o method_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o and_o state_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o agreement_n some_o whereof_o i_o have_v by_o i_o but_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o potentate_n not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n leave_v little_a encouragement_n for_o any_o such_o attempt_n or_o expectation_n of_o any_o success_n 4._o after_o the_o trial_n and_o experience_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o far_a reconciliation_n or_o union_n shall_v be_v effect_v between_o these_o protestant_a church_n by_o either_o party_n relinquishment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v so_o long_o teach_v profess_v and_o contend_v for_o or_o of_o their_o practice_n in_o divine_a worship_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v accustom_v unto_o we_o may_v as_o well_o expect_v that_o a_o river_n shall_v run_v backward_o as_o expect_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a unto_o the_o procure_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n among_o these_o church_n in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v effect_v i_o shall_v therefore_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o general_a reformation_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n belong_v unto_o these_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v what_o a_o woeful_a condition_n the_o profession_n even_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v fall_v into_o how_o little_a evidence_n be_v there_o leave_v of_o the_o power_n of_o evangelical_n grace_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o little_a diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n have_v overwhelm_v the_o nation_n and_o what_o indication_n there_o be_v of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o do_v not_o almost_o tremble_v at_o they_o calvin_n unto_o who_o i_o be_v new_o send_v by_o our_o reverend_a author_n in_o answer_n to_o they_o who_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o many_o of_o its_o member_n or_o any_o of_o they_o add_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o just_a offence_n and_o unto_o which_o there_o be_v too_o much_o occasion_n give_v in_o this_o miserable_a age._n nor_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o excuse_v our_o curse_a sloth_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o let_v go_v unpunished_a as_o he_o begin_v already_o to_o chastise_v we_o with_o grievous_a stripe_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o we_o who_o by_o our_o dissolute_a licentiousness_n in_o flagitious_a sin_n do_v cause_n that_o the_o weak_a conscience_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v wound_v for_o we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o mend_v in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o truth_n be_v sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n and_o impudence_n sensuality_n and_o oppression_n be_v so_o diffuse_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n conformity_n unto_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n become_v so_o universal_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n with_o the_o beginning_n and_o entrance_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v so_o display_v as_o that_o if_o the_o reformation_n plead_v for_o be_v not_o speedy_o endeavour_v and_o vigorous_o pursue_v it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o talk_v of_o difference_n and_o union_n destruction_n will_v swallow_v up_o all_o until_o this_o be_v agree_v on_o until_o it_o be_v attempt_v and_o effect_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whatever_o there_o appear_v success_n shall_v be_v as_o probable_o it_o will_v be_v very_o small_a will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n nor_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n individual_a person_n will_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o 2._o that_o all_o these_o differ_a church_n and_o whilst_o these_o difference_n do_v continue_v be_v teach_v to_o prefer_v their_o general_a interest_n in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v and_o those_o occasional_a animosity_n that_o will_v ensue_v upon_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o many_o place_n that_o the_o near_a some_o man_n or_o church_n come_v together_o in_o their_o profession_n the_o more_o distant_a they_o be_v in_o their_o affection_n as_o the_o lutheran_n in_o many_o place_n do_v more_o hate_v the_o calvinist_n then_o the_o papist_n i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o we_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a peace_n and_o union_n among_o church_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o they_o differ_v but_o from_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v this_o evil_n can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v cure_v but_o by_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n reduce_v primitive_a simplicity_n integrity_n and_o love_n such_o as_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o the_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n when_o they_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o same_o rule_n in_o what_o they_o have_v attain_v forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n as_o unto_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v until_o this_o also_o be_v effect_v all_o endeavour_n for_o far_a union_n whilst_o these_o difference_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v unless_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o europe_n shall_v be_v change_v by_o some_o great_a revolution_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o useless_a be_v this_o conscientious_o insist_v on_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a love_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o more_o use_n then_o innumerable_a wrangle_a dispute_n about_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n but_o more_o than_o the_o exact_a method_n in_o contrive_v formulary_n of_o consent_n or_o colloquy_n or_o synodical_a conference_n of_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n with_o all_o their_o solemnity_n order_n limitation_n precaution_n concession_n and_o oration_n let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v it_o must_v be_v the_o revival_n flourish_a and_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n light_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o shall_v heal_v the_o difference_n and_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o shall_v any_o thing_n else_o be_v honour_v with_o any_o great_a influence_n into_o that_o work_n 3._o that_o all_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o such_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o common_a advice_n in_o thing_n of_o common_a concerment_n all_o these_o may_v be_v observe_v when_o for_o sundry_a reason_n the_o member_n of_o they_o can_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n in_o some_o ordinance_n with_o each_o church_n distinct_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v well_o establish_v and_o consent_v unto_o man_n may_v be_v
