the_o world_n to_o come_v leave_v the_o management_n of_o worldly_a thing_n to_o other_o society_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n under_o other_o governor_n and_o other_o law_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n i._n e._n as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n this_o kingdom_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n but_o be_v within_o we_o luke_n 17.20_o 21._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o can_v delegate_v this_o power_n to_o any_o other_o neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n and_o who_o shall_v presume_v without_o his_o appointment_n to_o usurp_v hâ—s_a dominion_n he_o call_v the_o church_n to_o himself_o immediate_o and_o not_o to_o man_n and_o they_o give_v themselves_o immiedate_o to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o deputy_n they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o hlord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o only_o give_v law_n to_o it_o whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v govern_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n procure_v and_o maintain_v love_n and_o obedience_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o law_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o all_o other_o government_n and_o their_o law_n with_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o they_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o must_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o spiritual_a peculiar_a end_n and_o government_n thereof_o they_o may_v join_v their_o person_n to_o the_o church_n by_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n the_o king_n thereof_o for_o the_o spiritual_a end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o they_o may_v not_o mix_v or_o interweave_v the_o interest_n and_o end_n of_o their_o kingdom_n or_o government_n with_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o so_o it_o will_v become_v a_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o world_n will_v great_o hinder_v if_o not_o swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o the_o church_n be_v design_v for_o moreover_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o member_n call_v indifferent_o out_o of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n sex_n age_n diversity_n of_o worldly_a interest_n through_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o generation_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereof_o one_o part_n be_v in_o heaven_n already_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o for_o they_o yet_o wait_v for_o the_o come_n up_o of_o their_o brethren_n till_o when_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o complete_a benefit_n of_o their_o association_n and_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o each_o other_o the_o other_o part_n be_v yet_o on_o earth_n pursue_v the_o same_o general_a design_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o king_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n yea_o among_o these_o some_o be_v yet_o infaunt_v and_o child_n capable_a only_o of_o the_o immediate_a influence_n government_n and_o protection_n of_o their_o heavenly_a king_n without_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o and_o other_o there_o be_v yet_o unborn_a who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o actual_a member_n of_o this_o society_n yet_o be_v know_v to_o the_o king_n of_o it_o and_o their_o name_n contain_v in_o his_o role_n and_o he_o will_v not_o reckon_v his_o kingdom_n complete_a or_o the_o end_n of_o it_o accomplish_v till_o these_o also_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o even_o to_o the_o last_o man_n john_n 10.16_o what_o then_o be_v the_o interest_n and_o design_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o law_n method_n and_o instrument_n by_o which_o they_o pursue_v those_o design_n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v diverse_a in_o every_o age_n this_o be_v one_o throughout_o all_o age_n they_o be_v contrary_a to_o and_o do_v subvert_v each_o other_o and_o one_o succeed_v another_o this_o be_v one_o uniform_a most_o consistant_fw-la government_n they_o be_v temporary_a but_o for_o the_o present_a for_o the_o short_a life_n of_o governor_n or_o for_o the_o uncertain_a continuance_n of_o their_o family_n and_o then_o they_o pass_v to_o other_o perhaps_o their_o enemy_n but_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n a_o overlasting_a kingdom_n dan._n 2.24_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o true_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n disperse_v throughout_o all_o country_n and_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rule_v by_o his_o law_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n influence_v by_o his_o spirit_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o protect_v by_o his_o power_n against_o all_o their_o enemy_n to_o this_o we_o must_v reduce_v all_o discourse_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o it_o as_o by_o the_o first_o truth_n in_o that_o kind_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o distribution_n or_o several_a sort_n of_o church_n and_o first_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v into_o triumphant_a and_o militant_a as_o a_o whole_a into_o integral_a part_n the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n have_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o sin_n and_o satan_n yet_o not_o full_o triumphant_a because_o it_o wait_v for_o deliverance_n from_o death_n or_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n militant_a be_v that_o other_o part_n which_o be_v yet_o on_o earth_n contest_v with_o all_o her_o spiritual_a enemy_n both_o these_o make_v up_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o christ_n and_o immediate_o govern_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o as_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v equal_a none_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o be_v all_o equal_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o guide_v by_o he_o to_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o this_o society_n second_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v universal_a or_o catholic_n on_o earth_n sc_n all_o the_o christian_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o live_v on_o earth_n disperse_v through_o all_o country_n mix_v with_o all_o society_n of_o civil_a government_n with_o who_o also_o be_v mix_v many_o person_n who_o profess_v christ_n but_o be_v not_o real_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o consent_n and_o real_a subjection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o live_v member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o accidental_a accession_n to_o it_o as_o foreigner_n that_o live_v in_o any_o state_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o some_o general_a thing_n conformable_a to_o their_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o society_n but_o indeed_o have_v their_o relation_n and_o union_n to_o another_o or_o else_o this_o church_n be_v particular_a as_o it_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a lesser_a society_n for_o their_o convenience_n and_o edification_n now_o these_o be_v not_o distinct_a church_n but_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n either_o as_o collective_o consider_v as_o one_o company_n unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n to_o christ_n the_o governor_n of_o all_o though_o divide_v and_o disperse_v in_o place_n or_o distributive_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n only_o be_v divide_v into_o several_a lesser_a company_n these_o also_o thus_o consider_v have_v all_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o governor_n to_o his_o law_n as_o their_o rule_n to_o his_o spirit_n as_o there_o internal_a live_a guide_n and_o to_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n without_o any_o authority_n over_o each_o other_o three_o these_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v consider_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o vicinity_n may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o some_o distinguish_v into_o national_a viz_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o one_o nation_n or_o under_o one_o constitution_n or_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n or_o provincial_a viz_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o one_o province_n or_o county_n or_o city_n church_n those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o city_n or_o parish_n church_n viz_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o a_o lesser_a neighbourhood_n yea_o thus_o church_n may_v be_v distinguish_v or_o divide_v into_o as_o many_o sort_n as_o there_o be_v society_n of_o man_n any_o way_n divide_v or_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o these_o division_n be_v but_o accidental_a and_o extrinsecall_v difference_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o same_o church_n thus_o divide_v into_o diverse_a lesser_a part_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n then_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a commonwealth_n to_o which_o he_o be_v head_n from_o hence_o we_o infer_v 3_o
catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n though_o gather_v into_o small_a body_n for_o their_o own_o conveniency_n and_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o as_o brethren_n in_o perform_v brotherly_a office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o especial_o in_o admit_v each_o other_o to_o their_o worship_n upon_o occasion_n so_o sepetation_n betwixt_o church_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o this_o communion_n when_o one_o church_n disow_v another_o to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n exclude_v they_o from_o her_o ordinance_n and_o from_o all_o office_n of_o christian_a love_n this_o be_v just_a when_o it_o be_v upon_o great_a and_o just_a cause_n such_o whereupon_o we_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o papist_n and_o socinian_o if_o upon_o light_a cause_n it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o a_o great_a breach_n of_o charity_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v aggravate_v as_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o as_o that_o which_o deserve_v more_o animadversion_n than_o those_o sin_n which_o destroy_v all_o religion_n and_o humane_a society_n see_v man_n may_v be_v good_a christian_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n good_a subject_n and_o good_a neighbour_n though_o they_o conceive_v such_o a_o mistake_a opinion_n concern_v another_o church_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o separation_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v this_o just_a will_v make_v the_o other_o just_a also_o but_o all_o the_o cause_n that_o make_v separation_n from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n just_a will_v not_o reach_v our_o comunion_n with_o other_o church_n or_o concern_v our_o separation_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v for_o what_o cause_v member_n of_o a_o church_n may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o it_o i._n e._n contend_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v attain_v it_o withdraw_z from_z and_o either_o join_v to_o other_o church_n or_o make_v new_a one_o themselves_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o point_n let_v we_o always_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o commonwealth_n unite_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n first_o and_o but_o secondary_o to_o each_o other_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o end_n why_o man_n become_v christian_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o next_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n that_o profess_v to_o design_n the_o same_o end_n and_o to_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o friendship_n of_o this_o church_n to_o be_v assist_v and_o further_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o their_o great_a end_n if_o therefore_o the_o church_n prove_v otherwise_o i._n e._n to_o be_v no_o help_n but_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o serve_v of_o christ_n and_o further_a their_o salvation_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o their_o obligation_n as_o christian_n they_o be_v still_o member_n of_o christ_n yea_o may_n and_o aught_o to_o seek_v another_o society_n wherein_o they_o may_v attain_v those_o great_a end_n it_o be_v true_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o bear_v with_o many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o a_o church_n because_o there_o will_v be_v always_o some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o and_o also_o for_o public_a peace_n lest_o by_o unseasonable_a reform_v some_o lesser_a thing_n amiss_o or_o withdraw_v from_o the_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o amendment_n they_o shall_v make_v thing_n worse_o yet_o when_o they_o can_v worship_v christ_n aright_o or_o can_v have_v no_o tolerable_a edification_n in_o the_o church_n the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n society_n be_v destroy_v and_o separation_n from_o it_o become_v necessary_a and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o a_o church_n viz_o that_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o promote_v among_o they_o but_o when_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v but_o betray_v peace_n then_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n even_o as_o in_o civil_a government_n the_o end_n be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a society_n so_o long_o as_o that_o end_n be_v tolerable_o pursue_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o honesty_n many_o thing_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o rather_o than_o to_o endanger_v the_o whole_a by_o unseasonable_a endeavour_n to_o mend_v lesser_a thing_n but_o when_o the_o public_a good_a be_v not_o mind_v or_o those_o condition_n break_v upon_o which_o man_n do_v associate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o redress_n in_o this_o case_n peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v to_o betray_v the_o government_n the_o cause_n therefore_o which_o make_v separation_n lawful_a be_v in_o general_a when_o man_n can_v worship_v christ_n aright_o in_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o edify_v their_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o church_n whereto_o they_o be_v join_v and_o when_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o the_o redress_n of_o these_o thing_n particular_a cause_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o when_o a_o church_n be_v idolatrous_a for_o now_o it_o forsake_v christ_n the_o head_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o service_n we_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o must_v now_o forsake_v it_o for_o he_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 2._o when_o any_o know_a sin_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n i._n e._n when_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v or_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o he_o approve_v some_o error_n in_o doctrine_n corruption_n in_o worship_n or_o himself_o commit_v some_o sin_n in_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o consent_n to_o it_o in_o the_o church_n for_o also_o this_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v to_o edify_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n whereas_o here_o something_o against_o faith_n or_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v the_o very_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o these_o 2_o case_n all_o agree_v that_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o they_o both_o hold_v strong_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o she_o be_v manifest_o idolatrous_a and_o impose_v both_o false_a doctrine_n superstitious_a worship_n and_o wicked_a practice_n upon_o all_o her_o member_n nor_o will_v it_o serve_v to_o say_v that_o that_o church_n deny_v her_o worship_n to_o be_v idolatrous_a or_o the_o term_n of_o her_o communion_n to_o be_v sinful_a but_o she_o must_v clear_o prove_v it_o from_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o christian_a concern_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o suspect_v the_o term_n impose_v to_o be_v unlawful_a a_o christian_a can_v with_o safe_a conscience_n submit_v to_o they_o till_o he_o be_v satisfy_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o impose_v any_o doubtful_a much_o less_o sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n and_o not_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o she_o or_o withdraw_v from_o she_o 3._o when_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a mean_n of_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n though_o no_o evil_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o member_n as_o when_o the_o teacher_n be_v heretical_a in_o the_o chief_a point_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n or_o so_o contentious_a and_o such_o railer_n at_o any_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v hear_v with_o peace_n and_o composure_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o dutch_a both_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o than_o prince_n of_o orange_n also_o forsake_v their_o parish_n because_o their_o arminian_n preacher_n spend_v so_o much_o time_n rail_v on_o the_o calvinist_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o hear_v they_o with_o profit_n nor_o bear_v they_o with_o patience_n also_o when_o minister_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a and_o unable_a to_o explain_v the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o people_n or_o when_o they_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o ordinary_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o endeavour_v their_o instruction_n or_o when_o their_o life_n be_v great_o contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o godliness_n or_o when_o the_o people_n be_v almost_o all_o corrupt_a in_o doctrine_n or_o wicked_a manner_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v for_o all_o these_o case_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o church_n and_o we_o must_v rather_o forsake_v the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o faith_n
a_o better_a and_o public_o authorize_v translation_n they_o judge_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a offence_n 7._o the_o read_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a scripture_n as_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o that_o without_o any_o distinction_n from_o the_o canonical_a they_o account_v it_o a_o intolerable_a thing_n that_o fable_n and_o fiction_n shall_v be_v solemn_o read_v to_o the_o people_n with_o the_o same_o reverence_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v many_o of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v only_o of_o humane_a authority_n the_o read_n of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o conformist_n say_v that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o nonconformist_n say_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a mere_a humane_a or_o fabulous_a writing_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o god_n people_n when_o they_o meet_v to_o worship_v he_o by_o hear_v his_o word_n above_o all_o they_o be_v offend_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v leave_v out_o of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o so_o never_o to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o apocryphal_a chapter_n put_v in_o their_o room_n 8._o holiday_n or_o festival_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o saint_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o if_o the_o church_n think_v fit_a they_o may_v observe_v the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n passion_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o other_o protestant_a church_n do_v provide_v they_o may_v be_v keep_v serious_o and_o not_o make_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n with_o the_o sabbath_n but_o when_o all_o divine_a worship_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o the_o keep_n of_o day_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o building_n temple_n to_o they_o be_v ever_o reckon_v a_o part_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v more_o honour_n than_o ever_o god_n command_v or_o allow_v to_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o excuse_v this_o practice_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o church_n liturgy_n 9_o nor_o can_v they_o approve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certain_a regeneration_n of_o all_o in_o baptism_n and_o that_o infant_n die_v after_o