mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n and_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o difference_n among_o we_o a_o issue_n whereof_o be_v not_o sudden_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o absolute_a agreement_n in_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n about_o they_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n the_o nature_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o present_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o do_v call_v for_o mutual_a forbearance_n with_o mutual_a love_n and_o peaceable_a walk_v therein_o and_o we_o begin_v to_o hope_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o we_o all_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a establishment_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o they_o shall_v be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o in_o the_o defence_n and_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n wise_a man_n will_v begin_v to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o take_v up_o quiet_o in_o what_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o and_o not_o turmoil_v themselves_o and_o other_o in_o seek_v to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o these_o difference_n by_o force_n and_o compulsion_n which_o by_o these_o way_n they_o will_v never_o whilst_o they_o live_v attain_v unto_o and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o do_v cordial_o own_v and_o seek_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o nation_n man_n i_o mean_v of_o authority_n power_n and_o interest_n will_v be_v no_o more_o instrumental_a to_o help_v one_o party_n ruin_n and_o destroy_v another_o undue_o weaken_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o protestantisme_n thereby_o but_o consider_v how_o little_a the_o concern_v of_o themselves_o or_o their_o posterity_n can_v be_v in_o these_o lesser_a difference_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a protestant_a cause_n will_v endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o procure_v a_o equal_a liberty_n though_o not_o equal_v outward_a advantage_n for_o all_o that_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o that_o protestant_a religion_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o this_o kingdom_n i_o know_v that_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a man_n such_o as_o this_o author_n be_v be_v able_a to_o declaim_v against_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o these_o thing_n with_o probable_a plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o evil_a consequent_n which_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o and_o i_o do_v know_v that_o other_o though_o not_o with_o equal_a learning_n or_o eloquence_n do_v declare_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o inequality_n unrighteousness_n and_o destructive_a event_n of_o a_o contrary_a course_n or_o the_o use_n of_o force_n and_o compulsion_n in_o this_o cause_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o evil_a consequence_n pretend_v on_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n do_v follow_v from_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o not_o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o will_v follow_v on_o force_n and_o compulsion_n do_v natural_o arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n with_o a_o observation_n on_o that_o wherewith_o it_o be_v close_v by_o this_o author_n in_o his_o management_n of_o it_o say_v he_o to_o withdraw_v from_o each_o other_o into_o separate_a congregation_n tempt_v some_o to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o of_o a_o more_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a church_n than_o themselves_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o indiscretion_n and_o immorality_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o so_o much_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n above_o their_o brethren_n pag._n 32_o 33._o if_o there_o be_v any_o unto_o who_o this_o be_v such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o be_v so_o do_v prevail_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n arise_v from_o their_o own_o lust_n by_o which_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o occasion_v by_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n let_v those_o who_o delight_n in_o that_o work_n proceed_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n for_o if_o they_o charge_v upon_o we_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o foolish_a indiscreet_a and_o immoral_a as_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o sin_v all_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v learn_v what_o to_o amend_v and_o to_o be_v diligent_a therein_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o because_o of_o our_o observer_n but_o if_o they_o do_v what_o some_o have_v do_v and_o other_o yet_o continue_v to_o do_v fill_v their_o discourse_n with_o false_a malicious_a defamation_n with_o scorn_n contempt_n rail_a and_o revile_n scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n like_o a_o sermon_n late_o preach_v before_o my_o lord_n mayor_n and_o since_o put_v in_o print_n i_o intend_v not_o that_o under_o consideration_n we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o what_o they_o do_v or_o say_v nor_o do_v as_o we_o know_v of_o suffer_v any_o disadvantage_n thereby_o yea_o such_o person_n be_v beneath_o the_o offence_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o man_n pretend_v unto_o the_o least_o of_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o this_o discourse_n i_o esteem_v not_o myself_o concern_v to_o insist_v on_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o for_o i_o will_v not_o so_o express_v my_o judgement_n in_o these_o thing_n as_o some_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o declare_v themselves_o and_o i_o know_v that_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o reflect_v on_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v both_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o beside_o i_o hear_v in_o the_o retirement_n wherein_o i_o live_v and_o wherein_o i_o die_v daily_o that_o some_o of_o those_o most_o immediate_o concern_v have_v return_v a_o answer_n unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n under_o consideration_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n that_o may_v abate_v the_o edge_n of_o this_o charge_n for_o although_o we_o judge_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v necessary_a when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o yet_o at_o present_a for_o the_o reason_n intimate_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o discourse_n we_o shall_v choose_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o debate_n but_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o innocency_n when_o the_o charge_n against_o we_o be_v such_o as_o in_o itself_o tend_v to_o our_o distress_n and_o ruin_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v our_o present_a design_n and_o which_o wise_a man_n no_o way_n concern_v in_o our_o nonconformity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o protestant_a religion_n and_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v judge_v necessary_a the_o principal_a strength_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n discourse_n consist_v in_o his_o application_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o assembly_n against_o those_o who_o desire_v forbearance_n in_o distinct_a communion_n from_o the_o rule_n seek_v then_o to_o be_v establish_v unto_o those_o who_o now_o desire_v the_o same_o forbearance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o will_v not_o immerse_v myself_o in_o that_o controversy_n