and_o pursue_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o the_o whole_a household_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v what_o difference_n what_o division_n what_o exasperation_n there_o be_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o abide_v steadfast_a in_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o do_v good_a unto_o they_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o indication_n of_o gospel_n love_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_o can_v be_v 3._o as_o unto_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v a_o especial_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o preserve_v their_o peace_n and_o unity_n from_o our_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v in_o they_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n where_o this_o be_v not_o we_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o general_a obligation_n of_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o man_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n but_o have_v no_o other_o peculiar_a obligation_n thereunto_o for_o be_v cast_v into_o church_n of_o this_o or_o that_o form_n mere_o by_o humane_a constitution_n and_o law_n or_o by_o inveterate_a tradition_n lay_v no_o new_a obligation_n upon_o any_o to_o seek_v their_o peace_n and_o unity_n but_o whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o they_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o influence_n of_o other_o general_a command_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n for_o into_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n soever_o christian_n be_v cast_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v peaceable_o whilst_o they_o abide_v in_o it_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v that_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o evil._n they_o be_v high_o pretend_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o they_o be_v so_o in_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o heresy_n there_o may_v be_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o any_o false_a and_o heretical_a church_n the_o unity_n of_o simeon_n and_o levi_n brethren_n in_o evil._n but_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v in_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o walk_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n in_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n perform_v towards_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o other_o the_o mutual_a duty_n require_v by_o he_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n this_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o we_o be_v peculiar_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v in_o particular_a church_n what_o be_v more_o than_o this_o relate_v unto_o the_o general_a command_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o peace_n before_o mention_v 3._o wherefore_o three_o this_o state_n the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o unity_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o endeavour_v it_o 1._o by_o a_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n nor_o 2._o by_o do_v or_o practise_v any_o thing_n in_o divine_a worship_n which_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v nor_o 3._o by_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n through_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n nor_o 4._o by_o forego_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o own_o edification_n which_o he_o command_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o his_o three_o supposition_n be_v that_o nothing_o can_v discharge_v a_o christian_a from_o the_o obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o his_o fellow_n member_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v full_o agree_v unto_o where_o a_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n of_o divine_a institution_n by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o virtual_a consideration_n nothing_o can_v discharge_v he_o from_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n but_o what_o be_v allow_v by_o christ_n as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o a_o little_a far_o enquiry_n may_v be_v make_v into_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v before_o assert_v that_o all_o thing_n lawful_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n here_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o there_o be_v many_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o preserve_v its_o peace_n and_o unity_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v unto_o who_o these_o rule_n be_v obligatory_a who_o they_o be_v that_o ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n but_o unto_o they_o only_o who_o be_v under_o their_o conduct_n i_o desire_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o at_o the_o first_o view_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a for_o as_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v continual_o plead_v by_o they_o that_o so_o it_o do_v so_o all_o the_o rule_v give_v for_o that_o end_n do_v or_o shall_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n affect_v they_o and_o their_o conscience_n and_o these_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o dr._n i_o desire_v therefore_o to_o know_v that_o since_o there_o be_v such_o obligation_n on_o we_o to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o for_o that_o end_n we_o must_v do_v what_o we_o lawful_o may_v whether_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o forbear_v the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o may_v lawful_o forbear_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n nay_o this_o obligation_n of_o forbear_v what_o we_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o may_v forbear_v to_o do_v without_o sin_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o any_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o our_o do_v that_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o forbear_v to_o do_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o scripture_n confirm_v by_o command_n and_o instance_n