baptism_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o actual_a sin_n be_v undoubted_o save_v which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o liturgy_n as_o undoubted_a article_n of_o faith_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o scripture_n that_o clear_o prove_v either_o of_o they_o and_o at_o best_o they_o be_v point_v dispute_v on_o by_o learned_a man_n on_o both_o side_n nor_o can_v they_o excuse_v the_o practice_n of_o refuse_v parent_n to_o promise_v for_o their_o own_o child_n in_o baptism_n see_v it_o be_v upon_o their_o account_n only_o and_o god_n covenant_n with_o they_o that_o the_o child_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o they_o be_v thereby_o engage_v to_o breed_v they_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n much_o less_o that_o stranger_n shall_v receive_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o baptise_a who_o have_v no_o authority_n over_o they_o who_o neither_o care_n what_o they_o promise_v nor_o be_v ever_o call_v to_o account_v how_o they_o perform_v their_o promise_n for_o if_o they_o shall_v few_o will_v undertake_v the_o charge_n and_o so_o this_o custom_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n 10._o they_o except_v against_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n to_o read_v divine_a service_n baptise_v and_o bury_v and_o to_o preach_v with_o special_a licence_n this_o they_o say_v be_v to_o create_v a_o new_a fort_n of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n never_o appoint_v nor_o give_v his_o minister_n authority_n to_o appoint_v it_o deacon_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a and_o that_o be_v all_o their_o work_n and_o though_o the_o primitive_a christian_n sometime_o use_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o congregation_n yet_o they_o never_o ordain_v they_o to_o this_o as_o a_o office_n yea_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o read_v prayer_n to_o marry_v or_o bury_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o sacred_a office_n appoint_v by_o christ_n that_o shall_v constitute_v a_o distinct_a order_n of_o minister_n and_o if_o as_o grave_a and_o prudent_a person_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o do_v these_o office_n either_o for_o want_v of_o minister_n or_o to_o assist_v they_o yet_o may_v they_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v suffer_v to_o baptise_v it_o be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o ministry_n as_o to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a a_o work_n as_o to_o confirm_v and_o build_v up_o the_o member_n of_o it_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a objection_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n against_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o exemplify_v and_o confirm_v by_o many_o particular_n of_o lesser_a moment_n in_o themselves_o but_o all_o tend_v to_o make_v their_o desire_n of_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o service_n book_n to_o seem_v reasonable_a and_o the_o work_n necessary_a rea._n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n dislike_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o government_n of_o it_o by_o prelate_n i._n e._n bishop_n with_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n many_o of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n thought_n episcopacy_n utter_o unlawful_a and_o a_o usurpation_n not_o to_o be_v bear_v but_o the_o rest_n who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o humane_a constitution_n as_o our_o law_n do_v think_v it_o lawful_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v submit_v to_o do_v yet_o dislike_v our_o episcopacy_n partly_o because_o of_o the_o secular_a grandure_fw-fr power_n and_o employment_n our_o bishop_n be_v invest_v with_o which_o make_v they_o unable_a and_o unwilling_a to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n partly_o because_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o their_o election_n except_o a_o empty_a show_n and_o therefore_o person_n be_v most_o common_o prefer_v not_o for_o true_a episcopal_a qualification_n but_o because_o they_o can_v make_v interest_n with_o superior_n but_o principal_o because_o the_o bishop_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o exclude_v all_o the_o minister_n from_o any_o share_n therein_o a_o thing_n most_o unexcusable_a in_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o only_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n above_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whereas_o even_o those_o that_o with_o any_o probability_n or_o sobriety_n maintain_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o may_v neither_o ordain_v nor_o govern_v without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o presbyter_n this_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o intolerable_a that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n to_o all_o his_o minister_n shall_v be_v wrest_v from_o they_o general_o by_o a_o few_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o chief_n key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o faith_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o bnilt_n up_o in_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v offender_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o penitent_a again_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o former_a and_o yet_o without_o which_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v manage_v in_o a_o fit_a manner_n for_o edification_n by_o this_o mean_n minister_n be_v deprive_v of_o one_o half_a of_o their_o office_n and_o power_n and_o be_v both_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v in_o the_o other_o half_a for_o who_o will_v regard_v their_o preach_a who_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o judge_v what_o person_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o who_o in_o it_o deserve_v censure_v or_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o in_o undertake_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n take_v that_o upon_o they_o which_o they_o never_o can_v nor_o do_v manage_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n r._n 3d._n the_o nonconformist_n be_v much_o dissatisfy_v about_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o the_o officer_n that_o manage_v it_o the_o rule_n they_o say_v be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o it_o be_v the_o roman_a civil_a and_o canon_n law_n which_o at_o best_o be_v suit_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o people_n in_o many_o thing_n very_o defective_a and_o in_o other_o erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a there_o
concern_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n which_o they_o so_o express_o disavow_v both_o in_o their_o print_a book_n and_o in_o the_o manuscript_n of_o divers_a question_n decide_v by_o they_o the_o account_n whereof_o we_o owe_v to_o this_o learned_a man_n last_o irenic_n p._n 2._o and_o last_o all_o this_o therefore_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o reformer_n be_v but_o a_o flourish_n but_o now_o sect._n 3_o we_o have_v three_o reason_n give_v why_o our_o reformer_n leave_v such_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o he_o say_v it_o be_v out_o of_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n they_o be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n long_o before_o popery_n and_o yet_o three_o of_o the_o chief_a man_n peter_z martyr_n martin_n bucer_n paulus_n fagius_n who_o be_v send_v from_o beyond_o sea_n to_o assist_v in_o the_o reformation_n promote_v no_o such_o continuance_n of_o these_o venerable_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n abroad_o where_o they_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o before_o to_o help_v to_o reform_v and_o how_o ancient_n be_v these_o ceremony_n why_o the_o surplice_n he_o say_v be_v use_v in_o augustine_n and_o hieroms_n time_n that_o be_v 400_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o superstition_n come_v in_o apace_o image_n in_o church_n and_o pray_v for_o and_o to_o the_o dead_a and_o such_o like_a and_o ceremony_n be_v so_o many_o that_o augustine_n complain_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n in_o that_o regard_n be_v worse_o then_o that_o of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n the_o sacrament_n he_o say_v be_v receive_v about_o constantine_n time_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n that_o be_v standing_z sc._n from_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n to_o whitsuntide_n as_o all_o other_o public_a worship_n be_v then_o perform_v in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n but_o do_v they_o kneel_v the_o dr._n will_v not_o say_v so_o nor_o can_v he_o produce_v any_o evidence_n that_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n be_v common_o use_v till_o divers_a hundred_o year_n after_o popery_n have_v defile_v the_o western_a church_n the_o cross_n he_o say_v be_v much_o ancient_a and_o use_v with_o much_o superstition_n even_o in_o tertullian_n be_v time_n but_o the_o dr._n say_v not_o it_o be_v use_v in_o baptism_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v only_o to_o our_o case_n when_o he_o plead_v that_o we_o need_v not_o reform_v beyond_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n viz_o those_o soon_o after_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v it_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o papist_n to_o to_o reject_v the_o custom_n of_o those_o time_n upon_o pretence_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v work_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v where_o we_o shall_v stop_v and_o what_o church_n shall_v we_o take_v for_o our_o pattern_n do_v all_o do_v any_o of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n use_v our_o ceremony_n in_o their_o public_a church_n service_n or_o if_o they_o do_v be_v not_o other_o also_o use_v in_o many_o church_n now_o general_o disallow_v by_o papist_n and_o protestant_n as_o give_v the_o communion_n to_o infant_n send_v the_o eulogy_n or_o consecrate_a bread_n to_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a mr._n mead_n no_o nonconformist_a have_v prove_v that_o saint_n and_o image_n worship_n in_o remote_a and_o small_a degree_n begin_v very_o early_o in_o the_o church_n among_o which_o he_o reckon_v the_o most_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o tertullian_n time_n