nor_o have_v any_o contention_n with_o the_o dead_a this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o the_o case_n then_o between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o that_o now_o between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o that_o in_o so_o many_o material_a instance_n and_o circumstance_n that_o no_o light_n can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o right_a determination_n of_o the_o latter_a from_o what_o be_v plead_v in_o the_o former_a in_o brief_a those_o who_o plead_v then_o for_o a_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n or_o agreement_n in_o total_a communion_n do_v propose_v no_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o be_v now_o plead_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o withhold_a the_o same_o kind_n of_o conformity_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o non-imposition_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n they_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o plea_n for_o the_o compliance_n of_o other_o with_o they_o and_o those_o on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o plead_v for_o liberty_n and_o forbearance_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imposition_n do_v it_o most_o on_o the_o common_a liberty_n which_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o have_v with_o their_o other_o brethren_n to_o abide_v by_o the_o way_n which_o they_o have_v declare_v and_o practise_v long_o before_o any_o rule_n be_v establish_v unto_o its_o prejudice_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o as_o unto_o the_o present_a case_n under_o debate_n a_o absolute_a inconcernment_n in_o what_o be_v then_o
a_o brief_a vindication_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v manage_v against_o they_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n by_o dr._n stillingfleet_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n coitio_fw-la christianorum_fw-la meritò_fw-la sane_fw-la illicita_fw-la si_fw-la illicitis_fw-la par_fw-fr merilò_fw-la damnanda_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la de_fw-fr ea_fw-la queritur_fw-la eo_fw-la titulo_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-la factionibus_fw-la querela_fw-la est_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la perniciem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la convenimus_fw-la hoc_fw-la sumus_fw-la congregati_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o dispersi_fw-la hoc_fw-la universi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la neminem_fw-la laedentes_fw-la neminem_fw-la contristantes_fw-la quum_fw-la probi_fw-la cum_fw-la boni_fw-la coeunt_fw-la cum_fw-la pij_fw-la cum_fw-la casti_fw-la congregantur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la factio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sed_fw-la curia_fw-la tertul._n london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n over_o against_o the_o stock-market_n 1680._o it_o be_v no_o small_a surprise_n unto_o many_o first_o to_o hear_v of_o and_o then_o to_o see_v in_o print_n the_o late_a sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a deun_fw-mi of_o st._n paul_n preach_v at_o guildhall_n may_v 2._o 1680._o be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o easter_n term_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o there_o may_v be_v of_o truth_n in_o it_o yet_o they_o judge_v the_o time_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o preach_a and_o print_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhat_o unseasonable_a for_o they_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o the_o agreement_n of_o all_o protestant_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v be_v make_v more_o than_o ordinary_o necessary_a and_o whereas_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v agree_v in_o religion_n with_o all_o the_o sober_a protestant_a people_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o do_v suppose_v that_o ordinary_a prudence_n will_v advise_v unto_o a_o forbearance_n of_o they_o in_o those_o few_o thing_n wherein_o they_o dissent_v not_o indeed_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_a people_n but_o from_o some_o that_o will_v impose_v they_o on_o their_o conscience_n and_o practice_n who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o present_a danger_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v from_o popery_n and_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v both_o to_o introduce_v it_o and_o enthrone_v it_o or_o give_v it_o power_n and_o authority_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o popish_a design_n to_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a establishment_n but_o rather_o to_o confirm_v they_o their_o contrivance_n be_v to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v one_o with_o they_o and_o equal_o concern_v with_o any_o of_o they_o wherefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v grievous_a unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o useless_a unto_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o season_n they_o shall_v be_v reflect_v on_o charge_v and_o severe_o treat_v on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o lesser_a difference_n which_o no_o way_n disenable_a they_o from_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a unto_o the_o government_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o resolution_n so_o to_o be_v they_o have_v give_v sufficient_a evidence_n equal_a at_o least_o with_o that_o give_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o nation_n yea_o of_o their_o diligence_n in_o opposition_n unto_o popery_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n therein_o while_o the_o plot_n have_v be_v in_o agitation_n they_o suppose_v the_o honourable_a person_n unto_o who_o this_o sermon_n be_v dedicate_v can_v and_o will_v bear_v they_o witness_v in_o these_o circumstance_n to_o be_v require_v severe_o to_o change_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n as_o it_o be_v momento_n turbinis_fw-la immediate_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o else_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o treat_v as_o adversary_n many_o do_v think_v as_o unseasonable_a as_o to_o command_v a_o good_a part_n of_o a_o army_n when_o it_o be_v actual_o engage_v against_o a_o enemy_n to_o change_v all_o their_o order_n posture_n discipline_n and_o advantage_n or_o immediate_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o field_n and_o they_o do_v withal_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o sudden_a change_n be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o severe_a charge_n and_o reflection_n as_o be_v make_v on_o all_o nonconformist_n in_o this_o discourse_n such_o like_a thing_n as_o these_o do_v man_n talk_v concern_v the_o season_n of_o the_o preach_a and_o publish_v of_o this_o sermon_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n every_o man_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o prudence_n whereof_o he_o may_v not_o esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o give_v a_o account_n for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v it_o not_o so_o unseasonable_a as_o some_o other_o do_v for_o it_o be_v well_o that_o honest_a man_n shall_v understand_v the_o state_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v great_o and_o deep_o concern_v nonconformist_n may_v possible_o suppose_v that_o the_o common_a danger_n of_o all_o protestant_n have_v reconcile_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o conform_v ministry_n unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o former_o incline_v unto_o their_o forbearance_n and_o i_o be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n