our_o own_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n this_o make_v that_o which_o be_v treason_n in_o other_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o oath_n aforesaid_a sect._n 6._o for_o answer_v to_o which_o i_o humble_o conceive_v though_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a thing_n after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquity_n yet_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a evil_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concern_n at_o this_o time_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v more_o serious_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a covenant_n make_v this_o inquiry_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o case_n i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v this_o declaration_n that_o i_o hold_v myself_o or_o any_o other_o person_n bind_v by_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o change_n or_o alteration_n of_o government_n both_o in_o church_n or_o state_n sect._n 7._o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o let_v we_o first_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n even_o unto_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o inquiry_n which_o i_o propound_v we_o be_v all_o to_o make_v for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o rule_n i_o propose_v be_v first_o god_n law_n whether_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o god_n law_n to_o alter_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n be_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n who_o do_v so_o much_o press_v for_o a_o command_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o warrant_v what_o you_o do_v to_o show_v i_o where_o there_o be_v any_o command_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o approve_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o subject_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o soveraigre_fw-fr to_o swear_v and_o make_v other_o to_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n though_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o public_a reformation_n sect._n 8._o i_o must_v needs_o profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o or_o can_v upon_o my_o own_o search_n find_v any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o new_a indeed_o i_o find_v general_a precept_n for_o christian_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o principality_n and_o power_n 1_o pet._n 3.1_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o under-governour_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n but_o nothing_o that_o may_v give_v warrant_n for_o this_o practice_n for_o subject_n to_o bind_v themselves_o or_o other_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o those_o humane_a creation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o submit_v for_o the_o lord_n sake_n neither_o by_o a_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o swear_v a_o public_a reformation_n without_o or_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o which_o be_v observable_a all_o covenant-reformation_n from_o joshuahs_n time_n to_o josiahs_n time_n be_v regular_o command_v by_o the_o good_a reform_a king_n and_o chief_a ruler_n but_o none_o by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n against_o the_o cammand_n or_o consent_v of_o their_o sovereign_n the_o covenant_n that_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o 2_o king_n 23.3_o be_v make_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o king_n stand_v by_o the_o pillar_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v be_v not_o by_o they_o impose_v upon_o the_o king_n but_o the_o reform_a king_n 2_o chron._n 15.8_o 9_o 15._o compare_v after_o that_o asa_n have_v take_v away_o the_o abomination_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n verse_n 9_o he_o gather_v all_o judah_n together_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o asa_n they_o assemble_v not_o to_o make_v this_o oath_n at_o which_o all_o judah_n rejoice_v without_o the_o king_n authority_n by_o which_o he_o do_v gather_v they_o together_o sect._n 9_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o command_n or_o example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n approve_v this_o practice_n the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n forbid_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o tendency_n the_o scope_n of_o that_o place_n 1_o pet._n 3._o be_v to_o arm_v the_o christian_a church_n against_o that_o vile_a sect_n who_o call_v themselves_o gnostic_n as_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o other_o who_o teach_v among_o other_o thing_n destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n the_o doctrine_n of_o liberty_n and_o manumission_n to_o christian_a subject_n and_o servant_n as_o by_o consider_v of_o what_o follow_v to_o the_o 12._o verse_n may_v appear_v and_o thus_o now_o have_v from_o god_n law_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o subject_n yea_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n for_o public_a reformation_n without_o the_o consent_n or_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o king_n and_o that_o therefore_o consequent_o they_o be_v no_o lawful_a authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v a_o oath_n upon_o other_o sect._n 10._o this_o be_v consider_v i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v to_o resolve_v our_o conscience_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o lay_v and_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o its_o government_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v this_o very_a consideration_n shall_v put_v such_o of_o the_o ministry_n as_o be_v scrupulous_a to_o a_o little_a pause_n and_o make_v they_o to_o suspect_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o point_n all_o this_o while_n the_o resolve_v of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o different_a from_o those_o who_o subject_a matter_n be_v not_o so_o perplex_v intricate_a and_o doubtful_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lawyer_n the_o divine_a