with_o which_o they_o use_v to_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o evil_a accident_n there_o be_v never_o more_o heresy_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n time_n apost_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n yea_o before_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a there_o have_v be_v no_o error_n or_o corruption_n since_o but_o the_o like_a be_v then_o and_o must_v we_o not_o go_v beyond_o or_o pass_v by_o all_o these_o time_n and_o appeal_v only_o to_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a rule_n for_o constiture_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v the_o judge_n or_o king_n of_o judah_n that_o reform_v their_o church_n before_o the_o captivity_n or_o zerubbabel_n and_o nehemiah_n after_o it_o ever_o make_v former_a time_n their_o precedent_n do_v they_o not_o always_o appeal_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o time_n next_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n from_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o live_v so_o near_o they_o this_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o popish_a tradition_n and_o overthrow_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o present_a church_n in_o every_o age_n have_v not_o as_o much_o power_n of_o self-government_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v or_o to_o appoint_v and_o alter_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o ceremony_n we_o shall_v contradict_v our_o 20_o artic._n and_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o unsupportable_a slavery_n to_o all_o the_o cannon_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o former_a time_n and_o so_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n will_v need_v a_o talmud_n beside_o their_o bible_n it_o be_v probable_a our_o first_o reformer_n see_v they_o must_v retain_v some_o ceremony_n retain_v those_o they_o think_v most_o ancient_a and_o least_o offensive_a and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v retain_v and_o not_o lay_v aside_o 2._o the_o dr._n say_v these_o ceremony_n be_v retain_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o popish_a bishop_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o learned_a man_n lest_o they_o shall_v reproach_v the_o reformer_n with_o innovation_n against_o the_o primitive_a as_o well_o as_o the_o popish_a church_n answ_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a and_o chief_a reason_n why_o our_o reformation_n be_v no_o more_o complete_a because_o the_o popish_a bishop_n that_o be_v join_v with_o the_o reformer_n hinder_v they_o and_o the_o popish_a people_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o through_o reformation_n mr._n john_n elliot_n a_o worthy_a gentleman_n in_o the_o parliament_n ann._n 3._o car._n 1._o say_v that_o he_o have_v see_v in_o a_o diary_n write_v with_o k._n edw._n 6_o own_o hand_n 661._o rushw_o colec_n part_n 1._o pag._n 661._o these_o word_n that_o the_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n some_o for_o ignorance_n some_o for_o sloth_n some_o for_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o some_o for_o popery_n be_v unfit_a for_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v that_o some_o of_o the_o good_a bishop_n bishop_n ridley_n in_o particular_a be_v but_o late_o convert_v from_o popery_n have_v yet_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o old_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n those_o that_o can_v be_v retain_v without_o manifest_a superstition_n and_o so_o much_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o service_n book_n before_o cite_v now_o what_o obligation_n be_v this_o upon_o we_o not_o to_o endeavour_v a_o further_a reformation_n 3._o he_o say_v they_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o lutheran_n church_n who_o retain_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n answ_n they_o may_v consider_v that_o see_v they_o must_v retain_v some_o of_o the_o old_a custom_n it_o will_v be_v more_o excusable_a to_o retain_v these_o because_o some_o other_o protestant_a church_n do_v retain_v they_o but_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o imitation_n of_o those_o church_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v see_v till_o now_o our_o church_n be_v always_o charge_v to_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o calvin_n and_o influence_v by_o he_o and_o beza_n both_o in_o k._n edw._n and_o queen_n eliz._n time_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o the_o lutheran_n themselves_o retain_v so_o much_o many_o popish_a ceremony_n but_o because_o luther_n be_v almost_o whole_o intent_n upon_o reform_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n neglect_a matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n which_o his_o follower_n interpret_v his_o judgement_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o any_o good_a design_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beyond_o the_o first_o effort_n when_o man_n first_o affection_n and_o zeal_n be_v cool_v and_o the_o world_n with_o carnal_a self_n do_v afterward_o entangle_v their_o mind_n it_o be_v strange_a overlash_n when_o the_o dr._n say_v that_o our_o first_o reformer_n die_v martyr_n for_o our_o church_n they_o die_v indeed_o for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o church_n and_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o idolatrv_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o particular_o that_o idol_n of_o the_o mass_n but_o the_o disputable_a thing_n of_o our_o lyturgy_n as_o to_o government_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v never_o in_o question_n then_o nor_o do_v
meet_v within_o the_o city_n the_o people_n assist_v in_o carry_v the_o material_n and_o set_v up_o the_o church_n in_o the_o suburb_n yea_o say_v socrates_n the_o people_n will_v have_v be_v admit_v into_o their_o communion_n if_o the_o novatian_o have_v be_v willing_a and_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o history_n the_o novatian_o never_o cease_v till_o the_o clamour_n against_o they_o as_o dangerous_a and_o intolerable_a person_n be_v at_o end_n and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o they_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n whether_o national_a diocesan_n or_o parochial_a be_v of_o the_o same_o constitution_n with_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o that_o live_v within_o their_o precinct_n or_o at_o least_o all_o that_o once_o have_v be_v member_n be_v indispensable_o bind_v to_o continue_v so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o but_o when_o it_o be_v original_o as_o free_a for_o every_o christian_n to_o choose_v his_o church_n as_o to_o choose_v the_o place_n of_o his_o abode_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o convenience_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o next_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o neighbourhood_n oblige_v he_o to_o join_v with_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n it_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n though_o it_o be_v blame-worthy_a for_o he_o to_o withdraw_v without_o just_a reason_n 3._o say_v that_o all_o separation_n be_v as_o great_a a_o sin_n as_o our_o author_n will_v insinuate_v what_o mean_n do_v he_o prescribe_v to_o prevent_v it_o why_o he_o say_v all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o submit_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a to_o preserve_v the_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n true_a all_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o lawful_a but_o not_o to_o all_o that_o the_o imposer_n say_v be_v lawful_a if_o man_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o what_o be_v lawful_a absolute_o and_o what_o not_o and_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o in_o their_o circumstance_n will_v not_o this_o open_a a_o door_n for_o separation_n as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n his_o opposite_n have_v say_v he_o blame_v they_o for_o allow_v people_n to_o separate_v upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o minister_n insufficiency_n or_o scandal_n or_o interruption_n on_o they_o againist_n their_o will_n for_o doubtful_a ceremony_n for_o mode_n of_o worship_n for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v which_o be_v his_o most_o plausible_a argument_n that_o some_o of_o these_o the_o papist_n may_v have_v retort_v upon_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o all_o such_o pretence_n will_v justify_v the_o ancient_a schism_n and_o make_v way_n to_o endless_a separation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o he_o wrong_v these_o author_n which_o be_v a_o common_a shift_n almost_o to_o all_o that_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n when_o he_o intimate_v that_o they_o allow_v separation_n upon_o any_o pretence_n of_o such_o cause_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o pretend_v and_o real_o prove_v the_o gross_a insufficiency_n error_n or_o scandal_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o gross_a usurpation_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o liberty_n do_v any_o prudent_a man_n allow_v separation_n without_o good_a cause_n full_a proof_n all_o endeavour_n of_o amendment_n patient_a wait_a and_o mature_a advice_n and_o consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n what_o then_o be_v there_o no_o prevent_v endless_a separation_n but_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o approve_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o their_o ruler_n please_v as_o the_o papist_n teach_v yes_o the_o dr_n final_a determination_n be_v page_n 208._o a_o prudent_a and_o due_a submission_n in_o lawful_a thing_n be_v a_o medium_n betwixt_o tyranny_n over_o man_n conscience_n and_o endless_a separation_n what_o be_v here_o more_o than_o any_o brownist_n will_v grant_v that_o understand_v himself_o viz._n that_o as_o ruler_n must_v not_o tyrannize_v over_o man_n conscience_n so_o the_o people_n must_v not_o be_v give_v to_o endless_a separation_n and_o that_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v both_o be_v that_o the_o ruler_n rule_v with_o due_a and_o prudent_a discipline_n and_o that_o the_o people_n yield_v prudent_a and_o due_a submission_n and_o that_o this_o government_n and_o submission_n be_v exercise_v only_o in_o lawful_a thing_n but_o still_o must_v not_o the_o people_n in_o submit_v as_o well_o