myself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v fair_o warn_v what_o they_o have_v to_o expect_v that_o they_o may_v prepare_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o with_o patience_n but_o we_o shall_v pass_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o attend_v a_o little_a unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sermon_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n seem_v to_o consist_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n or_o to_o aim_v at_o they_o 1_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suppose_a gild_n and_o crime_n both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o pernicious_a consequent_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v 3_o to_o charge_v they_o especial_o their_o minister_n with_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o what_o there_o be_v of_o truth_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o what_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mistake_n in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o nonconformist_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v but_o some_o few_o thing_n must_v have_v a_o previous_a consideration_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o 1._o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o discourse_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o this_o sermon_n he_o be_v far_o from_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n unto_o a_o persecution_n of_o dissenter_n as_o some_o ill_a man_n have_v report_v epist._n ded._n without_o this_o information_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v not_o but_o judge_v it_o will_v have_v be_v as_o liable_a unto_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o design_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o cause_n be_v unto_o that_o of_o insincerity_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n for_o 1_o it_o be_v not_o preach_v unto_o nonconformist_n perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o they_o present_a so_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o preach_v it_o can_v not_o be_v their_o conviction_n they_o be_v not_o likely_a either_o to_o hear_v the_o charge_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 2_o it_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v no_o way_n guilty_a of_o the_o pretend_a crime_n reprove_v but_o peculiar_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o they_o that_o be_v suppose_v guilty_a magistrate_n and_o judge_n which_o in_o another_o will_v have_v but_o a_o ill_a aspect_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v unto_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o complain_v that_o his_o neighbour_n be_v a_o thief_n or_o a_o swearer_n or_o a_o murderer_n though_o he_o shall_v give_v the_o justice_n never_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o his_o neighbour_n do_v very_o ill_o in_o be_v so_o and_o do_v so_o yet_o his_o business_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o he_o but_o let_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v do_v nonconformist_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v likewise_o inform_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sharp_a and_o provoke_a expression_n on_o the_o
person_n of_o any_o it_o be_v indeed_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n to_o bring_v revile_v or_o rail_v accusation_n against_o any_o neither_o will_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a give_v countenance_n to_o such_o a_o practice_n in_o other_o which_o be_v seldom_o use_v but_o by_o man_n of_o very_a mean_a consideration_n but_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v not_o use_v even_o great_a severity_n in_o reflection_n on_o a_o whole_a party_n of_o man_n and_o that_o unprovoke_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o person_n on_o a_o religious_a account_n can_v be_v more_o severe_o reflect_v on_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o unto_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o design_n than_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v in_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v see_v a_o collection_n make_v of_o such_o reflection_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o wherein_o they_o appear_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v a_o true_a resemblance_n or_o representation_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n 2._o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v such_o as_o become_v a_o popular_a auditory_a consist_v in_o general_n on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v as_o the_o good_a of_o union_n the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o causeless_a separation_n etc._n etc._n which_o will_v indifferent_o serve_v any_o party_n until_o it_o be_v determine_v where_o the_o original_a fault_n and_o mistake_n do_v lie_v i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v so_o dress_v as_o to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o door_n of_o nonconformist_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o a_o application_n unto_o their_o disadvantage_n but_o nothing_o that_o by_o way_n of_o argument_n testimony_n or_o instance_n be_v produce_v to_o prove_v the_o charge_n mention_v and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 3._o some_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o author_n unto_o his_o text_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v his_o complaint_n p._n 2._o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o many_o sad_a reflection_n when_o neither_o the_o misery_n we_o have_v feel_v nor_o the_o calamity_n we_o fear_v neither_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o nor_o the_o unexpected_a deliverance_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o nor_o the_o common_a danger_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o have_v abate_v man_n heat_n or_o allay_v their_o passion_n or_o make_v they_o more_o willing_a to_o unite_v with_o our_o establish_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o some_o stand_n at_o a_o great_a dastance_n if_o not_o defiance_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v willing_o by_o we_o that_o the_o warning_n and_o call_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v great_a and_o marvellous_a and_o yet_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o enquiry_n whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o that_o the_o nonconformist_n do_v immediate_o in_o all_o thing_n comply_v with_o the_o establish_v church_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o when_o he_o who_o search_v their_o heart_n do_v know_v that_o they_o will_v do_v it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o displeasure_n what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o they_o to_o call_v the_o nation_n and_o so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n unto_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o reconcile_a all_o protestant_a dissenter_n what_o if_o god_n shall_v in_o they_o testify_v against_o all_o the_o atheism_n profaneness_n sensuality_n that_o abound_v in_o this_o nation_n unto_o the_o public_a scandal_n of_o it_o with_o the_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v due_o consider_v the_o person_n guilty_a of_o they_o be_v no_o way_n proceed_v against_o by_o any_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o any_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o from_o such_o horrible_a pollution_n once_o attempt_v every_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o law_n gospel_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o they_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o do_v with_o