be_v more_o high_o rational_a and_o less_o expose_v unto_o danger_n in_o practice_n than_o the_o other_o of_o do_v what_o we_o can_v now_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o nor_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o just_a scandal_n and_o offence_n in_o case_n of_o their_o omission_n be_v thing_n that_o may_v be_v lawful_o forbear_v suppose_v now_o the_o rule_n insist_v on_o to_o be_v give_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o they_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o forbear_v the_o imposition_n of_o such_o thing_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a in_o themselves_o nor_o such_o who_o omission_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o who_o imposition_n can_v give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n unto_o any_o if_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o so_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a where_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o division_n among_o we_o must_v lye_n to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v hereunto_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v to_o say_v that_o although_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o can_v assign_v no_o other_o end_n of_o the_o office_n they_o lay_v claim_n unto_o but_o only_o its_o expediency_n or_o as_o be_v pretend_v its_o necessity_n unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a rule_n oblige_v thereunto_o but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o somewhat_o unequal_a that_o in_o this_o contest_v about_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bind_v by_o rule_n to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v whatever_o it_o be_v and_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o be_v leave_v absolute_o at_o their_o liberty_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o forbear_v what_o they_o may_v lawful_o so_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v upon_o these_o supposition_n and_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o dr._n produce_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o irenaeus_n who_o
in_o compliance_n with_o the_o political_a state_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o tend_v unto_o their_o advantage_n that_o which_o we_o affirm_v be_v that_o no_o alteration_n of_o their_o state_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 4._o such_o church_n who_o frame_n constitution_n and_o power_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o order_n liberty_n power_n privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o contrary_a unto_o divine_a institution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v comply_v withal_o hereon_o we_o affirm_v that_o whereas_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o total_a communion_n in_o our_o parochial_a assembly_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o thing_n unto_o we_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a as_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n and_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o rule_n and_o worship_n on_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_a it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o gather_v ourselves_o into_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o observation_n do_v or_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o case_n we_o adhere_v unto_o and_o which_o must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v overthrow_v before_o any_o colour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o charge_n of_o schism_n against_o we_o and_o what_o be_v speak_v unto_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o drs._n discourse_n we_o shall_v now_o consider_v only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o all_o these_o principle_n or_o assertion_n be_v full_o confirm_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n that_o which_o first_o occur_v in_o the_o treatise_n under_o consideration_n unto_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n be_v the_o exception_n put_v in_o unto_o a_o passage_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v only_o in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o separate_v from_o parochial_a church_n but_o if_o it_o be_v on_o other_o ground_n necessary_a so_o to_o separate_v or_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o some_o other_o particular_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o occasion_n wherein_o the_o dr._n be_v more_o vehement_a in_o his_o rhetoric_n than_o he_o be_v on_o that_o of_o this_o passage_n which_o yet_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n and_o innocent_a 1._o hereunto_o he_o say_v 1._o p._n 221._o that_o this_o be_v either_o not_o to_o the_o business_n or_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n if_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o business_n i_o can_v help_v it_o and_o he_o may_v as_o i_o suppose_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v deal_v with_o many_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o give_v up_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o independency_n i_o say_v whatever_o that_o be_v let_v whoso_o will_v take_v it_o and_o dispose_v of_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o but_o in_o proof_n hereof_o he_o say_v 1._o wherefore_o do_v the_o dissent_v brethren_n so_o much_o insist_v upon_o their_o separate_a congregation_n when_o not_o one_o of_o the_o thing_n now_o particular_o allege_v against_o our_o church_n be_v require_v of_o they_o i_o answer_v 1._o if_o any_o do_v in_o those_o time_n plead_v for_o separate_v congregation_n let_v they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o i_o be_v none_o of_o they_o they_o do_v indeed_o plead_v for_o distinct_a congregation_n exempt_a in_o some_o few_o thing_n from_o a_o penal_a rule_n then_o endeavour_v by_o some_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n nor_o restraint_n of_o communion_n between_o any_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a between_o we_o and_o parochial_a church_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o reason_n of_o forbear_v a_o conjunction_n in_o some_o act_n of_o church_n rule_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n than_o those_o which_o be_v allege_v against_o total_a communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n in_o worship_n order_n and_o discipline_n 2._o he_o add_v second_o but_o if_o he_o insist_o on_o those_o thing_n common_a to_o our_o church_n with_o other_o reform_a church_n than_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o