as_o the_o governor_n in_o rule_v judge_v whether_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o not_o whether_o submission_n be_v due_a and_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o be_v prudent_a to_o yield_v or_o to_o deny_v it_o if_o the_o people_n must_v not_o judge_v than_o you_o establish_v a_o tyranny_n over_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o must_v approve_v what_o ever_o their_o ruler_n command_v or_o hobbisme_n that_o they_o must_v do_v what_o ever_o their_o ruler_n command_v though_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o inconvenient_a if_o the_o people_n must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v they_o than_o they_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o minister_n the_o legallity_n of_o his_o call_n and_o the_o like_a but_o how_o then_o have_v the_o dr._n put_v a_o stop_n to_o separation_n more_o than_o they_o may_v not_o man_n pretend_v thing_n require_v to_o be_v unlawful_a submission_n not_o to_o be_v due_a nor_o prudent_a and_o so_o without_o end_n their_o argument_n therefore_o be_v but_o sophism_n like_o those_o that_o plead_v against_o all_o certainty_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n because_o many_o man_n be_v certain_a i._n e._n confident_a when_o they_o be_v mistake_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a he_o see_v hear_v or_o feel_v because_o he_o have_v many_o time_n think_v he_o do_v so_o in_o his_o dream_n when_o it_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o prove_v that_o man_n be_v awake_a and_o use_v their_o sense_n so_o there_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o way_n to_o prove_v by_o plain_a scripture_n when_o minister_n be_v insufficient_a when_o imposition_n be_v unlawful_a when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o withstand_v usurpation_n on_o the_o church_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n what_o ever_o sophister_n will_v cavil_v against_o it_o and_o if_o man_n will_v pretend_v cause_n of_o separation_n when_o there_o be_v none_o or_o manifest_o insufficient_a or_o but_o dubious_a they_o may_v be_v convict_v and_o if_o they_o separate_v bear_v their_o blame_n but_o whilst_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o mistake_v to_o passion_n and_o partiality_n which_o will_v be_v till_o our_o lord_n come_v what_o shall_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o separation_n but_o necessary_a moderation_n in_o ruler_n in_o impose_v one_o reverence_n in_o the_o people_n in_o submit_v and_o meekness_n towards_o those_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o care_n weak_o or_o peevish_o may_v dissent_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a this_o learned_a man_n have_v not_o show_v we_o nor_o the_o experience_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o popish_a cruelty_n can_v not_o prevent_v separation_n episcopal_a authority_n can_v not_o prevent_v they_o the_o donatist_n and_o novatian_n have_v their_o bishop_n impose_v uniformity_n in_o ceremony_n can_v not_o the_o first_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n rise_v about_o the_o keep_n of_o easter-day_n if_o people_n offend_v against_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o good_a government_n and_o order_n let_v they_o be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o offence_n but_o not_o for_o thing_n doubtful_a in_o scripture_n or_o burdensome_a in_o government_n if_o man_n offend_v in_o lesser_a matter_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v let_v they_o be_v bear_v with_o till_o inconvenience_n be_v see_v to_o arise_v from_o such_o clemency_n and_o then_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o retract_v or_o retrench_v it_o if_o this_o be_v not_o daily_o do_v in_o nation_n and_o family_n no_o civil_a society_n can_v stand_v how_o then_o shall_v the_o contrary_a severity_n establish_v the_o church_n obj_fw-la the_o dr._n object_n the_o reformer_n teach_v that_o where_o there_o be_v soundness_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o lesser_a defect_n real_a or_o apparent_a and_o that_o they_o insist_v on_o the_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n as_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o their_o separation_n from_o rome_n answ_n 1._o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a thing_n in_o a_o church_n for_o if_o god_n be_v true_o worship_v and_o his_o knowledge_n be_v true_o teach_v man_n life_n will_v be_v better_v and_o their_o soul_n save_v by_o it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o
be_v the_o divine_o inspire_a law_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v but_o see_v interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v their_o work_n and_o every_o ordinance_n do_v imply_v this_o more_o or_o less_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v general_o and_o strict_o to_o certain_a form_n of_o word_n wherein_o to_o express_v themselves_o unless_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o if_o all_o that_o minister_n be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o people_n be_v prescribe_v they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o all_o as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o liturgy_n do_v prescribe_v to_o they_o than_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v a_o call_n as_o other_o be_v that_o man_n may_v in_o a_o common_a way_n take_v up_o to_o read_v all_o divine_a service_n but_o certain_o there_o will_v need_v no_o solemn_a ordination_n or_o consecration_n to_o this_o office_n with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o call_v 2._o they_o object_n against_o our_o liturgy_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o word_n also_o be_v general_o take_v out_o of_o the_o service_n book_n of_o rome_n viz_o the_o mass-book_n &_o ceremoniale_a &_o pontificale_fw-la romanum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o form_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o the_o service_n be_v too_o much_o conform_v to_o yea_o little_a different_a from_o the_o popish_a mass_n or_o service_n now_o they_o say_v god_n in_o the_o law_n refuse_v to_o be_v serve_v with_o any_o of_o the_o form_n modes_n ceremony_n custom_n vessel_n or_o utensil_n wherewith_o idol_n have_v be_v serve_v yea_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v some_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o which_o the_o idolatrous_a thought_n found_v upon_o reason_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o vessel_n be_v of_o material_n of_o his_o own_o make_n it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v scripture_n and_o from_o scripture_n must_v be_v use_v though_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o papist_n whatsoever_o be_v founded-upon_a divine_a institution_n come_v from_o the_o word_n not_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o to_o keep_v to_o their_o word_n order_n method_n etc._n etc._n seem_v too_o great_a respect_n to_o that_o church_n and_o that_o service_n they_o know_v very_o well_o there_o be_v no_o legal_a pollution_n upon_o the_o word_n or_o ceremony_n because_o they_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o idol_n utensil_n under_o the_o law_n wherefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o man_n private_a use_n but_o must_v be_v destroy_v but_o to_o translate_v their_o service_n into_o our_o church_n in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n of_o compose_v form_n and_o method_n for_o ourselves_o as_o any_o other_o have_v this_o seem_v too_o great_a a_o respect_n to_o that_o idolatrous_a church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v too_o easy_a a_o pass_n by_o all_o the_o pollution_n and_o tyranny_n with_o which_o they_o have_v defile_v and_o torment_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n too_o great_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o she_o as_o a_o worthy_a or_o eminent_a church_n from_o who_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o pattern_n of_o our_o worship_n all_o which_o be_v certain_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o symbolise_n with_o rome_n in_o our_o worship_n we_o harden_v the_o papist_n as_o if_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o but_o in_o circumstantial_a thing_n we_o keep_v in_o mind_n there_o way_n and_o worship_n and_o so_o continual_o expose_v the_o people_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o return_v to_o popery_n and_o also_o reflect_v upon_o the_o reform_a church_n choose_v rome_n for_o our_o pattern_n keep_v so_o near_o to_o she_o whereas_o they_o have_v all_o utter_o cast_v she_o of_o and_o compose_v new_a form_n of_o worship_n for_o themselves_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o other_o reason_n give_v why_o england_n above_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v so_o much_o solicit_v to_o and_o in_o danger_n of_o relapse_v into_o popery_n from_o age_n to_o age_n but_o that_o her_o public_a service_n and_o church_n government_n be_v so_o much_o like_o to_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o the_o papist_n think_v they_o may_v easy_o persuade_v we_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o rest_n see_v we_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o retain_v so_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n 3._o they_o think_v our_o liturgy_n very_o defective_a in_o the_o public_a prayer_n partly_o in_o that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n mention_v in_o they_o and_o those_o very_o general_o either_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o sinsor_n petition_n for_o mercy_n especial_o spiritual_a and_o the_o litany_n which_o be_v something_o more_o large_a and_o particular_a yet_o come_v not_o near_o the_o secret_a want_n of_o man_n soul_n mention_v thing_n so_o brief_o and_o sudden_o pass_v over_o to_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n for_o man_n thought_n to_o reflect_v on_o they_o or_o their_o heart_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o which_o be_v one_o special_a end_n of_o prayer_n and_o partly_o because_o of_o the_o abrupt_a break_v off_o and_o divide_v one_o petition_n from_o another_o into_o several_a prayer_n most_o of_o the_o collect_v contain_v but_o one_o single_a petition_n or_o two_o at_o most_o this_o break_v off_o intention_n and_o affection_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o order_n among_o the_o prayer_n or_o coherence_n of_o