worship_n in_o the_o great_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o popery_n shall_v ever_o return_v upon_o we_o or_o be_v establish_v again_o in_o england_n while_o our_o common-prayer-book_n be_v keep_v unaltered_a for_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o our_o worship_n be_v point_n blank_a contrary_n to_o image-worship_n pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n propitiatory_a sacrifice_n doctrine_n of_o their_o sacrament_n transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o mortal_o hate_n both_o we_o and_o our_o religion_n and_o again_o those_o prayer_n in_o our_o liturgy_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n be_v many_o of_o they_o the_o collect_v and_o devotion_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o be_v in_o use_n before_o ever_o popery_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o popish_a superstition_n by_o our_o reformer_n be_v now_o lawful_o use_v by_o the_o 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all_o the_o festival_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n frequent_v and_o teach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n &_o in_o their_o synagogue_n give_v honour_n and_o reverence_n and_o pay_v tribute_n to_o their_o ruler_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o desert_n their_o communion_n till_o he_o be_v force_v to_o retire_v to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n so_o that_o he_o think_v it_o necessary_a and_o so_o do_v those_o other_o votary_n to_o join_v in_o god_n public_a worship_n notwithstanding_o those_o great_a error_n and_o defect_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n be_v not_o chargeable_a upon_o us._n but_o 3._o there_o be_v many_o error_n and_o defect_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o then_o slourish_a church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o encourage_v a_o schism_n in_o and_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n that_o he_o threaten_v those_o person_n with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n who_o be_v the_o instrument_n in_o foment_v and_o promote_a those_o animosity_n and_o division_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o instance_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o warrant_v our_o departure_n from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n in_o her_o principle_n however_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a in_o the_o polity_n and_o circumstantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n we_o may_v hereunto_o add_v 4._o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o reform_a divine_n beyond_o sea_n who_o have_v unanimous_o declare_v their_o dislike_n of_o a_o separation_n from_o our_o communion_n as_o calvin_n bullinger_n bucer_n and_o many_o other_o and_o though_o they_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o hold_v communion_n and_o correspondence_n with_o our_o church_n &_o churchman_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o their_o several_a letter_n to_o our_o reformer_n and_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a if_o their_o circumstance_n will_v have_v allow_v our_o form_n of_o church_n polity_n and_o deserve_o prefer_v it_o to_o any_o church_n government_n in_o the_o world._n but_o to_o argue_v yet_o more_o close_o 5._o if_o any_o will_v refuse_v our_o communion_n and_o separate_v from_o we_o because_o there_o be_v some_o pretend_a error_n in_o the_o discipline_n and_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o worship_n which_o yet_o none_o have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v against_o we_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v upon_o the_o same_o score_n to_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n from_o all_o the_o church_n in_o christendom_n for_o what_o church_n government_n shall_v they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o assign_v that_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o sincere_a as_o to_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o circumstantial_a error_n and_o defect_n and_o be_v there_o not_o more_o fault_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o five_o first_o century_n than_o be_v at_o present_a in_o we_o be_v there_o no_o error_n in_o the_o worship_n constitution_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o geneva_n and_o amsterdam_n i_o be_o sure_a many_o of_o their_o learned_a divine_n have_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o desire_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o think_v it_o prudence_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o small_a error_n in_o short_a our_o dissent_v brethren_n must_v either_o disclaim_v these_o conceit_n or_o turn_v hermit_n and_o anchoret_n live_v in_o a_o cell_n or_o wilderness_n and_o even_o depart_v from_o themselves_o who_o as_o i_o can_v easy_o show_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o many_o if_o not_o more_o and_o great_a fault_n and_o error_n in_o their_o little_a assembly_n than_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o liturgy_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whither_o will_v not_o these_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n carry_v any_o man_n that_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o must_v either_o prove_v their_o own_o church_n