may_v prove_v but_o a_o blind_a guide_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o both_o will_v fall_v into_o the_o dutch_a sect._n 11._o i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v a_o very_a good_a direction_n which_o if_o we_o have_v follow_v at_o first_o may_v have_v prevent_v this_o inquiry_n now_o concern_v make_v vow_n and_o covent_n that_o no_o action_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o question_n and_o dispute_v especial_o of_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o vow_n and_o the_o instance_n that_o be_v give_v be_v in_o a_o case_n somewhat_o like_o we_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v lay_v to_o heart_n sie_z novatus_n novitios_n suos_fw-la compulit_fw-la ad_fw-la jurandum_fw-la ne_fw-la unquam_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la redieriat_fw-la euseb_n l._n 2._o eccles_n histor_n for_o novatus_n the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o great_a schism_n as_o i_o find_v in_o mr._n brinsley_n arraignment_n of_o schism_n for_o he_o to_o compel_v his_o novice_n which_o he_o have_v draw_v into_o that_o sin_n with_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n that_o they_o will_v never_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n never_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o more_o or_o submit_v to_o their_o jurisdiction_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o a_o very_a mild_a sense_n because_o doubtful_a sect._n 12._o and_o if_o the_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a among_o we_o when_o this_o covenant_n of_o endeavour_v to_o alter_v the_o church-government_n be_v impose_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o writing_n for_o and_o against_o the_o mode_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n almost_o ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n sutcliffe_n de_fw-fr presbyt_fw-la edit_fw-la 1591._o bilson_n perpetual_a church-government_n 1610._o with_o those_o contest_v which_o be_v betwixt_o dr._n downam_n and_o the_o diocesan_n trial_n much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n with_o many_o other_o and_o continue_v to_o the_o sit_v of_o the_o parliament_n call_v by_o the_o king_n 1640._o so_o that_o doubtless_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o disputable_a and_o to_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o oath_n we_o now_o find_v dangerous_a as_o i_o
thing_n mr._n ball_n say_v pag._n 11._o antichrist_n have_v unjust_o usurp_v the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v lawful_o lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o therefore_o if_o our_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n say_v he_o pag._n 12._o please_v the_o papist_n it_o be_v but_o in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o in_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n we_o come_v too_o nigh_o they_o in_o some_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n but_o with_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o ministration_n itself_o they_o can_v be_v please_v unless_o they_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o their_o own_o service_n and_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o religion_n sect._n 12._o sure_o methinks_v the_o judgement_n of_o this_o learned_a and_o moderate_a man_n may_v very_o much_o defend_v we_o against_o not_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o popery_n he_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o papist_n can_v be_v please_v with_o our_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o its_o ministration_n unless_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o religion_n but_o may_v cause_v such_o a_o daybreak_n of_o light_a to_o shine_v upon_o some_o of_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o declare_v they_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v no_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n as_o too_o many_o may_v apprehend_v from_o what_o have_v be_v within_o this_o year_n or_o two_o write_v to_o exasperate_v man_n mind_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o appear_v more_o evident_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o english_a liturgy_n and_o ceremony_n as_o they_o be_v by_o some_o apprehend_v to_o symbolize_v too_o much_o with_o the_o mass-book_n and_o be_v too_o like_o the_o same_o and_o that_o therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n conformity_n be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v absolute_o affirm_v plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la pag._n 30._o we_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o retain_v either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n or_o discipline_n any_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n sect._n 13._o i_o do_v profess_v before_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n out_o of_o any_o desire_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n when_o i_o first_o see_v this_o book_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v great_a notice_n how_o this_o authority_n do_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n convince_o prove_v the_o same_o for_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v doubtless_o unlawful_a to_o conform_v to_o the_o worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o statu_fw-la corrupto_fw-la in_o that_o stace_n wherein_o it_o be_v before_o reformation_n and_o be_v now_o in_o at_o this_o present_a time_n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a but_o that_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o few_o retain_v ceremony_n because_o that_o they_o symbolize_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a notwithstanding_o so_o confident_o affirm_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la for_o the_o same_o sect._n 14._o i_o do_v find_v indeed_o that_o mr._n ball_n do_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o if_o any_o have_v mistake_v the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n because_o that_o it_o have_v too_o much_o likelihood_n to_o the_o mass-book_n he_o