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scripture_n authority_n church_n infallibility_n 4,945 5 11.7584 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33206 The Difference of the case, between the separation of Protestants from the Church of Rome, and the separation of Dissenters from the Church of England Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Williams, John, 1636?-1709. 1683 (1683) Wing C4377; ESTC R12185 45,320 73

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there_o be_v no_o particular_a warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o they_o may_v not_o we_o for_o all_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o church_n require_v man_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o god_n have_v particular_o forbid_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o upon_o the_o plain_a ground_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n shall_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o reject_v your_o communion_n in_o these_o thing_n because_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_o wilful_a as_o to_o reject_v our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v nothing_o like_o to_o these_o what_o if_o they_o conceive_v that_o our_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v that_o our_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o so_o expedient_a but_o rather_o unlawful_a as_o be_v human_a invention_n what_o i_o say_v if_o they_o lie_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o set_v up_o a_o communion_n which_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v more_o refine_a and_o unexceptionable_a may_v they_o not_o be_v to_o blame_v in_o all_o this_o and_o yet_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o be_v liable_a to_o blame_v but_o worthy_a of_o commendation_n for_o depart_v from_o you_o in_o your_o latin_a service_n your_o half_a communion_n your_o pray_v to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n your_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o a_o wafer_n and_o your_o other_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n although_o our_o church_n have_v not_o order_v her_o public_a worship_n so_o discreet_o and_o careful_o but_o that_o in_o sundry_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v reform_v to_o good_a purpose_n it_o may_v yet_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v necessary_a for_o any_o of_o her_o member_n to_o forsake_v her_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v their_o great_a fault_n so_o to_o do_v so_o long_o as_o she_o hold_v forth_o all_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o require_v nothing_o to_o be_v profess_v or_o to_o be_v do_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o yet_o it_o 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church_n respect_v the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n suppose_v indeed_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o churches-communion_n be_v not_o impure_a but_o withal_o imply_v that_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o true_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o that_o her_o communion_n be_v not_o pure_a enough_o for_o any_o christian_n to_o join_v in_o it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n and_o how_o we_o maintain_v this_o plea_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o therefore_o although_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o plea_n in_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o we_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o it_o that_o we_o do_v nor_o attempt_v to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v corrupt_v with_o such_o condition_n as_o oblige_v the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v or_o to_o neglect_v what_o he_o have_v command_v they_o to_o do_v or_o to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v reveal_v this_o plea_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o by_o such_o particular_n as_o these_o be_v by_o they_o weak_o bring_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o by_o our_o example_n in_o separate_v from_o rome_n and_o though_o the_o general_a pretence_n may_v serve_v to_o delude_v injudicious_a people_n who_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o reason_n and_o colour_n yet_o it_o will_v neither_o acquit_v they_o before_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o can_v easy_o discern_v and_o will_v impartial_o consider_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o plausible_a colour_n for_o their_o separation_n from_o we_o that_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o but_o a_o colour_n unless_o they_o can_v show_v wherein_o our_o communion_n be_v impure_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o what_o be_v those_o condition_n thereof_o which_o be_v sinful_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o great_a purity_n of_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o separate_a wherein_o do_v this_o purity_n consist_v let_v reasonable_a man_n judge_n extemporary_a prayer_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o receive_v the_o communion_n sit_v or_o stand_v be_v more_o pure_a than_o to_o receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o omit_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o baptism_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o to_o use_v it_o and_o the_o minister_n pray_v in_o a_o coat_n or_o a_o cloak_n be_v more_o pure_a then_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o surplice_n but_o till_o they_o can_v show_v that_o our_o way_n in_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n either_o they_o can_v just_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impure_a or_o at_o least_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o they_o mean_v by_o impurity_n something_o else_o when_o they_o charge_v it_o upon_o we_o than_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o when_o we_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o same_o plea_n against_o we_o that_o we_o produce_v against_o that_o for_o with_o we_o impurity_n be_v sin_n and_o a_o impure_a