petition_n and_o some_o petition_n be_v repeat_v often_o in_o the_o same_o service_n yea_o some_o whole_a prayer_n especial_o when_o the_o litany_n be_v read_v there_o be_v a_o very_a needless_a repetition_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o prayer_n for_o if_o that_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o necessary_a thing_n what_o need_v other_o prayer_n be_v use_v at_o that_o time_n these_o defect_n viz_o confusedness_n incoherence_n tautology_n in_o word_n or_o sense_n go_v backward_o and_o forward_o etc._n etc._n be_v object_v as_o intolerable_a in_o the_o prayer_n of_o particular_a minister_n who_o yet_o may_v outgrow_a such_o weakness_n and_o pray_v with_o better_a method_n and_o to_o better_a edification_n they_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v excuse_v in_o the_o church_n liturgy_n where_o no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o correct_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n and_o ruler_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o yield_v to_o amendment_n for_o fear_v of_o confess_v something_o to_o have_v be_v amiss_o before_o 4._o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o response_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v audible_o speak_v after_o the_o minister_n or_o alternate_o with_o he_o this_o lessen_v the_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o the_o service_n hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o thought_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o worship_n more_o like_o a_o dramatic_a action_n wherein_o every_o one_o act_n their_o part_n and_o must_v wait_v for_o their_o q._n or_o time_n of_o speak_v and_o silence_n rather_o then_o like_o the_o solemn_a service_n of_o god_n 5._o they_o dislike_v the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o in_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n be_v twice_o use_v and_o once_o for_o every_o office_n that_o be_v add_v to_o they_o as_o when_o the_o litany_n be_v read_v or_o the_o communion_n service_n or_o a_o woman_n church_v or_o a_o child_n baptise_a or_o a_o marriage_n solemnize_v or_o a_o person_n bury_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o rehearse_v the_o lord_n prayer_n five_o or_o six_o time_n before_o the_o liturgy_n service_n be_v finish_v and_o yet_o the_o minister_n must_v use_v it_o in_o the_o pulpit_n after_o all_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v any_o reason_n or_o excuse_v to_o be_v give_v for_o this_o custom_n but_o a_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o that_o form_n of_o word_n almost_o turn_v they_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o charm_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v use_v too_o often_o and_o the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o make_v all_o other_o service_n the_o more_o acceptable_a 6._o the_o corrupt_a translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o the_o liturgy_n that_o there_o may_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v impersection_n in_o and_o doubt_n about_o translation_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o man_n knowledge_n be_v imperperfect_a and_o their_o judgement_n diverse_a be_v grant_v by_o all_o but_o the_o translation_n in_o the_o liturgy_n in_o the_o psalm_n epistle_n and_o gospel_n be_v gross_o corrupt_a some_o contrary_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o in_o some_o place_n whole_a verse_n omit_v and_o the_o title_n of_o all_o psalm_n be_v leave_v out_o which_o in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o very_o necessary_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o therefore_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o read_v these_o translation_n only_o in_o the_o church_n service_n even_o when_o we_o have_v
that_o our_o nearness_n to_o rome_n will_v endanger_v our_o return_v to_o she_o again_o and_o see_v conformity_n itself_o to_o law_n and_o canon_n will_v signify_v little_a unless_o a_o man_n will_v go_v beyond_o both_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o promote_v the_o new_a design_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n till_o the_o long_a parliament_n stop_v the_o stream_n upon_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v observe_v the_o case_n betwixt_o our_o former_a nonconformist_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n as_o betwixt_o the_o brethren_n of_o bohemiah_n and_o the_o calixtine_n the_o calvinist_n and_o lutheran_n in_o germany_n the_o bohemian_a calextine_n if_o the_o pope_n will_v grant_v they_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o three_o or_o four_o more_o reformation_n of_o abuse_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o think_v it_o reformation_n enough_o and_o that_o they_o need_v go_v no_o far_o and_o they_o will_v compel_v the_o brethren_n who_o be_v for_o a_o total_a desertion_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o practice_v with_o they_o and_o that_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n the_o lutheran_n in_o germany_n have_v only_o reform_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n tyranny_n and_o some_o other_o corruption_n of_o rome_n yet_o retain_v adoration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n kneel_v to_o it_o surplice_n image_n holy_a day_n and_o can_v not_o be_v content_a to_o do_v this_o themselves_o unless_o they_o can_v persuade_v and_o enforce_v all_o protestant_n to_o do_v so_o likewise_o hence_o they_o will_v not_o own_o the_o calvinist_n as_o brethren_n nor_o hold_v any_o communion_n with_o they_o nor_o recee_v from_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v take_v up_o but_o rather_o proceed_v to_o take_v in_o more_o of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n as_o those_o we_o call_v arminianism_n and_o have_v often_o treat_v serious_o some_o of_o they_o about_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o papist_n but_o always_o frustrate_v yea_o detest_v any_o endeavour_n of_o it_o with_o the_o calvinist_n thus_o the_o conformist_n of_o england_n have_v contend_v so_o much_o for_o their_o liturgy_n and_o service_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o will_v compel_v all_o to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o same_o moddle_n with_o themselves_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o be_v minister_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o will_v desire_v any_o further_a reformation_n and_o at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o pitch_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o take_v in_o more_o of_o rome_n yea_o reconcile_v with_o she_o upon_o some_o term_n than_o abate_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o brethren_n nor_o be_v these_o the_o action_n of_o a_o few_o particular_a man_n but_o of_o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n general_o age_n after_o age_n the_o worst_a of_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v never_o condemn_v by_o the_o church_n but_o make_v the_o way_n to_o the_o high_a preferment_n so_o that_o the_o moderation_n of_o a_o few_o among_o they_o will_v no_o more_o excuse_v the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o a_o few_o sober_a papist_n may_v excuse_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n chap._n iu._n the_o nonconformist_n instify_v in_o their_o principle_n by_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n the_o nonconformist_n as_o they_o give_v the_o forename_a reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o approve_v of_o or_o subscribe_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o they_o suppose_v that_o this_o their_o dissent_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o mere_a scruple_n and_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n though_o their_o opposite_n love_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o such_o cause_n but_o they_o allege_v for_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n both_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o the_o late_a reform_a church_n 1._o from_o the_o scripture_n they_o plead_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o command_n example_n nor_o shadow_n of_o any_o liturgy_n i._n e._n prescript_n form_n of_o word_n wherein_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v administer_v either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n under_o the_o law_n the_o external_o and_o circumstance_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v much_o more_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v than_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o place_n the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n time_n morning_n and_o evening_n yet_o be_v it_o never_o command_v that_o all_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n in_o prayer_n when_o and_o where_o ever_o they_o meet_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o form_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n when_o the_o assembly_n be_v to_o be_v dismiss_v but_o that_o consist_v in_o but_o a_o few_o word_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o use_v always_o those_o very_a word_n or_o that_o it_o be_v so_o intend_v in_o the_o command_n num._n 6.22_o to_o the_o end_n the_o same_o word_n be_v often_o use_v in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o sense_n or_o to_o that_o purpose_n not_o the_o same_o syllable_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o author_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v wherein_o man_n shall_v confess_v their_o sin_n over_o the_o sacrifice_n or_o wherein_o circumcision_n or_o the_o passover_n shall_v be_v administer_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v david_n solomon_n jehosaphat_n hazekiah_n ezra_n the_o levite_n in_o nehemiah_n time_n and_o other_o pray_v pro_fw-la re_fw-mi nata_fw-la according_a to_o the_o occasion_n as_o their_o own_o heart_n direct_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v as_o god_n do_v not_o command_v so_o neither_o do_v the_o jewish_a church_n make_v and_o enjoin_v any_o state_v liturgy_n unless_o any_o shall_v unhappy_o take_v the_o superstitious_a and_o ridiculous_a liturgy_n of_o the_o present_a jew_n to_o have_v be_v use_v among_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n who_o due_o keep_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o break_v no_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n