administer_v according_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n own_o institution_n we_o worship_v god_n viz._n the_o one_o divine_a essence_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n we_o hope_v for_o and_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o unseigned_a repentance_n which_o repentance_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n imply_v a_o true_a sight_n and_o confession_n of_o hearty_a arrow_n for_o and_o the_o hatred_n and_o forsake_v of_o all_o our_o former_a sin_n with_o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n never_o to_o return_v to_o they_o again_o with_o any_o consent_n delight_n or_o approbation_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o put_v these_o resolution_n in_o practice_n even_o to_o our_o life_n end_v so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n or_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n either_o wilful_o or_o by_o infirmity_n and_o surprise_v we_o do_v again_o serious_o and_o solemn_o renew_v our_o repentance_n and_o be_v never_o at_o peace_n with_o ourselves_o and_o in_o our_o conscience_n till_o we_o be_v again_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v and_o this_o we_o do_v as_o well_o after_o as_o before_o our_o conversion_n not_o dare_v to_o continue_v in_o any_o one_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o unreformed_a when_o we_o have_v thus_o renounce_v and_o abandon_v sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o our_o deadly_a enemy_n we_o think_v ourselves_o further_o oblige_v to_o magnify_v and_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a holiness_n justice_n and_o charity_n purity_n and_o sobriety_n tit._n 2.12_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n without_o partiality_n without_o hypocrisy_n this_o be_v a_o short_a specimen_fw-la of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n which_o in_o all_o and_o every_o particular_a be_v warrant_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o god_n infallible_a word_n and_o the_o concurrent_a suffrage_n and_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n so_o second_o our_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a passage_n in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o church_n service_n and_o circumstantial_o of_o worship_n our_o most_o rigid_a adversary_n be_v judge_n that_o be_v either_o anti-scriptural_a or_o sinful_a but_o do_v all_o very_a much_o conduce_v to_o decency_n order_n uniformity_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o its_o member_n all_o which_o i_o can_v easy_o make_v appear_v to_o you_o by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o national_a church_n under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v more_o orthodox_n than_o we_o in_o her_o whole_a worship_n and_o polity_n consult_v and_o examine_v our_o liturgy_n article_n homily_n canon_n and_o constitution_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o you_o will_v find_v a_o true_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a spirit_n in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o several_a part_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o advancement_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o worship_n among_o we_o and_o for_o a_o further_a testimony_n hereof_o and_o your_o own_o particular_a satisfaction_n read_v when_o you_o can_v have_v the_o convenience_n of_o those_o book_n and_o leisure_n to_o read_v they_o hooker_n ecclesiastical_a polity_n dr._n comber_n large_a volume_n on_o our_o church_n liturgy_n and_o dr._n falkner_n libertas_n ecclesiastica_fw-la which_o triumvirate_n be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n of_o any_o unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n beside_o i_o can_v give_v you_o a_o catalogue_n of_o such_o book_n when_o you_o please_v to_o command_v it_o as_o have_v treat_v so_o learned_o judicious_o and_o convince_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n worship_n and_o discipline_n as_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o neither_o papist_n nor_o fanatic_a be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o answer_v let_v your_o religion_n then_o and_o that_o church_n into_o which_o you_o be_v admit_v and_o initiate_v by_o baptism_n and_o in_o who_o communion_n you_o have_v be_v hitherto_o educate_v be_v as_o dear_a to_o you_o as_o your_o estate_n and_o life_n remit_v nothing_o of_o your_o love_n and_o affection_n zeal_n and_o courage_n to_o defend_v it_o when_o you_o be_v thereunto_o lawful_o call_v for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v transmit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o pious_a ancestor_n with_o all_o the_o sanction_n both_o of_o divine_a and_o humane_a authority_n and_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o religion_n which_o you_o profess_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o everlasting_a prince_n of_o peace_n have_v consign_v and_o confirm_v it_o to_o we_o by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o own_o precious_a blood_n and_o the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o saint_n and_o martyr_n in_o this_o kingdom_n so_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n to_o scruple_n your_o compliance_n with_o and_o conformity_n to_o it_o if_o therefore_o a_o angel_n or_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n suggest_v the_o contrary_a to_o you_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o he_o but_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o utter_a enemy_n and_o impostor_n and_o when_o you_o have_v more_o leisure_n opportunity_n and_o experience_n your_o curiosity_n may_v lead_v you_o to_o read_v over_o and_o consider_v the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n wherein_o you_o