consider_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o who_o a_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o both_o in_o person_n and_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n among_o we_o on_o the_o utmost_a peril_n of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o no_o such_o reformation_n be_v so_o much_o as_o endeavour_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v no_o encouragement_n unto_o conscientious_a man_n to_o unite_v themselves_o absolute_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z or_o as_o can_v reform_v itself_o in_o such_o a_o degenerate_a state_n as_o that_o which_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n open_o and_o visible_o fall_v into_o and_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o our_o brethren_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o to_o call_v they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o expect_v and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v into_o the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o unite_n all_o protestant_n in_o the_o only_a band_n of_o evangelical_n union_n order_n and_o communion_n unless_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v endeavour_v and_o until_o they_o be_v enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o effect_v a_o reformà tion_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n as_o unto_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n itself_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n shall_v unite_v with_o the_o church_n however_o establish_v and_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o those_o many_o warning_n and_o call_n of_o god_n may_v have_v some_o respect_n unto_o these_o abomination_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o nation_n yea_o such_o as_o without_o a_o due_a reformation_n of_o they_o will_v issue_v in_o our_o desolation_n i_o do_v know_v that_o with_o the_o nonconformist_n also_o there_o be_v sin_n against_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a addition_n unto_o their_o sin_n as_o also_o a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o guilt_n if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o warning_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v here_o express_v by_o this_o reverend_a author_n so_o as_o to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o return_v whole_o unto_o god_n from_o all_o their_o wander_n but_o as_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o charge_v on_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o interest_n hatred_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o ruin_n suggest_v unto_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o adversary_n or_o be_v use_v by_o some_o against_o their_o science_n and_o conscience_n to_o further_a that_o end_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n to_o be_v raise_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o their_o opinion_n practice_n or_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n do_v atheism_n abound_v among_o we_o it_o be_v from_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n make_v by_o nonconformist_n be_v there_o danger_n of_o popery_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n come_v on_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v for_o nonconformity_n so_o be_v it_o of_o old_a with_o the_o christian_n si_fw-mi tiber_n ascendit_fw-la in_o maenis_fw-la si_fw-la nilus_n non_fw-la ascendit_fw-la in_o arva_fw-la si_fw-la coelum_fw-la stetit_fw-la si_fw-la terra_fw-la movit_fw-la si_fw-la fame_fw-la si_fw-la lues_fw-la statim_fw-la christianos_n ad_fw-la leonem_fw-la 4._o the_o immediate_a introduction_n unto_o the_o open_n of_o his_o text_n be_v a_o account_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n occasion_v by_o the_o judaize_v christian_n who_o contend_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v unto_o his_o account_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o that_o case_n as_o it_o may_v have_v any_o respect_n unto_o our_o present_a difference_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v 1_o that_o those_o with_o and_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n deal_v in_o his_o epistle_n be_v principal_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n who_o have_v own_a the_o gospel_n profess_a faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v receive_v many_o of_o they_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o taste_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o do_v join_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o christian_n i_o only_o mention_v
this_o because_o some_o place_n quote_v usual_o in_o this_o matter_n do_v relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n which_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o oppose_v the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o rage_n and_o fury_n stir_v up_o persecution_n everywhere_o against_o they_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o 2_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v free_o allow_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o by_o virtue_n of_o moses_n law_n grant_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o privilege_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o they_o will_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n offend_v so_o do_v james_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v themselves_o act_v 21._o 21_o etc._n etc._n yea_o 3_o out_o of_o tenderness_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n to_o be_v take_v by_o they_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_n they_o do_v order_n that_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v forbear_v for_o a_o season_n the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n in_o some_o few_o thing_n whereby_o the_o other_o be_v in_o their_o common_a meeting_n as_o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o usual_o scandalize_v give_v they_o also_o unto_o the_o same_o end_n direction_n concern_v one_o thing_n evil_a in_o itself_o who_o long_a usage_n and_o practice_n among_o the_o gentile_n have_v obliterated_a a_o sense_n of_o its_o guilt_n wherewith_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o offend_v 4_o with_o this_o determination_n or_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o jewish_a believer_n do_v rest_v content_a and_o satisfy_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o with_o many_o of_o they_o it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v no_o way_n please_v that_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o use_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n but_o they_o will_v impose_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o on_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n wherever_o they_o come_v nothing_o will_v serve_v their_o turn_n but_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v observe_v their_o ceremony_n or_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v they_o unto_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n they_o prevail_v for_o a_o season_n on_o whole_a church_n to_o forego_v the_o liberty_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a and_o to_o take_v on_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n which_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n i_o have_v mention_v these_o thing_n only_o to_o show_v how_o remote_a we_o be_v from_o any_o access_n unto_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o cause_v the_o first_o division_n in_o christian_a church_n and_o among_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n we_o agree_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o gentile_n do_v with_o the_o believe_a jew_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o