say_v that_o have_v not_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n alone_o other_o have_v say_v and_o write_v so_o much_o that_o never_o condemn_v the_o use_n of_o the_o book_n or_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v pag._n 9_o from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o dislike_n of_o a_o form_n that_o do_v in_o something_o as_o be_v suppose_v symbolize_v with_o that_o form_n that_o be_v in_o a_o corrupt_a church_n and_o the_o condemn_v of_o it_o as_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a as_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la do_v and_o yet_o that_o i_o may_v deal_v faithful_o before_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v a_o good_a work_n tend_v to_o our_o heal_n if_o i_o shall_v offer_v but_o some_o honest_a inference_n from_o mr._n ball_n conclusion_n and_o concession_n that_o may_v take_v off_o that_o dislike_n may_v be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o may_v hinder_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n in_o declare_v their_o confo_fw-la rmity_n sect._n 15._o for_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v lawful_a and_o this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o much_o vindicate_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o may_v find_v further_o in_o pag._n 3._o where_o mr._n ball_n say_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n can_v prove_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o such_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o preuà il_v i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o offence_n take_v at_o its_o too_o much_o likelihood_n to_o the_o mass-book_n pag._n 9_o may_v be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o very_a reason_n that_o mr._n ball_n give_v for_o the_o same_o pag._n 12._o which_o he_o say_v be_v in_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n in_o a_o church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o keep_v to_o those_o external_a mode_n as_o to_o phrase_n of_o speech_n and_o rite_n for_o comeliness_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o have_v be_v most_o ancient_a in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o this_o do_v it_o not_o sufficient_o defer_v to_o answer_v what_o i_o find_v allege_v but_o not_o prove_v by_o mr._n ball_n pag._n 7._o as_o exception_n against_o the_o say_a book_n as_o in_o some_o point_n disagree_v with_o god_n word_n pag._n 7._o for_o which_o they_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a to_o subscribe_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o doubtless_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v by_o mr._n ball_n own_o doctrine_n sect._n 16._o i_o say_v forbear_v to_o speak_v further_o to_o these_o particular_n be_v but_o the_o same_o objection_n make_v by_o mr._n josias_n nicholls_n and_o other_o nonconformist_n long_o before_o which_o i_o shall_v through_o divine_a assistance_n speak_v more_o particular_o to_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n i_o shall_v desire_v that_o what_o mr._n ball_n do_v declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o his_o time_n that_o do_v judge_v the_o book_n in_o the_o form_n thereof_o so_o nigh_o the_o papist_n pag._n 15._o may_v be_v consider_v who_o say_v that_o herein_o they_o show_v but_o what_o they_o judge_v most_o convenient_a not_o condemn_v the_o book_n for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o so_o that_o some_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n of_o our_o time_n be_v go_v much_o beyond_o this_o pious_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o upon_o this_o argument_n do_v but_o only_o show_v what_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o admonition_n and_o other_o in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a to_o use_v a_o form_n so_o near_o the_o papist_n but_o he_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n himself_o be_v more_o wise_a then_o to_o judge_v in_o a_o case_n already_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v against_o by_o his_o law_n in_o his_o word_n sect._n 17._o but_o though_o mr._n ball_n be_v so_o modest_a yet_o mr._n plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la be_v more_o magisterial_a who_o as_o you_o have_v read_v out_o of_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o retain_v any_o conformity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o worship_n or_o discipline_n come_v we_o therefore_o to_o examine_v his_o ground_n for_o it_o pag._n 30._o and_o because_o we_o know_v from_o whence_o i_o observe_v many_o head_n be_v lay_v together_o to_o form_v this_o argument_n this_o will_v hardly_o down_o by_o any_o reason_n we_o can_v lay_v before_o you_o we_o shall_v commend_v this_o argument_n to_o you_o under_o the_o credit_n of_o your_o right_a learned_a prelate_n jewel_n please_v you_o to_o peruse_v pag._n 325_o 326._o of_o his_o defence_n the_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n at_o who_o person_n it_o please_v you_o so_o rude_o to_o scoff_n say_v jewel_n to_o harding_n mr._n doctor_n harding_n use_v to_o scoff_n at_o calvin_n and_o zuingliùs_fw-la and_o to_o upbraid_v jewel_n with_o they_o that_o refuse_v either_o to_o go_v in_o your_o apparel_n or_o otherwise_o to_o show_v themselves_o note_n sir_n like_a unto_o you_o have_v age_n sufficient_a and_o can_v answer_v for_o themselves_o notwithstanding_o thus_o much_o i_o will_v