will_v find_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o time_n the_o beginning_n proceed_n increase_v encounter_n yield_n and_o restauration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o the_o primitive_a father_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o herein_o you_o will_v also_o see_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n man_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o when_o you_o have_v thus_o make_v some_o considerable_a progress_n in_o inquire_v into_o the_o fundamental_o and_o superstructure_n of_o our_o religion_n you_o will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o opinion_n and_o error_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o us._n but_o till_o you_o have_v more_o time_n and_o convenience_n to_o inform_v your_o self_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n i_o shall_v present_v you_o second_o with_o a_o true_a and_o brief_a account_n of_o popery_n or_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o those_o particular_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o which_o cause_n we_o be_v force_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o since_o we_o can_v communicate_v with_o they_o without_o sin_n nor_o have_v we_o depart_v further_o from_o they_o than_o they_o have_v depart_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n now_o for_o method_n sake_n we_o shall_v consider_v also_o first_o the_o principle_n or_o doctrine_n and_o second_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pretend_a catholic_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n whereby_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o popery_n if_o right_o understand_v be_v no_o such_o beautiful_a and_o charm_a object_n as_o to_o allure_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o first_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o popery_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o call_v they_o so_o because_o they_o be_v so_o esteem_v and_o account_v by_o their_o own_o church_n for_o since_o their_o council_n of_o trent_n no_o man_n can_v proper_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o romish_a communion_n however_o in_o popish_a country_n but_o shall_v be_v censure_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o damn_a heretic_n unless_o he_o believe_v as_o follow_v viz._n that_o a_o mortal_a man_n as_o the_o pope_n in_o cathedra_fw-la or_o as_o some_o say_v with_o his_o council_n of_o cardinal_n be_v infallible_a know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v err_v in_o nothing_o that_o he_o direct_v inform_v animate_v and_o command_n both_o in_o earth_n and_o purgatory_n expound_v scripture_n forgive_v sin_n canonize_v saint_n create_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n and_o character_n be_v as_o absolute_a and_o infallible_a as_o his_o maker_n but_o
with_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o admirable_a government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a not_o only_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strange_a mistake_n then_o which_o some_o have_v run_v upon_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o polity_n of_o our_o church_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n hereby_o exclude_v all_o human_a law_n and_o constitution_n in_o matter_n and_o thing_n indisserent_a which_o wild_a hypothesis_n have_v be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o those_o untenable_a opinion_n now_o on_o foot_n and_o the_o very_a most_o of_o our_o unchristian_a division_n which_o have_v almost_o tear_v in_o piece_n our_o church_n be_v owe_v to_o this_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a conjecture_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o writer_n of_o the_o great_a note_n and_o eminence_n among_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o must_v be_v regulate_v and_o order_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o christian_a prudence_n as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n direct_v in_o those_o general_a rule_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o in_o order_n and_o for_o edification_n and_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o even_o in_o their_o own_o assembly_n and_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a there_o be_v many_o such_o circumstance_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o express_a rule_n in_o scripture_n but_o do_v use_v they_o prudential_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o order_n &_o uniformity_n of_o god_n worship_n beside_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n treat_v chief_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o only_o mention_v the_o governor_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o some_o general_a rule_n as_o before_o for_o the_o order_n of_o its_o polity_n and_o discipline_n insomuch_o that_o many_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o set-form_n of_o government_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a bible_n but_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o governor_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o dictate_v of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o discretion_n which_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a hooker_n give_v a_o most_o admirable_a account_n of_o in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la polit._n nor_o can_v this_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_n as_o some_o have_v vain_o object_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o