impose_v in_o religion_n on_o the_o conscience_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o person_n we_o be_v not_o offend_v that_o other_o be_v they_o many_o or_o few_o shall_v use_v their_o own_o choice_n liberty_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o government_n discipline_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n of_o pretend_a order_n nor_o do_v envy_n they_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n desire_v of_o old_a as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o prevent_v division_n in_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o observe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v take_v all_o the_o church_n under_o his_o own_o power_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o that_o we_o know_v of_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o our_o governor_n ruler_n brethren_n if_o they_o think_v so_o in_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o with_o outward_a force_n and_o destructive_a penalty_n compel_v to_o comply_v with_o and_o practice_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n such_o thing_n as_o for_o our_o life_n and_o to_o save_v ourselves_o from_o the_o great_a ruin_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v that_o while_o we_o be_v peaceable_a and_o useful_a in_o our_o place_n firm_o unite_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o this_o nation_n which_o as_o this_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o common_a interest_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o that_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v we_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o present_a protestant_a interest_n of_o this_o nation_n do_v testify_v to_o be_v our_o due_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v because_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o except_v against_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o sermon_n wherein_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v nor_o to_o seek_v for_o advantage_n from_o expression_n nor_o to_o draw_v a_o saw_n of_o contention_n about_o thing_n not_o necessary_a unto_o that_o defence_n of_o our_o innocency_n which_o alone_o i_o have_v undertake_v as_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o in_o the_o management_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v pass_v on_o unto_o the_o charge_n itself_o or_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n whereon_o all_o nonconformist_n be_v charge_v with_o schism_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n insist_v on_o by_o the_o author_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o discourse_n according_a as_o he_o judge_v the_o method_n to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o manage_n of_o his_o charge_n which_o i_o judge_v not_o so_o convenient_a unto_o the_o present_a defence_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o unto_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o before_o i_o proceed_v unto_o what_o be_v more_o express_o argumentative_a as_o 1._o he_o charge_v the_o nonconformist_a minister_n for_o conceal_v their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n from_o the_o people_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o end_n easy_o to_o be_v discern_v that_o be_v their_o own_o advantage_n that_o be_v they_o do_v indeed_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o will_v not_o let_v they_o know_v so_o much_o lest_o they_o shall_v forsake_v their_o ministry_n pag._n 19_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v among_o we_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o of_o the_o term_n of_o lay-communion_n i._n e._n those_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o person_n to_o join_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o will_v not_o say_v there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n to_o confound_v these_o two_o and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v to_o what_o purpose_n it_o be_v but_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o people_n not_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o case_n have_v be_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n for_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o dissenter_n it_o this_o day_n although_o they_o think_v the_o case_n of_o the_o â—â—â—â—sters_n very_o hard_a on_o the_o account_n of_o subscription_n and_o â—â—â—â—rations_n require_v of_o they_o yet_o they_o confess_v very_o little_a 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n from_o who_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v require_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v condemn_v in_o their_o separation_n by_o their_o own_o teacher_n but_o how_o they_o can_v preach_v lawful_o to_o a_o people_n who_o commit_v a_o fault_n in_o hear_v they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v yet_o manage_v with_o more_o severity_n pag._n 37_o 38._o in_o word_n that_o i_o shall_v at_o large_a transenbe_n i_o dare_v say_v if_o most_o of_o the_o preacher_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v sober_o ask_v their_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o people_n that_o
frequent_v they_o general_o judge_v otherwise_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o faction_n among_o they_o shall_v so_o common_o prevail_v beyond_o interest_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o think_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n they_o will_v do_v it_o but_o why_o then_o be_v this_o keep_v up_o as_o such_o a_o mighty_a secret_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o their_o teacher_n why_o do_v they_o not_o preach_v to_o they_o in_o their_o congregation_n be_v it_o for_o fear_n they_o shall_v have_v none_o leave_v to_o preach_v to_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v of_o mortify_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o condemn_v themselves_o while_o they_o preach_v against_o separation_n in_o a_o separate_a congregation_n this_o i_o confess_v look_v odd_o and_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v out_o of_o mere_a shamefacedness_n keep_v he_o from_o declare_v a_o truth_n which_o fly_v in_o his_o face_n while_o he_o speak_v it_o be_v it_o that_o they_o fear_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o people_n which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n among_o they_o have_v find_v they_o must_v undergo_v if_o they_o touch_v upon_o this_o subject_a for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o godly_a people_n among_o they_o can_v the_o least_o endure_v to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o be_v it_o not_o as_o plain_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o i_o yet_o serve_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v 10._o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o therefore_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o like_o honest_a and_o conscientious_a man_n let_v they_o tell_v the_o people_n plain_o that_o they_o look_v on_o our_o church_n as_o true_a church_n and_o that_o they_o may_v lawful_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o in_o time_n if_o they_o find_v it_o lawful_a they_o will_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n command_v here_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n a_o crime_n this_o be_v which_o if_o true_a be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v expiate_v nor_o can_v man_n give_v great_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o hypocrisy_n insincerity_n and_o government_n by_o corrupt_a end_n and_o design_n than_o by_o such_o abominable_a art_n and_o contrivance_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v not_o to_o