also_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v frequent_v the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o synagogue_n but_o of_o any_o platform_n of_o prayer_n or_o service_n other_o than_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n we_o find_v no_o memorial_n now_o if_o the_o jewish_a priesthood_n be_v able_a to_o discharge_v their_o office_n without_o prescript_n form_n of_o word_n and_o that_o people_n may_v be_v safe_o commit_v to_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o each_o man_n own_o gift_n how_o much_o better_a may_v it_o be_v do_v and_o such_o liberty_n grant_v both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n under_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v give_v much_o more_o abundant_o nor_o be_v there_o more_o evidence_n of_o any_o liturgy_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o their_o be_v in_o the_o old_a either_o prescribe_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o use_v by_o they_o or_o command_v to_o future_a church_n nor_o any_o rule_n lay_v down_o whereupon_o church_n may_v ground_v their_o practice_n of_o frame_v and_o impose_v such_o liturgy_n but_o we_o read_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n eph._n 4.16_o etc._n etc._n viz._n apostles_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n in_o jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o from_o whence_o it_o seem_v plain_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o appoint_v a_o stand_a ministry_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o edify_v the_o people_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o out_o require_v or_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v liturgy_n whereby_o to_o fetter_v themselves_o or_o other_o moreover_o the_o scripture_n give_v neither_o command_n example_n nor_o countenance_n to_o the_o people_n answer_v in_o public_a worship_n more_o than_o amen_o only_a at_o the_o close_a of_o public_a prayer_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o singer_n in_o the_o temple_n stand_v ward_n against_o ward_n do_v sing_v alternate_o i._n e._n one_o rank_n one_o sentence_n and_o another_o rank_n another_o as_o they_o do_v in_o our_o cathedral_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v a_o order_n
they_o bear_v any_o testimony_n to_o they_o but_o some_o of_o those_o martyr_n refuse_v conformity_n to_o they_o themselves_o as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o those_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a occasion_n of_o retain_v that_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o those_o ceremony_n and_o to_o plea_n who_o the_o better_a man_n consent_v to_o they_o turn_v papist_n again_o as_o gardener_n and_o tunstall_n by_o name_n and_o be_v the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o rest_n chap._n ii_o the_o second_o argument_n from_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n consider_v their_o principle_n and_o practise_v the_o same_o with_o we_o so_o far_o as_o their_o circumstance_n do_v bear_v the_o difference_n of_o circumstance_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o the_o dr_n second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n and_o large_o prosecute_v from_o §_o 6_o unto_o 17_o show_v that_o they_o condemn_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o like_a of_o gather_v separate_a congregation_n write_v earnest_o against_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o brownist_n and_o when_o silence_v themselves_o plead_v for_o quiet_a submission_n hope_v that_o other_o may_v teach_v the_o people_n better_o than_o themselves_o '_o ans_fw-fr a_o argument_n from_o authority_n and_o example_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o practice_n as_o this_o be_v be_v of_o great_a force_n though_o not_o to_o convince_v yet_o to_o induce_v man_n mind_n to_o further_a consideration_n of_o what_o they_o do_v especial_o when_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n before_o as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v but_o the_o dr._n have_v not_o give_v any_o direct_a argument_n either_o in_o his_o sermon_n or_o this_o book_n to_o prove_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o nonconformist_n unlawful_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o from_o which_o i_o will_v not_o wander_v the_o judgement_n of_o former_a man_n be_v of_o much_o less_o weight_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v instead_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o force_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n or_o calumny_n that_o may_v be_v create_v by_o it_o though_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n for_o what_o if_o the_o former_a nonconformist_n thought_n it_o unlawful_a to_o preach_v when_o silence_v by_o law_n which_o yet_o by_o the_o way_n they_o general_o be_v not_o but_o by_o the_o new_a imposition_n of_o archbishop_n whitgift_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o k._n james_n which_o be_v not_o law_n be_v it_o therefore_o certain_o so_o indeed_o what_o if_o they_o think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o in_o their_o circumstance_n be_v it_o therefore_o unlawful_a for_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o will_v have_v think_v it_o so_o have_v they_o live_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o generation_n vary_v thing_n and_o make_v many_o action_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a expedient_a or_o not_o expedient_a prudent_a or_o imprudent_a and_o of_o this_o none_o but_o the_o person_n live_v and_o concern_v in_o they_o be_v competent_a judge_n spectator_n can_v see_v but_o the_o outside_n of_o thing_n ancestor_n know_v nothing_o of_o they_o only_o they_o who_o business_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v able_a thorough_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v but_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n direct_v all_o their_o zeal_n against_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o brownist_n and_o what_o hence_o can_v be_v infer_v against_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n preach_v the_o reader_n must_v judge_v for_o the_o further_a clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o general_a and_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o old_a nonconformist_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n what_o be_v their_o practice_n and_o what_o be_v peculiar_a in_o the_o present_a case_n beyond_o they_o 1._o for_o their_o principle_n 1._o the_o old_a nonconformist_n general_o hold_v the_o national_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n under_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o general_a head_n and_o spiritual_a officer_n of_o it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a yea_o antichristian_a injurious_a to_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o parish_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n be_v unquestionable_a supremacy_n the_o dr._n confess_v this_o of_o those_o that_o present_v the_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n 1570_o 7._o part_n 1_o sect._n 7._o viz_o that_o they_o condemn_v the_o government_n of_o bishop_n as_o antichristian_a and_o that_o they_o dislike_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o ordain_v by_o and_o derive_v from_o the_o bishop_n now_o this_o admonition_n be_v write_v by_o mr._n cartwright_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o most_o nonconformist_n than_o live_a doctor_n fuller_n say_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n 16._o church_n hist_o cent._n 16._o have_v a_o kind_n of_o synod_n meet_v in_o coventry_n ann._n 588_o agree_v upon_o divers_a thing_n as_o canon_n some_o whereof_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v no_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n but_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o the_o bishop_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n but_o officer_n distinct_a from_o they_o both_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o christ_n nor_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o such_o in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o receive_v ordination_n from_o they_o because_o they_o ordain_v not_o as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o bishop_n i._n e._n by_o a_o power_n not_o derive_v from_o christ_n this_o and_o much_o more_o he_o take_v from_o bishop_n bancroft_n dr._n ames_n the_o suppose_a author_n of_o the_o english_a puritanism_n deliver_v this_o 6._o dang_n posit_a book_n 3._o cap._n 6._o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o puritan_n in_o those_o day_n they_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v not_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o word_n any_o ordinary_a national_a provincial_a or_o diocesan_n pastor_n 2._o eng._n purit_fw-la chap._n 3._o pag._n 2._o or_o minister_n under_o which_o the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a as_o inferior_a officer_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v have_v set_v they_o down_o more_v istinct_o and_o precise_o then_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o high_a place_n that_o one_o occupies_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o more_o necessity_n he_o be_v to_o the_o church_n the_o more_o careful_o will_v christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o point_v he_o out_o and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o thing_n dr._n ames_n lay_v down_o and_o prove_v as_o his_o own_o judgement_n there_o be_v a_o treatise_n write_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n direct_v to_o king_n jame_n 35._o medul_a theol._n cap._n 32._o de_fw-fr eccl._n instit_fw-la item_n 35._o call_v a_o protestation_n of_o the_o king_n supremacy_n wherein_o they_o say_v pos_fw-la 27._o we_o hold_v that_o these_o ecclesiastical_a person_n that_o make_v claim_v to_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n than_o this_o i._n e._n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o in_o the_o former_a position_n especial_o they_o that_o make_v claim_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o meddle_v with_o other_o church_n than_o that_o one_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n do_v usurp_v upon_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o alone_o have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v as_o we_o hold_v and_o maintain_v a_o power_n over_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o his_o dominion_n and_o who_o alone_o ought_v by_o his_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o prescribe_v common_a law_n and_o canon_n of_o uniformity_n and_o consent_n in_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o all_o but_o also_o to_o punish_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n that_o they_o shall_v commit_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o policy_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n enact_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o pos_fw-la 28._o we_o hold_v that_o the_o king_n ought_v not_o to_o give_v this_o authority_n away_o or_o to_o commit_v it_o to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o aught_o himself_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v archbishop_n and_o general_a oversear_a of_o all_o the_o church_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o aught_o to_o employ_v under_o he_o his_o honourable_a council_n his_o judge_n lieutenant_n etc._n etc._n and_o pos_n 32._o they_o crave_v that_o the_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v