sign_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o gracious_a goodness_n towards_o they_o and_o that_o matrimony_n signify_v h_o to_o we_o the_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n sect._n 24._o to_o begin_v now_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o first_o proof_n though_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o confirmation_n be_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n whereby_o person_n baptise_a may_v receive_v strength_n and_o defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a misapprehension_n and_o huge_a mistake_n about_o this_o ordinance_n of_o confirmation_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o desire_v what_o i_o now_o offer_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 25._o imposition_n or_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v be_v not_o of_o mere_a humane_a invention_n but_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 6.2_o he_o do_v reckon_v it_o among_o one_o of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n join_v it_o with_o the_o initiate_a ordinance_n of_o baptism_n i_o say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n follow_v next_o in_o order_n after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n now_o for_o the_o warrant_n of_o this_o practice_n now_o in_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o give_v example_n from_o scripture_n second_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o former_a age_n in_o act_n 8.14_o when_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ver_fw-la 13._o they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n which_o be_v apostle_n also_o from_o whence_o by_o the_o way_n if_o peter_n have_v be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o will_v have_v send_v some_o of_o those_o apostle_n that_o send_v he_o to_o confirm_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o when_o they_o come_v thither_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o baptise_a person_n ver_fw-la 15._o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n both_o in_o its_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o save_a grace_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v and_o receive_v strength_n against_o all_o temptation_n now_o after_o this_o prayer_n what_o do_v they_o they_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o then_o ver_fw-la 17._o behold_v here_o a_o scripture-warrant_a for_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v receive_v strength_n and_o defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 26._o now_o that_o this_o ordinance_n continue_v in_o the_o charch_n of_o god_n after_o the_o apostle_n day_n what_o i_o have_v read_v allege_v by_o st._n jerome_n do_v prove_v the_o same_o say_v he_o in_o his_o book_n advers._fw-la lucifer_n cap._n 4._o i_o deny_v not_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v go_v abroad_o and_o impose_v hand_n pray_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o they_o who_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o off_o in_o lesser_a city_n have_v all_o ealy_a baptise_a i_o desire_v that_o this_o proof_n may_v be_v well_o consider_v of_o for_o it_o be_v serviceable_a beside_o the_o end_n for_o which_o i_o bring_v it_o to_o inform_v also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o scruple_n about_o deacon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o better_a understand_v i_o shall_v make_v it_o into_o these_o proposition_n first_o that_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n before_o st._n jeromes_n time_n second_o that_o this_o ceremony_n be_v attend_v with_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n three_o that_o the_o person_n thus_o confirm_v by_o this_o sign_n and_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o be_v already_o baptize_v by_o the_o deacon_n and_o presbyter_n to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o add_v but_o this_o observation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o what_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o st._n jeromes_n day_n there_o be_v three_o degree_n of_o order_n in_o the_o gospel-ministry_n or_o ministerial_a function_n viz._n a_o bishop_n a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o deacon_n sect._n 27._o and_o thus_o have_v communicate_v my_o thought_n upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n as_o to_o this_o ordinance_n of_o consirmation_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o those_o that_o be_v offend_v at_o what_o the_o rubric_n mention_n before_o confirmation_n as_o to_o the_o second_o proof_n i_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o for_o have_v so_o full_o clear_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o they_o affirm_v in_o their_o last_o prayer_n at_o confirmation_n and_o therefore_o this_o sign_n of_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n be_v no_o sign_n or_o ceremony_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o by_o divine_a right_n it_o may_v charitable_o be_v conclude_v that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n thereof_o may_v thereby_o be_v certify_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o gracious_a goodness_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v baptize_v but_o have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o have_v have_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o to_o receive_v strength_n and_o defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n to_o sin_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 28._o and_o thus_o now_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n bring_v by_o mr._n nicholls_n for_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o matrimony_n to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n sufficient_a for_o refusal_n of_o a_o universal_a subscription_n chap._n xi_o that_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o ceremony_n which_o have_v significancy_n in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a prove_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o foreign_a and_o our_o own_o modern_a divine_n both_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n section_n 1._o because_o that_o i_o find_v this_o principle_n so_o well_o improve_v once_o that_o this_o charge_n be_v fasten_v upon_o all_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o have_v any_o significancy_n in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o that_o to_o this_o day_n though_o so_o much_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o church_n beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n may_v order_v a_o hundred_o thing_n which_o reason_n and_o nature_n itself_o teach_v all_o sober_a person_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o without_o some_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v