fidelity_n of_o christ_n in_v not_o leave_v a_o perfect_a model_n of_o church_n government_n behind_o he_o for_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v primary_o intend_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o christian_a morality_n and_o speak_v only_o overt_o of_o church_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o for_o the_o fidelity_n of_o christ_n herein_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v in_o her_o minority_n which_o must_v afterward_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n and_o perfection_n what_o other_o have_v urge_v from_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n under_o the_o jewish_a oeconomie_n conclude_v nothing_o for_o the_o jew_n live_v all_o under_o one_o polity_n and_o in_o one_o nation_n whereas_o christianity_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n under_o many_o disserent_fw-la civil_a government_n and_o therefore_o the_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o church_n discipline_n must_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o different_a people_n within_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n as_o may_v appear_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n of_o their_o lawful_a governor_n therefore_o 3._o though_o every_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o idolatry_n heresy_n etc._n etc._n yet_o none_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o his_o duty_n with_o mere_a bug_n and_o scarecrow_n or_o the_o empty_a appearance_n of_o error_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o though_o our_o liturgy_n and_o set-form_n of_o worship_n have_v be_v extreme_o cavile_v at_o by_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a nor_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o the_o primitive_a father_n do_v ever_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o state_v method_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o do_v practice_v and_o appoint_v they_o themselves_o and_o high_o encourage_v they_o in_o other_o for_o there_o be_v many_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n benediction_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n compose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n though_o they_o be_v doubtless_o as_o able_a to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o most_o seraphic_a enthusiast_n which_o method_n also_o be_v observe_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o god_n worship_n all_o which_o state_v form_n become_v pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o after_o age_n who_o have_v all_o their_o several_a liturgy_n as_o we_o have_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o service_n book_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o but_o most_o exact_o conformable_a to_o those_o rule_n 4._o let_v not_o the_o bare_a pretence_n then_o of_o some_o small_a error_n in_o and_o about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o public_a worship_n prevail_v with_o any_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o national_a church_n see_v there_o have_v be_v and_o be_v as_o many_o and_o probable_o great_a error_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o though_o our_o bless_a saviour_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o universal_a church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o abide_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o yet_o these_o promise_n do_v only_o respect_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o people_n profess_v the_o truth_n however_o they_o may_v err_v as_o all_o of_o they_o do_v in_o opinion_n not_o essential_a to_o religion_n and_o see_v every_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o religion_n therefore_o fore_o he_o that_o will_v separate_v upon_o this_o account_n can_v scarce_o hold_v communion_n with_o any_o national_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o those_o fickle_a and_o fanciful_a person_n may_v have_v have_v the_o same_o plea_n to_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v now_o from_o we_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n but_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o order_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o set_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v if_o not_o of_o apostolical_a yet_o of_o primitive_a institution_n 5._o no_o mere_a inconvenience_n or_o circumstantial_a error_n or_o defect_n and_o those_o only_o allege_v not_o prove_v against_o we_o can_v justify_v or_o excuse_v a_o departure_n from_o we_o since_o i_o have_v make_v it_o full_o evident_a that_o our_o church_n hold_v and_o maintain_v all_o the_o essential_o both_o of_o faith_n and_o of_o worship_n for_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o all_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a church_n though_o some_o of_o the_o external_a mode_n &_o form_n be_v inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a rather_o than_o not_o be_v of_o any_o church_n at_o all_o and_o what_o they_o can_v reform_v without_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o tolerate_v seeing_z there_o be_v no_o national_a and_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v who_o constitution_n and_o government_n be_v absolute_o perfect_a therefore_o 6._o those_o person_n be_v extreme_o to_o blame_v that_o require_v great_a purity_n in_o god_n public_a worship_n than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v command_v or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a orthodox_n father_n have_v recommend_v to_o posterity_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o outward_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n yet_o