be_v true_a it_o can_v but_o be_v look_v on_o as_o animate_v by_o such_o a_o evil_a surmise_n as_o be_v of_o no_o small_a provocation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n this_o reverend_a author_n make_v a_o distinction_n about_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n page_n 20._o between_o what_o be_v require_v of_o minister_n and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v lay-communion_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o do_v not_o confound_v bare_a suspending_a communion_n in_o some_o particular_a rite_n which_o person_n do_v modest_o scruple_n and_o use_v it_o in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a with_o either_o total_a or_o at_o least_o ordinary_a forbearance_n of_o communion_n in_o what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o form_n of_o separate_a congregation_n i._n e._n under_o other_o teacher_n and_o by_o other_o rule_n than_o what_o the_o establish_a religion_n allow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o separation_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o make_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o appear_v but_o he_o know_v that_o by_o the_o communion_n and_o unite_n ourselves_o unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v press_v either_o on_o minister_n or_o people_n a_o total_a submission_n unto_o the_o rule_n as_o establish_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o rubric_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v require_v of_o they_o all_o when_o this_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o there_o be_v no_o suspend_v of_o communion_n in_o particular_a rite_n to_o be_v allow_v they_o who_o give_v up_o themselves_o hereunto_o must_v observe_v the_o whole_a rule_n to_o a_o tittle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o this_o reverend_a author_n who_o be_v of_o great_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o like_a as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v to_o be_v incline_v thereunto_o to_o give_v indulgence_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o abstinence_n from_o the_o least_o ceremony_n enjoin_v wherefore_o the_o question_n about_o lay-communion_n be_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_a and_o total_a according_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n or_o by_o the_o canon_n constitution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o bring_v their_o child_n to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o use_n of_o the_o aerial_a sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n to_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o holiday_n to_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o liturgy_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o christ_n continue_v to_o communicate_v for_o its_o edification_n to_o forego_v all_o mean_n of_o public_a edification_n beside_o that_o in_o their_o parish-church_n where_o to_o speak_v with_o modesty_n it_o be_v oft_o time_n scanty_a and_o want_v to_o renounce_v all_o other_o assembly_n wherein_o they_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o spiritual_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n to_o desert_n the_o observation_n of_o many_o useful_a gospel-duty_n in_o their_o mutual_a watch_n that_o believer_n of_o the_o same_o church_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o over_o another_o to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o all_o interest_n of_o a_o voluntary_a consent_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o a_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o not_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o can_v apprehend_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o lay-communion_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o indulgence_n if_o the_o rule_n be_v observe_v i_o must_v say_v that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v six_o nonconformist_a minister_n in_o england_n that_o do_v believe_v this_o communion_n to_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o embrace_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o cease_v not_o to_o instruct_v they_o wherein_o their_o true_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v consist_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o hearty_o wish_v these_o thing_n have_v be_v omit_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v not_o to_o cover_v any_o guilt_n in_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o conscience_n be_v unto_o they_o a_o thousand_o witness_n against_o such_o imputation_n but_o whereas_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v only_a surmise_n and_o suspicion_n and_o the_o evil_n charge_v of_o the_o high_a nature_n that_o any_o man_n can_v involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n such_o a_o habit_n of_o mind_n as_o evidence_v man_n to_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o that_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o on_o all_o hand_n we_o sometime_o pretend_v unto_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v another_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a want_n of_o sincerity_n pag_n 46._o those_o say_v he_o who_o speak_v now_o most_o against_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v ten_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o think_v the_o magistrate_n on_o their_o own_o side_n for_o which_o be_v quote_v a_o answer_n unto_o two_o question_n 1659._o that_o be_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o know_v not_o direct_o who_o he_o intend_v those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v independent_o express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n in_o their_o confession_n make_v 1659._o that_o any_o of_o they_o have_v on_o what_o have_v ensue_v change_v their_o opinion_n therein_o i_o know_v not_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v on_o this_o occasion_n peruse_v the_o answer_n unto_o the_o two_o question_n direct_v unto_o and_o do_v profess_v myself_o at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o that_o paper_n there_o be_v thing_n not_o easy_o to_o be_v number_v wherein_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o duty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n
as_o much_o as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o godly_a king_n of_o judah_n of_o old_a or_o be_v at_o first_o claim_v by_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n yet_o be_v there_o some_o who_o although_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o warm_v promote_v and_o dignify_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o unless_o we_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o rightful_a power_n and_o his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v and_o punish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o mulct_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o in_o some_o case_n death_n itself_o such_o person_n as_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n entire_a who_o worship_n be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n who_o conversation_n be_v peaceable_a and_o useful_a unless_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o comply_v with_o themselves_o when_o possible_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o so_o deal_v withal_o and_o it_o may_v be_v common_a prudence_n will_v advise_v a_o forbearance_n of_o too_o much_o severity_n in_o charge_n on_o other_o for_o change_v their_o opinion_n lest_o a_o provocation_n unto_o a_o recrimination_n on_o they_o that_o make_v they_o shall_v arise_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n also_o not_o without_o a_o appear_a aspect_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n