communion_n be_v a_o communion_n in_o which_o we_o can_v communicate_v without_o sin_n i._n e._n without_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v impurity_n with_o they_o must_v go_v for_o something_o else_o that_o be_v either_o for_o do_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o for_o the_o omit_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o command_v and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o that_o be_v pure_a against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o law_n their_o pretence_n of_o separate_n for_o great_a purity_n be_v altogether_o groundless_a unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o we_o without_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o do_v what_o he_o forbid_v therefore_o the_o former_a discourse_n concern_v term_n of_o communion_n show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o plea_n as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o separatist_n against_o we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o separate_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v order_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n or_o to_o prescribe_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n but_o upon_o this_o principle_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v do_v the_o dissenter_n separate_a from_o we_o and_o the_o main_a controversy_n we_o have_v with_o they_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o human_a authority_n to_o prescribe_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o consequent_o whether_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o comply_v with_o such_o prescription_n they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o we_o show_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v what_o that_o church_n require_v and_o this_o through_o all_o those_o instance_n of_o their_o corruption_n in_o worship_n for_o which_o we_o pretend_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o depart_v from_o her_o communion_n now_o if_o the_o dissenter_n can_v show_v the_o like_a of_o any_o condition_n in_o our_o communion_n i_o promise_v to_o recant_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o her_o communion_n and_o instead_o of_o vindicate_v my_o defence_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a to_o depart_v from_o her_o communion_n in_o that_o thing_n whatever_o may_v come_v of_o it_o from_o this_o time_n forward_o and_o i_o trust_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n either_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o clear_a argument_n tend_v to_o my_o conviction_n or_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o a_o convince_a conscience_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n but_o to_o deal_v plain_o the_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o uncasiness_n of_o this_o task_n that_o be_v of_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o method_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n which_o we_o use_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o it_o will_v make_v a_o indifferent_a man_n suspect_v their_o cause_n to_o see_v what_o shift_v they_o use_v to_o make_v good_a their_o pretence_n they_o demand_v of_o we_o where_o scripture_n command_v or_o what_o need_n there_o be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o church_n require_v they_o pretend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n do_v in_o great_a part_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o by_o man_n to_o be_v determine_v to_o any_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n to_o which_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o determine_v they_o they_o say_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o significant_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o derogation_n from_o the_o royalty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o give_v some_o countenance_n to_o these_o pretence_n they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o intimate_v some_o such_o thing_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o god_n worship_n but_o what_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o command_v except_v always_o those_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o action_n the_o choice_n whereof_o must_v yet_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n and_o as_o
we_o be_v now_o teach_v authority_n must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o strange_a fire_n that_o be_v not_o command_v and_o of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n make_v all_o imposition_n concern_v the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o unlawful_a as_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n show_v so_o many_o particular_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o worship_n to_o be_v but_o leave_v these_o attempt_n of_o they_o to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o more_o particular_a controversy_n who_o see_v not_o what_o a_o wide_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a management_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o impurity_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o between_o the_o dissenter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o we_o be_v secure_a against_o all_o just_a accusation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o this_o one_o proposition_n be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o to_o absolve_v we_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o keep_v they_o but_o the_o dissenter_n can_v avoid_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o charge_n against_o they_o unless_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n to_o prescribe_v such_o in_o divine_a service_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o chrstianity_n now_o if_o what_o we_o say_v in_o these_o thing_n will_v hang_v well_o together_o that_o be_v if_o the_o former_a proposition_n be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o truth_n thereof_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o latter_a from_o be_v false_a then_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v