it_o be_v not_o the_o province_n nor_o in_o the_o power_n of_o private_a man_n to_o reform_v religion_n this_o be_v whole_o lest_o to_o the_o prudent_a management_n of_o those_o governor_n who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v to_o rule_v over_o us._n wherefore_o that_o precipitant_n and_o rash_a zeal_n which_o some_o miscall_v puty_n will_n more_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o prejudice_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n than_o their_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a compliance_n with_o those_o seem_a error_n and_o defect_n which_o they_o so_o much_o cavil_v at_o and_o complain_v of_o 7._o it_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n then_o of_o imprudence_n and_o indiscretion_n to_o run_v upon_o manifest_a and_o real_a evil_n upon_o those_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n which_o be_v mere_o groundless_a and_o only_o imagine_v to_o be_v so_o will_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n dare_v to_o forsake_v god_n public_a ordinance_n and_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o probable_a defect_n in_o her_o communion_n for_o god_n command_n to_o attend_v his_o public_a worship_n and_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plain_a and_o positive_a whereas_o the_o error_n object_v against_o we_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a and_o now_o to_o cast_v the_o scale_n the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o pious_a learned_a &_o judicious_a man_n be_v on_o our_o side_n so_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o grant_v they_o that_o we_o do_v err_v let_v our_o governor_n see_v to_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o our_o obedience_n nor_o dare_v we_o subtract_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o inconvenience_n only_o if_o their_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o they_o have_v none_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o see_v they_o have_v no_o lawful_a authority_n to_o reform_v the_o least_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o government_n it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a prudence_n and_o more_o christian_n like_o to_o pray_v &_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o what_o they_o apprehend_v amiss_o than_o to_o disobey_v and_o exasperate_v their_o governor_n stir_v up_o division_n in_o the_o church_n &_o run_v upon_o the_o dangerous_a hazard_n of_o a_o licentious_a and_o unwarrantable_a separation_n 8._o we_o shall_v be_v always_o more_o concern_v for_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o own_o national_a church_n than_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o own_o personal_a and_o private_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o most_o of_o our_o brethren_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n who_o have_v be_v so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o private_a humour_n and_o conceit_n that_o they_o have_v almost_o quite_o forget_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n hence_o have_v spring_v those_o heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o that_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n which_o have_v so_o strange_o overspread_v the_o whole_a nation_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o government_n and_o have_v do_v what_o in_o their_o power_n lie_v to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o we_o a_o prey_n to_o our_o cruel_a and_o merciless_a enemy_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o interest_n they_o will_v keep_v close_o at_o this_o time_n especial_o to_o our_o communion_n which_o under_o god_n will_v be_v their_o chief_a refuge_n and_o yield_v in_o some_o small_a matter_n though_o less_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n and_o opinion_n for_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o public_a 9_o no_o prejudice_n shall_v prevail_v with_o any_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o recant_v and_o disclaim_v his_o error_n upon_o a_o through_o conviction_n and_o return_v to_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n from_o which_o he_o have_v former_o err_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o many_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o retract_v those_o error_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v censure_v by_o their_o party_n as_o renegado_n and_o apostate_n from_o their_o religion_n whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o serious_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v be_v their_o great_a honour_n as_o well_o as_o interest_n and_o a_o special_a evidence_n of_o their_o integrity_n to_o acknowledge_v &_o recant_v their_o error_n &_o mistake_v nor_o need_v any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o confess_v he_o have_v err_v st._n aug._n write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o retractation_n for_o which_o he_o be_v deserve_o as_o much_o esteem_v as_o for_o any_o of_o his_o other_o work_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n come_v under_o the_o vile_a imputation_n and_o scandal_n of_o a_o apostate_n who_o change_v only_o some_o mistake_a error_n and_o opinion_n not_o his_o religion_n and_o last_o other_o have_v be_v extreme_o to_o blame_v in_o set_v up_o their_o own_o private_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o