perform_v or_o will_v be_v undecent_o perform_v discourse_v of_o liturgy_n pag._n 88_o yet_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o authority_n to_o appoint_v significative_a ceremony_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n to_o affect_v the_o understanding_n this_o be_v to_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o institute_v sacrament_n as_o mr._n nicholls_n say_v of_o old_a sect._n 9_o pag._n 88_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o denial_n i_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o against_o significant_a ceremony_n we_o believe_v they_o reducible_a to_o no_o command_n which_o be_v his_o great_a argument_n against_o a_o impose_v liturgy_n we_o find_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o sect._n 2._o i_o be_o in_o great_a hope_n that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o scripture_n or_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v account_v for_o godly_a and_o learned_a now_o above_o all_o interest_n or_o right_a reason_n prove_v the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o incline_v those_o that_o be_v concern_v unfeigned_o and_o universal_o to_o assent_v consent_n and_o conform_v to_o all_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n with_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n according_a to_o the_o act_n for_o unformity_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o distinction_n concern_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n viz._n of_o moral_a and_o sacramental_a a_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n may_v be_v significative_a and_o represent_v spiritual_a object_n to_o our_o understanding_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o sacramental_a ceremony_n sect._n 3_o for_o a_o sacrament_n according_a as_o i_o learn_v when_o a_o child_n be_v thus_o define_v to_o be_v a_o sign_n
to_o represent_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v and_o a_o instrument_n to_o convey_v grace_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v that_o where_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v it_o be_v no_o sacrament_n a_o ceremony_n may_v be_v as_o a_o sign_n to_o signify_v or_o present_v to_o our_o understanding_n a_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o moral_a duty_n but_o be_v not_o affirm_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v as_o instrument_n to_o confer_v grace_n or_o to_o be_v as_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n such_o a_o ceremony_n though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o moral_a and_o spirituull_a use_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sacrament_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v to_o use_v such_o be_v no_o addition_n to_o god_n word_n or_o sacrament_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v no_o addition_n of_o a_o sacrament_n to_o a_o sacrament_n as_o be_v often_o say_v but_o only_o a_o sign_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a duty_n wherein_o if_o we_o fail_v christ_n in_o who_o name_n we_o have_v be_v baptize_v will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n my_o argument_n at_o present_a be_v somewhat_o considerable_a i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n forbid_v any_o such_o mystical_a and_o significant_a ceremony_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n sect._n 4._o i_o now_o proceed_v through_o divine_a assistance_n to_o offer_v to_o consideration_n what_o i_o have_v propound_v to_o prove_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n about_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n desire_v such_o as_o will_v be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v to_o consult_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o godly_a and_o leaaned_a man_n mr._n john_n randall_n who_o in_o his_o most_o excellent_a lecture_n of_o the_o church_n publish_v by_o that_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n mr._n william_n holbrooke_n and_o his_o son-in-law_n mr._n ithiel_n smart_v late_a minister_n of_o ashby_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr zouch_n do_v most_o clear_o and_o solia_o discourse_v on_o this_o subject_n who_o though_o you_o shall_v find_v very_o exact_a and_o strict_a in_o affirm_v the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_v any_o mattter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n xxv_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n pag._n 131._o which_o he_o prove_v by_o clear_a and_o pregnant_a scripture_n and_o strong_a reason_n yet_o he_o grant_v nay_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o thesis_n or_o proposition_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o scripture_n and_o give_v four_o reason_n for_o it_o pag._n 145._o viz._n that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n among_o which_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n speak_v of_o the_o bound_n the_o church_n be_v to_o keep_v in_o ordain_v matter_n of_o ceremony_n under_o this_o head_n that_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n sect._n 5._o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n or_o vindication_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o ceremony_n in_o general_a and_o these_o two_o significant_a one_o the_o surplice_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n i_o shall_v presume_v to_o give_v you_o in_o my_o poor_a and_o weak_a observation_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o forth_o illustration_n and_o i_o argue_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v without_o superstition_n or_o will-worship_n and_o may_v be_v subscribe_v as_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n now_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o lawful_o make_v use_n of_o terrene_a and_o common_a thing_n to_o represent_v to_o their_o understanding_n spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n and_o to_o mind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v never_o have_v repeesent_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o such_o thing_n