we_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o separate_a from_o rome_n for_o great_a purity_n or_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o dissenter_n will_v have_v no_o just_a ground_n from_o our_o example_n to_o pretend_v the_o same_o in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o i_o think_v the_o difference_n be_v plain_o enough_o confess_v by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o hold_v occasional_a communion_n with_o our_o church_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o be_v who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v actual_o with_o we_o upon_o occasion_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n member_n of_o separate_a church_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v pollute_v with_o sinful_a condition_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o occasional_a communion_n as_o they_o call_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o lawful_a than_o constant_a communion_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v it_o be_v lawful_a sometime_o to_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o not_o lawful_a to_o do_v it_o ordinary_o but_o i_o know_v they_o will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v that_o they_o can_v without_o sin_n become_v member_n of_o our_o church_n though_o without_o sin_n they_o can_v sometime_o join_v in_o our_o public_a worship_n they_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o the_o separate_a meeting_n be_v more_o perfect_a than_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o particular_a law_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v order_v better_a or_o worse_o as_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o prudent_a or_o as_o they_o take_v great_a or_o less_o heed_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o more_o gravity_n decency_n simplicity_n and_o tendency_n to_o edification_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o their_o worship_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o let_v it_o fall_v or_o in_o practice_n to_o prefer_v we_o before_o it_o but_o by_o this_o i_o think_v any_o body_n may_v see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o what_o we_o and_o these_o man_n mean_v by_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n for_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v a_o wickedness_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o at_o any_o time_n but_o they_o mean_v no_o such_o thing_n against_o we_o since_o without_o scruple_n they_o can_v sometime_o communicate_v with_o we_o only_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o more_o perfect_a communion_n and_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v our_o communion_n as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o but_o they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o prefer_v a_o better_a before_o it_o so_o that_o in_o this_o pretence_n for_o separation_n these_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_n or_o break_v any_o of_o god_n commandment_n but_o purity_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o less_o convenient_a or_o prudent_a order_n of_o the_o outward_a mode_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n that_o we_o understand_v by_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o urge_v that_o pretence_n for_o separation_n from_o we_o as_o we_o do_v urge_v it_o against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o consequent_o our_o reason_n of_o separate_n from_o that_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n do_v not_o hold_v to_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o we_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v find_v no_o protestant_n of_o our_o church_n easy_a and_o silly_a enough_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o such_o superficial_a colour_n as_o these_o be_v you_o see_v say_v they_o what_o be_v become_v of_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o great_a purity_n the_o protestant_n at_o first_o forsake_v the_o catholic_n i._n e._n roman_a church_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o do_v not_o the_o presbyterian_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o so_o do_v the_o independent_o set_v up_o their_o congregation_n for_o great_a purity_n and_o the_o anabaptist_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o the_o quaker_n from_o they_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o break_v communion_n upon_o such_o pretence_n as_o these_o be_v which_o be_v as_o good_a against_o yourselves_o as_o they_o be_v against_o we_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v choose_v whether_o you_o will_v return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o you_o first_o break_v away_o under_o pretence_n of_o reformation_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v follow_v your_o principle_n till_o you_o be_v refine_v into_o quaker_n or_o it_o may_v be_v into_o a_o more_o absurd_a and_o mad_a sort_n of_o people_n than_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o be_v it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o see_v man_n of_o common_a understanding_n cozen_v by_o such_o palpable_a fallacy_n as_o these_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o agent_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o they_o can_v since_o a_o foul_a cause_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o such_o artifices_fw-la as_o these_o to_o blanch_v it_o over_o but_o i_o pray_v may_v there_o not_o be_v such_o corruption_n in_o your_o church_n that_o we_o with_o good_a reason_n may_v pretend_v it_o necessary_a to_o forsake_v your_o communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v none_o in_o we_o to_o give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n to_o leave_v we_o upon_o that_o pretence_n be_v it_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o her_o corruption_n because_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mouth_n and_o can_v speak_v may_v say_v if_o he_o please_v that_o he_o separate_v for_o great_a purity_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o say_v so_o or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o our_o dissenter_n be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o deal_v by_o we_o as_o we_o have_v do_v by_o you_o that_o be_v to_o forsake_v our_o communion_n for_o great_a purity_n as_o we_o have_v forsake_v you_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o therefore_o we_o also_o must_v needs_o proceed_v upon_o mistake_n in_o so_o do_v what_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v erroneous_o persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o human_a order_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n worship_n if_o