but_o we_o have_v some_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o be_v so_o accustom_v not_o only_o unto_o such_o undue_a charge_n as_o that_o here_o insist_v on_o but_o unto_o such_o unjust_a accusation_n false_a report_n malicious_a untruth_n concern_v they_o their_o word_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v invent_v by_o a_o few_o ill_a man_n be_v trumpet_v abroad_o with_o triumph_n by_o many_o as_o that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o they_o any_o more_o 2._o as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o separation_n or_o distinct_a communion_n of_o whole_a church_n from_o each_o other_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o by_o whole_a church_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o such_o nation_n which_o upon_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n resume_v their_o just_a right_n of_o government_n to_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_n christianity_n incorporate_v into_o one_o christian_a society_n under_o the_o same_o common_a tie_v and_o rule_v of_o order_n and_o government_n pag._n 16._o i_o do_v suppose_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v hereby_o exempt_v from_o all_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o not_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o communion_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o other_o church_n i_o be_o sure_a according_a unto_o the_o principle_n of_o nonconformist_n they_o be_v so_o for_o they_o judge_v that_o particular_a or_o congregational_a church_n state_v with_o their_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v entire_a church_n that_o have_v a_o just_a right_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o until_o this_o be_v disprove_v until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o church_n because_o they_o be_v congregational_a or_o that_o although_o they_o be_v church_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o the_o reverend_a author_n seem_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o appropriate_v this_o right_a and_o power_n unto_o national_a church_n who_o rise_n he_o assign_v unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church_n government_n into_o that_o of_o distinct_a kingdom_n and_o province_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o fall_v out_o so_o long_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n be_v whole_o foreign_a unto_o religion_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o govern_v and_o reform_v themselves_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o church_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v else_o where_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o wherefore_o those_o national_a provincial_a church_n which_o arise_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n must_v first_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o his_o institution_n before_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n in_o what_o king_n potentate_n and_o other_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v do_v to_o accommodate_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n unto_o their_o rule_n and_o the_o interest_n thereof_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v nor_o will_v give_v interruption_n unto_o any_o of_o they_o while_o they_o impose_v not_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o their_o constitution_n unto_o that_o end_n upon_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n our_o sole_a enquiry_n be_v what_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v which_o if_o we_o be_v compliant_a withal_o we_o shall_v fear_v neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o charge_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o to_o give_v strength_n hereunto_o it_o be_v add_v just_o as_o several_a famâ—â—â—â—â—_n unite_v make_v one_o kingdom_n which_o at_o first_o have_v a_o distinct_a and_o independent_a power_n but_o it_o will_v make_v strange_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reduce_v kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o family_n because_o at_o first_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o they_o pag._n 17._o which_o be_v again_o insist_v on_o pag._n 31._o but_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o for_o if_o indeed_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o civil_a government_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o of_o family_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o oppose_v they_o who_o will_v endeavour_v peaceable_o to_o reduce_v all_o government_n thereunto_o but_o whereas_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o by_o express_a revelation_n in_o his_o word_n have_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n appoint_v and_o approve_v other_o sort_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o kingdom_n and_o common-weal_n we_o esteem_v it_o not_o only_o a_o madness_n to_o endeavour_v a_o reduction_n of_o all_o government_n into_o family_n as_o unto_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o a_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o authority_n command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n so_o if_o these_o national_a church_n be_v of_o the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n himself_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o plead_v the_o exemption_n of_o particular_a church_n from_o any_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n as_o such_o than_o we_o do_v to_o exempt_v private_a family_n from_o the_o lawful_a government_n of_o public_a magistrate_n and_o we_o must_v also_o add_v that_o whatever_o be_v their_o original_a and_o constitution_n if_o all_o their_o governor_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n if_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v appoint_v and_o impose_v on_o man_n what_o tend_v unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o not_o unto_o their_o edification_n as_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o particular_a church_n but_o every_o individual_a believer_n be_v warrant_v to_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n and_o hereon_o we_o ground_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n without_o any_o need_n of_o a_o retreat_n unto_o the_o late_a device_n of_o the_o power_n of_o provincial_a church_n to_o reform_v themselves_o let_v none_o mistake_v themselves_o herein_o believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o church_n but_o church_n be_v appoint_v for_o believer_n their_o edification_n their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v their_o use_n and_o end_n without_o which_o they_o be_v of_o no_o signification_n the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o the_o mould_v of_o his_o disciple_n into_o such_o ecclesiastical_a shape_n as_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o power_n interest_n advantage_n and_o dignity_n of_o they_o that_o may_v in_o any_o season_n come_v to_o be_v over_o they_o but_o to_o constitute_v a_o way_n and_o order_n of_o give_v such_o officer_n unto_o they_o as_o may_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n useful_a