suppose_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n i_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_n nor_o what_o it_o tend_v unto_o but_o according_a as_o i_o apprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o say_v 1._o i_o insist_v principal_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o common_a unto_o they_o with_o other_o reform_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n these_o vary_v the_o term_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o communion_n between_o they_o and_o it_o 2._o the_o thing_n we_o except_v against_o in_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o institution_n as_o parochial_a which_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o only_a kind_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o be_v contrary_a unto_o what_o be_v institute_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o such_o church_n which_o one_o observation_n make_v void_a all_o that_o he_o will_v infer_v from_o the_o present_a supposition_n as_o 3._o he_o enquire_v hereon_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o separate_v from_o our_o church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n the_o dr._n i_o fear_v will_v call_v this_o sophistry_n in_o another_o or_o at_o least_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o odd_o and_o faint_o express_v but_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o it_o be_v 1._o separation_n from_o parochial_a church_n because_o communion_n in_o ordinance_n be_v only_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o such_o church_n as_o christ_n have_v institute_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o assertion_n oppose_v by_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o as_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v or_o which_o we_o deny_v 2._o there_o be_v great_a ambiguity_n in_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o separate_v from_o they_o because_o they_o have_v thing_n repugnant_a unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o church_n which_o be_v divine_o institute_v and_o another_o to_o do_v so_o because_o of_o thing_n practise_v and_o impose_v in_o it_o contrary_a to_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 4._o but_o he_o after_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o separation_n because_o christ_n have_v appoint_v unalterable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o parochial_a church_n i_o answer_v no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o omission_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n in_o some_o church_n of_o some_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n and_o we_o judge_v his_o rule_n as_o unto_o right_a unalterable_a which_o may_v not_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n so_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o the_o principal_a reason_n of_o the_o separation_n we_o defend_v be_v the_o practise_v and_o impose_v of_o sundry_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o divine_a institution_n yea_o in_o our_o judgement_n contrary_a thereunto_o and_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o government_n of_o man_n devise_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_v plead_v herein_o but_o because_o the_o dr._n propose_v a_o case_n on_o those_o supposition_n whereon_o he_o seem_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n though_o indeed_o however_o it_o be_v determine_v it_o conduce_v nothing_o unto_o his_o end_n but_o argue_v only_o some_o keenness_n of_o spirit_n against_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v i_o shall_v at_o large_a transcribe_v the_o whole_a of_o it_o let_v we_o then_o say_v he_o 1._o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o unalterable_a rule_n appoint_v that_o a_o church_n shall_v
consist_v only_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o qualify_v and_o that_o those_o by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v hereafter_o become_v a_o church_n and_o choose_v their_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o let_v we_o 2_o suppose_v such_o a_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v but_o there_o lie_v fit_a matter_n for_o it_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a parish_n 3_o let_v we_o suppose_v d._n o._n about_o to_o gather_v such_o a_o church_n 4_o let_v we_o suppose_v not_o one_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o our_o church_n require_v of_o these_o member_n neither_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n nor_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o d._n o._n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o unalterable_a rule_n to_o draw_v these_o member_n from_o communion_n with_o parochial_a church_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v form_v a_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n either_o than_o he_o must_v quit_v these_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v whilst_o he_o live_v or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o primary_n ground_n of_o this_o separation_n from_o our_o parochial_a church_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a design_n hereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o do_v not_o withhold_v communion_n from_o their_o parochial_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v practise_v and_o impose_v in_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o church_n rule_n but_o because_o of_o a_o necessity_n apprehend_v of_o set_v up_o congregational_a church_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o know_v it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o we_o plead_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o that_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v regulate_v by_o in_o refrain_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o to_o endeavour_v so_o to_o bird-lime_n our_o understanding_n by_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n as_o to_o make_v we_o think_v we_o do_v not_o judge_v what_o we_o do_v judge_n or_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o know_v ourselves_o well_o enough_o to_o do_v if_o we_o can_v answer_v sophism_n against_o motion_n we_o can_v yet_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v 2._o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a and_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o namely_o that_o we_o refrain_v communion_n on_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o thereon_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o erect_v congregational_a church_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o do_v be_v not_o we_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o