quarrelsome_a humour_n and_o superstitious_a niceness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n who_o upon_o very_o slight_a ground_n of_o reason_v or_o be_v addict_v to_o their_o own_o custom_n at_o home_n or_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o have_v observe_v abroad_o raise_v such_o wrangle_a dispute_n about_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v clear_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o be_v best_a for_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o reckon_v nothing_o well_o do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v themselves_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o but_o that_o plain_a rule_n he_o give_v elsewhere_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o to_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n define_v nothing_o certain_a one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o casulanum_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 86._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o law_n now_o by_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v produce_v we_o may_v see_v what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o that_o liberty_n be_v which_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v in_o matter_n of_o indifference_n not_o that_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o order_v and_o regulate_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n for_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o authority_n in_o these_o thing_n over_o their_o charge_n as_o st._n ambrose_n word_n to_o st._n augustine_n mother_n about_o the_o forementioned_a case_n do_v plain_o imply_v 86._o resist_v not_o thy_o bishop_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o he_o do_v that_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o scruple_n or_o dispute_n and_o beside_o those_o particular_a custom_n the_o variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n complain_v of_o 119._o there_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o episcopal_a synod_n concern_v thing_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o but_o their_o liberty_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o sort_n establish_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o foreign_a church_n and_o catholic_n communion_n be_v not_o break_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a rite_n and_o custom_n for_o though_o st._n austin_n be_v sorry_a to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n trouble_v about_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n give_v he_o to_o complain_v that_o communion_n be_v break_v upon_o these_o account_n as_o before_o his_o time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o pope_n victor_n rashness_n in_o presume_v to_o excommunicate_v the_o asiatic_a bishop_n for_o observe_v easter_n upon_o the_o fourteen_o of_o march_n have_v not_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o wise_a and_o moderate_a person_n seasonable_o interpose_v to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v such_o thing_n condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o as_o be_v in_o st._n augustine_n phrase_n contrary_a to_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n our_o separation_n from_o she_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v we_o from_o communicate_v with_o any_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o bar_v we_o out_o by_o unlawful_a term_n of_o communion_n for_o in_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n this_o church_n perfume_v not_o to_o interpose_v her_o authority_n abroad_o nor_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n who_o custom_n and_o observation_n be_v different_a from_o we_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v different_a nay_o let_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o make_v a_o end_n of_o impose_v false_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o she_o let_v she_o give_v over_o command_v thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v but_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o she_o may_v for_o we_o use_v her_o authority_n at_o home_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o though_o she_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a abuse_n even_o in_o this_o kind_n which_o need_v a_o reformation_n yet_o i_o for_o my_o part_n shall_v not_o break_v communion_n with_o she_o for_o these_o thing_n if_o she_o will_v thorough_o purge_v herself_o from_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v of_o one_o communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n that_o presume_v not_o to_o change_v the_o faith_n nor_o to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o actual_a communion_n with_o they_o if_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v abroad_o among_o they_o but_o this_o make_v our_o case_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n who_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o our_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o separate_a from_o we_o upon_o this_o principle_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n but_o enjoin_v by_o our_o superior_n only_a they_o must_v not_o upon_o those_o principle_n have_v communicate_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o there_o be_v far_o more_o vncommand_v rite_n and_o usage_n establish_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o worship_n than_o now_o there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n and_o upon_o these_o principle_n they_o