and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o edification_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v ephes._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v a_o opinion_n opposite_a unto_o this_o notion_n of_o national_a church_n be_v examine_v and_o confute_v pag._n 17._o ibid._n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n bare_o to_o relate_v to_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o particular_a congregation_n whereas_o if_o this_o hold_v true_a the_o church_n must_v be_v dissolve_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o but_o if_o they_o retain_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n when_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o worship_n than_o there_o be_v some_o other_o bond_n that_o unite_v they_o and_o whatever_o that_o be_v it_o constitute_v the_o church_n i_o be_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o have_v read_v the_o write_n of_o all_o man_n upon_o this_o subject_a nay_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v read_v very_o few_o of_o they_o though_o i_o never_o avoid_v the_o read_n of_o any_o thing_n write_v against_o the_o way_n and_o order_n which_o i_o approve_v of_o wherefore_o there_o may_v be_v some_o as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v who_o have_v maintain_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o read_v nor_o hear_v of_o any_o who_o be_v of_o this_o judgement_n assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n we_o account_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o their_o constitution_n and_o form_v that_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o their_o union_n none_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n as_o i_o know_v of_o do_v judge_n for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o hence_o follow_v as_o the_o reverend_a author_n observe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v when_o the_o congregation_n be_v break_v up_o on_o which_o account_n church_n at_o this_o time_n will_v be_v dissolve_v almost_o every_o week_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v no_o church-relation_n unto_o one_o another_o meet_v occasional_o for_o divine_a worship_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o it_o may_v be_v within_o a_o hour_n they_o cease_v to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n that_o we_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o mean_n another_o bond_n of_o union_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o church_n unto_o particular_a congregation_n be_v that_o those_o society_n which_o have_v not_o or_o which_o can_v have_v assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o consideration_n that_o need_v not_o here_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o when_o such_o society_n as_o who_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o nor_o yet_o of_o the_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n into_o patriarchates_n and_o diocese_n but_o a_o mere_a natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o that_o prevail_a sword_n which_o on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n erect_v distinct_a kingdom_n and_o dominion_n as_o man_n be_v able_a such_o society_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o religious_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o christian_a discipline_n in_o they_o such_o as_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v and_o maintain_v a_o union_n by_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o officer_n and_o order_n which_o the_o scripture_n know_v nothing_o of_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o shall_v embrace_v they_o as_o such_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v they_o pass_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a rate_n and_o value_n which_o the_o stamp_n of_o civil_a authority_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o what_o be_v further_o discourse_v by_o the_o author_n on_o this_o subject_a proceed_v no_o further_o but_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o 3._o pag._n 23_o 24._o there_o be_v a_o distribution_n of_o all_o dissenter_n into_o two_o party_n 1._o such_o as_o say_v that_o although_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n yet_o this_o separation_n be_v no_o sin_n 2._o such_o as_o say_v that_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n will_v be_v sin_n but_o notwithstanding_o their_o meeting_n in_o different_a place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o party_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o different_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o the_o one_o grant_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n separation_n in_o this_o case_n which_o other_o will_v not_o admit_v for_o their_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v observe_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o principle_n must_v be_v so_o also_o though_o they_o choose_v several_a way_n of_o express_v they_o both_o sort_n intend_v do_v plead_v that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v it_o so_o some_o know_v the_o word_n separation_n to_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v as_o unto_o its_o sense_n by_o what_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o do_v not_o contend_v but_o that_o if_o any_o will_v have_v it_o so_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v denominate_v from_o their_o dissent_n unto_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o can_v hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o so_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o you_o call_v it_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n how_o best_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o continue_v their_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v other_o seem_v to_o take_v separation_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o schism_n which_o be_v always_o evil_a or_o at_o least_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v their_o right_n to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o their_o state_n take_v from_o what_o they_o agree_v in_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o not_o from_o their_o dissent_n in_o other_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o practice_n suitable_a unto_o that_o dissent_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o distinction_n but_o both_o party_n intend_v be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o for_o their_o dissent_n in_o some_o thing_n from_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n as_o they_o will_v otherwise_o occur_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o progress_n i_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o charge_n itself_o lay_v against_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o the_o arguing_n whereby_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v confirm_v the_o charge_n be_v that_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o that_o be_v presbyterian_o and_o independent_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n of_o a_o sinful_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o live_v in_o a_o know_a sin_n so_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n thereby_o of_o great_a evil_n confusion_n disturbance_n among_o ourselves_o and_o of_o danger_n unto_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n whence_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o they_o shall_v etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o far_o mutual_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o state_v difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o shall_v be_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o difference_n or_o distance_n without_o which_o we_o can_v judge_v aright_o on_o who_o the_o blame_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v for_o that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n because_o they_o do_v so_o without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o protestant_n in_o plain_a term_n our_o enquiry_n be_v whether_o the_o cause_n hereof_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o imposition_n of_o term_n of_o communion_n without_o any_o obligation_n in_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o