infallible_a maxim_n and_o necessary_a conclusion_n insomuch_o that_o they_o i_o rather_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o community_n than_o be_v persuade_v to_o recede_v from_o they_o for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o sacred_a and_o lively_a oracle_n they_o present_o sancy_v without_o the_o least_o true_a ground_n that_o every_o passage_n sound_v that_o way_n must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o prove_v and_o confirm_v their_o opinion_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o be_v allow_v and_o be_v of_o important_a and_o necessary_a use_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o then_o shall_v every_o mechanic_n presume_v to_o be_v a_o interpreter_n and_o judge_n and_o think_v himself_o as_o infallible_a as_o the_o pope_n in_o cathedra_fw-la of_o all_o the_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n now_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o mere_a enthusiasm_n and_o delusion_n in_o any_o one_o to_o pretend_v to_o interpret_v the_o dark_a point_n of_o scripture_n which_o neither_o concern_v man_n faith_n nor_o manner_n without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o vulgar_a they_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o in_o all_o other_o profession_n art_n and_o science_n a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o considerable_a time_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o gain_v experience_n ere_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o manage_v and_o must_v be_v a_o approve_a artist_n before_o any_o one_o will_v entrust_v he_o with_o business_n in_o his_o way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world._n shall_v every_o novice_n then_o who_o can_v scarce_o read_v a_o chapter_n distinct_o in_o the_o bible_n presume_v to_o have_v as_o much_o skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o all_o his_o life_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o useful_a book_n understand_v the_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v and_o make_v this_o study_n his_o whole_a business_n and_o profession_n these_o be_v such_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a conceit_n as_o one_o will_v think_v that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o prudence_n shall_v once_o pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a illiterate_a country_n hobbs_n and_o conceit_a tradesman_n in_o market_n town_n and_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n as_o there_o be_v in_o most_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o will_v undertake_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o preach_v according_a to_o their_o way_n and_o yet_o with_o more_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n than_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o chair_n but_o we_o leave_v such_o to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o delusion_n which_o can_v neither_o concern_v you_o nor_o i_o more_o at_o present_a than_o to_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v come_v in_o due_a time_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o unaccomtable_a error_n and_o whilst_o unretract_v unpardonable_a mistake_v these_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v such_o reason_n as_o will_v puzzle_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o answer_v and_o obviate_v all_o their_o pleay_n and_o pretence_n to_o a_o warrantable_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n however_o sir_n such_o as_o they_o be_v be_v humble_o offer_v to_o your_o serious_a perusal_n and_o probable_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o you_o in_o your_o present_a circumstance_n have_v calculate_v they_o primary_o for_o that_o meridian_n yet_o let_v not_o these_o or_o any_o other_o so_o bound_v you_o up_o as_o to_o neglect_v great_a and_o better_a of_o your_o own_o for_o it_o will_v be_v your_o great_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o weigh_v and_o measure_v the_o drift_n and_o design_n of_o all_o counsel_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o your_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o doubt_v i_o have_v weary_v your_o patience_n with_o a_o tedious_a epistle_n the_o subject_n be_v so_o copious_a have_v draw_v it_o out_o to_o a_o undue_a proportion_n yet_o when_o you_o have_v serious_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o importance_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v candid_o excuse_v not_o only_o the_o length_n but_o all_o other_o mistake_v and_o defect_n in_o it_o without_o any_o further_a apology_n whatever_o indiscretion_n i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o either_o in_o the_o undertake_n or_o management_n and_o composure_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v whole_o imputable_a to_o my_o self_n none_o of_o your_o relation_n or_o friend_n be_v yet_o acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o all_o which_o i_o do_v most_o earnest_o and_o humble_o beg_v your_o pardon_n now_o that_o god_n almighty_n may_v ever_o bless_v preserve_v succeed_v and_o prosper_v you_o in_o your_o progress_n and_o return_n and_o that_o all_o your_o endeavour_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o well-pleasing_a to_o your_o friend_n and_o a_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourself_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o earnest_a hearty_a and_o constant_a prayer_n of_o prayer_n of_o honour_a sir_n your_o humble_a devote_a servant_n march_z 6h_o stylo_n vetere_fw-la 1687_o 1687_o 8._o