must_v not_o communicate_v with_o any_o reform_a church_n abroad_o since_o how_o different_a so_o ever_o the_o external_n mode_n of_o their_o worship_n may_v be_v from_o we_o yet_o some_o they_o all_o have_v and_o that_o consist_v of_o rule_n not_o determine_v by_o god_n word_n but_o by_o the_o law_n or_o custom_n of_o man._n to_o new_a england_n they_o must_v not_o go_v hope_v to_o find_v a_o communion_n there_o lawful_a to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o these_o principle_n the_o nonconformist_n to_o our_o liturgy_n and_o discipline_n that_o be_v there_o will_v stand_v to_o their_o own_o censure_n concern_v worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o will_v make_v out_o by_o their_o church_n authority_n such_o as_o it_o be_v what_o they_o can_v show_v chapter_n and_o verse_n for_o our_o separatist_n if_o they_o go_v thither_o shall_v find_v no_o other_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n allow_v there_o but_o conformity_n and_o compliance_n with_o that_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o there_o obtain_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o they_o who_o separate_a from_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o unommand_v rite_n and_o practice_n in_o god_n worship_n be_v something_o more_o oblige_v by_o this_o principle_n to_o avoid_v communion_n with_o all_o foreign_a church_n if_o rule_n for_o custom_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o all_o as_o most_o certain_o such_o rule_n more_o or_o few_o all_o of_o they_o have_v for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n our_o separatist_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o proper_a governor_n and_o pastor_n who_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v some_o thing_n more_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o other_o church_n where_o they_o may_v happen_v to_o go_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v not_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v determine_v by_o a_o authority_n at_o home_n there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v their_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v determine_v therein_o by_o one_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o though_o our_o reformation_n leave_v usfree_a to_o communicate_v with_o all_o church_n abroad_o that_o do_v not_o require_v sinful_a term_n of_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v yet_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o we_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n destructive_a of_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o i_o believe_v most_o of_o our_o dissenter_n will_v communicate_v with_o several_a reform_a church_n abroad_o but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a at_o home_n unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o reform_a church_n which_o exercise_v no_o authority_n in_o form_n of_o prayer_n nor_o in_o any_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o the_o external_a regulation_n of_o public_a worship_n but_o where_o such_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o be_o yet_o to_o be_v inform_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v those_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o term_n of_o communion_n 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o plea_n i_o propound_v which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o only_o common_a to_o both_o side_n but_o which_o also_o may_v be_v as_o true_o allege_v on_o
my_o present_a business_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o understand_a person_n who_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o learning_n use_v on_o both_o side_n whether_o that_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n or_o of_o church-communion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o be_v unite_v under_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o rule_v advise_v upon_o and_o the_o same_o law_n make_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o say_v that_o though_o the_o pope_n have_v no_o authority_n in_o this_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n must_v be_v independent_a and_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o take_v any_o one_o argument_n use_v by_o any_o of_o our_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o our_o church_n upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v it_o hold_v to_o prove_v the_o independency_n of_o a_o congregation_n either_o upon_o a_o national_a or_o episcopal_n church_n if_o he_o can_v wherefore_o suppose_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v of_o no_o good_a authority_n among_o we_o and_o our_o own_o law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a to_o want_v no_o good_a authority_n the_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v otherwise_o lawful_a on_o both_o side_n then_o the_o separation_n ensue_v upon_o our_o refusal_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o decree_n will_v not_o be_v schismatical_a on_o our_o part_n but_o the_o separation_n of_o our_o independent_o and_o all_o other_o among_o we_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o law_n will_v be_v so_o on_o their_o part_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o difference_n in_o point_n of_o authority_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o compare_v the_o case_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n relate_v to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o dissenter_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o faith_n profess_v in_o this_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o entire_a and_o that_o she_o do_v not_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o her_o communion_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o our_o church_n and_o the_o term_n thereof_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v the_o profession_n of_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n of_o all_o who_o she_o admit_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o the_o great_a offence_n be_v take_v at_o our_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o