dissent_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n before_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v the_o forego_n rule_n concern_v church_n their_o communion_n and_o separation_n to_o our_o particular_a case_n it_o be_v convenient_a to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o true_a character_n of_o nonconformist_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o nonconformity_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o sinful_a separation_n or_o not_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v first_o in_o general_n show_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n whereupon_o all_o that_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o nonconformist_n since_o k._n edw._n 6_o reformation_n have_v dissent_v from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_n and_o suffer_v of_o the_o first_o in_o this_o chapter_n when_o pious_a k._n edw._n 6_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o council_n and_o some_o bishop_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1549_o and_o 1550_o renounce_v popery_n and_o institute_v a_o new_a liturgy_n as_o a_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n administration_n of_o sacrament_n with_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o also_o of_o ordain_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n immediate_o many_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v travel_v in_o germany_n and_o switzerland_n among_o the_o first_o reform_v church_n be_v dissatisfy_v with_o this_o model_n of_o reformation_n as_o imperfect_a and_o short_a of_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v and_o most_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v attain_v to_o and_o also_o as_o symbolise_v too_o much_o with_o rome_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a prayer_n in_o ceremony_n and_o church_n government_n they_o glad_o embrace_v the_o good_a beginning_n of_o reformation_n and_o hearty_o join_v in_o the_o endeavour_n of_o cleanse_v god_n house_n but_o they_o be_v sorry_a the_o work_n stop_v almost_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o some_o out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o too_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o romish_a religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v breed_v do_v strive_v to_o recede_v from_o it_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v with_o who_o other_o join_v some_o for_o fear_n of_o tumult_n think_v they_o have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o the_o people_n at_o that_o time_n will_v bear_v other_o for_o reason_n of_o state_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v the_o public_a order_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o some_o as_o it_o fare_v in_o all_o case_n be_v popish_a in_o heart_n yet_o seem_o join_v with_o the_o reformer_n in_o frame_v their_o liturgy_n only_o that_o they_o may_v undermine_v and_o hinder_v they_o in_o make_v a_o through_o reformation_n the_o number_n of_o these_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o the_o present_a establishment_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o protestant_n multiply_v so_o that_o in_o q._n mary_n reign_n but_o seven_o year_n after_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o these_o at_o frankford_n only_o enough_o to_o make_v up_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o have_v minister_n of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o keep_v public_a assembly_n in_o a_o church_n allow_v they_o by_o the_o magistrate_n who_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v now_o at_o their_o own_o liberty_n lay_v aside_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o compose_v a_o new_a short_a one_o for_o themselves_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o q._n elizabeth_n the_o dissenter_n increase_v and_o be_v call_v nonconformist_n and_o puritan_n and_o now_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n begin_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o to_o remove_v some_o of_o they_o from_o their_o preferment_n and_o employment_n and_o to_o encense_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n against_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o increase_v in_o number_n and_o reverence_n with_o the_o people_n the_o divinity-professour_n of_o both_o university_n and_o many_o other_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o learning_n be_v then_o reckon_v puritan_n and_o some_o suffer_v as_o such_o king_n james_n show_v himself_o more_o displease_v with_o they_o and_o resolve_v to_o have_v root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o his_o time_n 750_o minister_n subscribe_v a_o petition_n to_o he_o for_o reformation_n of_o thing_n yet_o amiss_o in_o the_o church_n in_o his_o son_n reign_v the_o papist_n who_o be_v now_o get_v to_o court_n and_o have_v both_o favour_n and_o power_n join_v their_o interest_n with_o the_o bishop_n to_o root_n out_o these_o nonconformist_n as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o they_o see_v they_o dislike_v the_o bishop_n and_o their_o liturgy_n for_o come_v so_o near_o to_o they_o and_o how_o many_o worthy_a minister_n and_o thousand_o of_o the_o best_a people_n be_v drive_v into_o foreign_a country_n and_o those_o that_o stay_v at_o home_n be_v severe_o treat_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 16_o year_n and_o yet_o like_o israel_n in_o egypt_n the_o more_o they_o be_v oppress_v the_o more_o they_o increase_v nor_o have_v their_o number_n be_v diminish_v or_o their_o cause_n disparage_v ever_o since_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v odium_fw-la upon_o the_o one_o and_o suppress_v the_o other_o dr_n fuller_n witty_o sum_v up_o this_o history_n thus_o nonconformity_n be_v conceive_v and_o breed_v in_o king_n edward_n s_o dayâ—_n it_o be_v bear_v at_o frankford_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o q._n mary_n under_o q._n elizabeth_n it_o be_v in_o its_o childhood_n in_o k._n james_n s_o time_n it_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o good_a tall_a stripling_n and_o under_o charles_n one_a it_o grow_v to_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o man_n as_o to_o unhorse_v its_o opposite_a prelacy_n and_o to_o get_v into_o the_o saddle_n thus_o he_o and_o i_o add_v that_o the_o turn_n on_o it_o of_o 2000_o nonconformist_n out_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o university_n in_o 1662._o be_v not_o argument_n that_o this_o man_n be_v past_o his_o full_a strength_n or_o decline_v to_o deerepid_a age_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_n of_o so_o many_o for_o serveral_a generation_n have_v be_v principal_o these_o rea._n 1._o the_o first_o take_v from_o their_o dissatisfaction_n with_o and_o objection_n against_o the_o liturgy_n they_o disallow_v not_o a_o liturgy_n or_o directory_n rather_o viz_o a_o prescribe_a order_n and_o rule_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o which_o all_o may_v agree_v and_o general_o conform_v to_o prevent_v confusion_n yea_o and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o episcopal_a brethren_n they_o can_v be_v content_a with_o a_o short_a liturgy_n prescribe_v the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o other_o public_a office_n provide_v nothing_o but_o a_o questionable_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n and_o necessary_a order_n may_v be_v thrust_v into_o it_o and_o minister_n especial_o after_o they_o come_v to_o some_o year_n and_o experience_n may_v be_v leave_v to_o use_v it_o at_o their_o discretion_n so_o that_o the_o liturgy_n may_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o concord_n a_o testimony_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o a_o guide_n to_o young_a man_n enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o not_o a_o snare_n to_o any_o much_o less_o to_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o ministry_n on_o purpose_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n with_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o liturgy_n of_o most_o reform_a church_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n only_o but_o against_o our_o liturgy_n they_o except_v 1._o that_o it_o oblige_v all_o minister_n without_o limitation_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n to_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n in_o all_o public_a worship_n whether_o it_o will_v suit_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o providence_n or_o not_o also_o that_o it_o be_v so_o large_a as_o that_o it_o do_v most_o prevent_v the_o use_n of_o minister_n own_o gift_n or_o make_v they_o seem_v but_o superfluous_a addition_n this_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n and_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o furnish_v by_o he_o with_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v to_o the_o world_n end_n administer_v all_o his_o ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n viva_fw-la voce_fw-la as_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v every_o man_n ability_n and_o particular_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o people_n he_o be_v to_o take_v charge_n of_o they_o be_v indeed_o by_o their_o office_n oblige_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n as_o