we_o be_v 3._o the_o case_n be_v put_v unto_o i_o i_o answer_v plain_o unto_o the_o doctor_n last_o supposition_n whereon_o the_o whole_a depend_v that_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o except_v against_o as_o be_v undue_o practise_v and_o impose_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o i_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o all_o the_o communion_n that_o any_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v with_o any_o church_n and_o will_v in_o nothing_o separate_v from_o they_o this_o spoil_v the_o whole_a case_n but_o then_o he_o will_v say_v i_o be_o no_o independent_a i_o can_v help_v that_o he_o may_v judge_v as_o he_o see_v cause_n for_o i_o be_o nullius_fw-la addictus_fw-la jurare_fw-la in_o verba_fw-la magistria_n design_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n alone_o 4._o but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o in_o such_o church_n all_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o be_v remove_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o defect_n in_o some_o unalterable_a rule_n that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o answer_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o strictness_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o drs_n first_o supposition_n although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o yet_o the_o most_o of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o most_o importance_n will_v be_v find_v virtual_o in_o parochial_a assembly_n upon_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o thing_n except_v against_o the_o enquiry_n be_v what_o i_o will_v do_v then_o or_o whether_o i_o will_v not_o set_v up_o a_o congregational_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o other_o church_n i_o answer_v i_o tell_v you_o plain_o what_o i_o will_v do_v 1._o if_o i_o be_v join_v unto_o any_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o the_o rule_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o its_o order_n and_o government_n i_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o according_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o my_o state_n and_o call_v do_v require_v to_o introduce_v the_o practice_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o 2._o in_o case_n i_o can_v not_o prevail_v therein_o i_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o want_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o to_o put_v i_o on_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o cut_v i_o short_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o edification_n and_o if_o i_o find_v they_o do_v not_o so_o do_v i_o will_v never_o for_o such_o defect_n separate_v or_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o a_o church_n but_o 5._o suppose_v that_o from_o these_o defect_n shall_v arise_v not_o only_o a_o real_a obstruction_n unto_o edification_n but_o also_o a_o necessity_n of_o practise_v some_o thing_n unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v wherein_o no_o forbearance_n can_v be_v allow_v i_o will_v not_o condemn_v such_o a_o church_n i_o will_v not_o separate_v from_o it_o will_v not_o withdraw_v from_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o which_o be_v lawful_a but_o i_o will_v peaceable_o join_v in_o fix_a personal_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v free_a from_o such_o defect_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o new_a church_n i_o see_v neither_o schism_n nor_o separation_n in_o so_o do_v wherefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o drs_n question_n and_o his_o case_n found_v on_o as_o many_o supposition_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o abide_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o refrain_v communion_n from_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v the_o practice_n and_o imposition_n of_o thing_n not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o observe_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v undue_o affirm_v p._n 223._o that_o upon_o my_o ground_n separation_n be_v necessary_a not_o from_o the_o particular_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o because_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o form_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o what_o form_n of_o church_n they_o have_v be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v it_o be_v after_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o it_o be_v more_o undue_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o this_o plea_n of_o we_o be_v a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o art_n to_o keep_v fair_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n for_o as_o we_o design_v to_o keep_v fair_a as_o it_o be_v call_v with_o no_o party_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o truth_n and_o christian_a love_n require_v and_o so_o we_o design_v it_o with_o all_o party_n whatsoever_o so_o the_o plea_n have_v be_v always_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o nonconformity_n in_o multitude_n of_o our_o persuasion_n before_o they_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o gather_v any_o congregational_a church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o thing_n will_v never_o help_v nor_o adorn_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o issue_n but_o he_o press_v the_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o art_n that_o as_o i_o suppose_v they_o may_v avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o it_o on_o the_o presbyterian_o by_o mind_v they_o what_o be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o congregational_a church_n in_o those_o day_n for_o say_v he_o have_v those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n since_o alter_v their_o judgement_n have_v d._n o._n yield_v that_o in_o case_n some_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o our_o church_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o they_o will_v give_v over_o separation_n be_v not_o their_o church_n first_o gather_v out_o of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n and_o if_o presbytery_n have_v be_v settle_v upon_o the_o king_n restauration_n will_v they_o not_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o separation_n answ._n 1_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n that_o i_o know_v of_o between_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v independent_o about_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n grant_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o their_o own_o eldership_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o none_o to_o