ceremony_n thereunto_o belong_v and_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o those_o that_o do_v not_o direct_o charge_v any_o of_o our_o practice_n in_o worship_n as_o sinful_a but_o suppose_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v inexpedient_a and_o unedifying_a and_o they_o that_o separate_a upon_o this_o account_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o whereas_o we_o separate_v from_o rome_n forsake_v a_o unlawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o be_v lawful_a they_o separate_v from_o we_o forsake_v a_o lawful_a communion_n for_o one_o that_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v better_o and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n again_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n 2._o another_o sort_n be_v they_o who_o pretend_v something_o more_o that_o be_v that_o they_o scruple_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o communicate_v with_o we_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o doubt_n and_o these_o man_n also_o must_v confess_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o separate_a from_o we_o and_o that_o for_o which_o we_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n since_o we_o be_v pass_v doubt_v in_o the_o case_n and_o positive_o affirm_v those_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o to_o be_v in_o themselves_o unlawful_a and_o in_o consequence_n hereof_o they_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n also_o between_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o and_o we_o pretend_v against_o that_o church_n the_o unlawfulness_n of_o her_o imposition_n and_o those_o upon_o which_o they_o suspect_v the_o like_a of_o we_o and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v by_o we_o attack_v with_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n against_o she_o but_o that_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o good_a evidence_n in_o scripture_n against_o we_o concern_v which_o more_o will_v be_v say_v under_o the_o next_o head_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o because_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a where_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o certain_o know_v god_n have_v forbid_v therefore_o it_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a also_o where_o other_o thing_n be_v require_v concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_a 3._o the_o three_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o pretend_v these_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o former_a either_o scruple_n or_o judge_v only_o inexpedient_a to_o be_v indeed_o sinful_a and_o to_o render_v our_o communion_n not_o only_o suspect_v and_o less_o desirable_a but_o plain_o unlawful_a and_o i_o grant_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v they_o will_v show_v their_o separation_n from_o our_o church_n to_o be_v ground_v upon_o one_o general_n reason_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o will_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v give_v but_o i_o believe_v a_o very_a wide_a difference_n of_o the_o case_n will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o particular_a practice_n themselves_o which_o be_v by_o we_o say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o those_o which_o by_o the_o dissenter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unlawful_a in_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v those_o and_o that_o by_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v these_o unlawful_a 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o particular_n themselves_o the_o dissenter_n do_v with_o we_o condemn_v as_o unlawful_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n worship_v the_o cross_n and_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o her_o form_n of_o worship_n from_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o we_o have_v purge_v our_o communion_n but_o they_o say_v we_o have_v retain_v other_o practice_n something_a akin_a to_o these_o though_o not_o quite_o so_o bad_a for_o instance_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n wear_v the_o surplice_n sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o some_o of_o they_o add_v the_o public_a use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n now_o all_o that_o i_o design_n under_o this_o head_n in_o compare_v the_o former_a and_o the_o late_a particular_n together_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o former_a be_v suppose_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v from_o thence_o infer_v and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v perfect_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o for_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o authority_n here_o in_o england_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n which_o our_o bishop_n exercise_n in_o england_n from_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a so_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n may_v be_v absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o for_o all_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n may_v not_o only_o be_v lawful_a but_o profitable_a and_o in_o most_o case_n necessary_a the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n may_v be_v a_o idolatrous_a practice_n yet_o to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n where_o such_o adoration_n be_v disclaim_v shall_v be_v no_o such_o practice_n we_o may_v sign_n the_o baptise_a insant_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o not_o worship_n that_o sign_n we_o may_v do_v the_o former_a in_o token_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o baptism_n lay_v upon_o we_o without_o attribute_v any_o of_o that_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereunto_o which_o make_v the_o popish_a use_n of_o it_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a what_o practice_n be_v there_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o as_o unlawful_a have_v abandon_v from_o whence_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o wear_v a_o surplice_n or_o see_v it_o wear_v can_v with_o any_o