whereby_o his_o spiritual_a worth_n and_o usefulness_n may_v be_v the_o more_o evident_o present_v to_o our_o understanding_n how_o often_o do_v he_o by_o meat_n and_o drink_n by_o a_o vine_n a_o door_n and_o such_o like_a affect_v our_o understanding_n with_o his_o usefulness_n and_o worth_n now_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v sanctify_v by_o his_o own_o example_n be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v sect._n 6._o true_a it_o be_v some_o thing_n there_o be_v about_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v particular_o forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o to_o the_o make_n to_o ourselves_o any_o grave_a image_n though_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o or_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n but_o any_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v whereby_o we_o may_v signify_v our_o inward_a worship_n of_o god_n this_o be_v warrantable_a we_o do_v not_o find_v our_o saviour_n condemn_v the_o publican_n for_o use_v that_o significant_a ceremony_n of_o smite_v upon_o his_o heart_n while_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n though_o doubtless_o it_o may_v signify_v how_o angry_a he_o be_v with_o his_o wicked_a heart_n from_o whence_o all_o evil_a spring_n by_o smite_v upon_o the_o place_n of_o its_o residence_n the_o breast_n though_o i_o can_v find_v no_o command_n for_o this_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o against_o which_o mr._n josias_n nicholls_n so_o except_v against_o as_o a_o sacrament_n that_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o marriage_n because_o that_o it_o signify_v as_o the_o church_n express_v it_o the_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n sure_o we_o may_v make_v use_n even_o of_o this_o representation_n by_o matrimony_n to_o endear_v our_o affection_n to_o christ_n our_o spiritual_a spouse_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o will-worship_n or_o superstition_n because_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v from_o this_o very_a argument_n press_v husband_n to_o love_v their_o wife_n eph._n 5.15_o 32._o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o know_v of_o matrimonial_a love_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o love_n christ_n with_o a_o conjugal_a affection_n sect._n 7._o and_o may_v we_o not_o lawful_o use_v such_o common_a thing_n in_o themselves_o to_o affect_v our_o understanding_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v never_o teach_v we_o by_o they_o it_o be_v no_o superstition_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o affection_n that_o we_o see_v in_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o if_o this_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v do_v without_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n god_n himself_o will_v never_o teach_v we_o by_o such_o representation_n say_v he_o can_v a_o mother_n forget_v her_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forget_v thou_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n of_o confess_v of_o christ_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o engage_v we_o then_o the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o he_o endure_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o despise_v the_o shame_n thereof_o for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o use_n thereof_o in_o baptism_n be_v lawful_a sect._n 8._o now_o though_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a ordinance_n even_o that_o of_o the_o supper_n to_o remember_v we_o of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n if_o it_o be_v not_o superstitious_a yet_o it_o be_v superfluous_a it_o may_v be_v consider_v of_o that_o beside_o a_o ordinance_n appoint_v of_o god_n for_o a_o general_a use_n it_o be_v warrantable_a to_o make_v use_n of_o particular_a reembrance_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o our_o duty_n though_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a command_n for_o they_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v most_o strict_o tie_v to_o particular_a circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o for_o to_o keep_v up_o particular_a remembrance_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n to_o witness_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n to_o avoid_v contention_n in_o after-age_n and_o such_o like_a end_n refer_v to_o religion_n they_o have_v without_o any_o particular_a command_n from_o god_n institute_v significant_a sign_n for_o the_o purpose_n aforesaid_a sect._n 9_o pass_v by_o many_o i_o
the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o purity_n piety_n and_o peace_n will_v not_o have_v be_v please_v with_o this_o decree_n or_o canon_n but_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 15._o and_o therefore_o no_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o command_v it_o and_o certain_o have_v not_o this_o decree_n be_v yield_v unto_o by_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 23._o who_o testify_v their_o conformity_n to_o it_o by_o their_o rejoice_v at_o the_o consolation_n when_o it_o be_v read_v ver_fw-la 31._o this_o very_a decree_n have_v occasion_v as_o hot_a contention_n and_o as_o great_a scandal_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o be_v before_o among_o the_o jew_n sect._n 10._o but_o these_o good_a heart_n be_v peaceable_o mind_v do_v not_o say_v see_v here_o these_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o church-government_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o countryman_n and_o whereas_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v pure_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o please_v the_o jew_n be_v disciple_n of_o moses_n also_o our_o old_a superstitious_a pagan_a priest_n never_o put_v such_o a_o restraint_n upon_o we_o as_o this_o sure_o if_o we_o observe_v this_o canon_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v they_o introduce_v more_o and_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o gentile_n be_v convert_v will_v by_o degree_n be_v altogether_o corrupt_v with_o jewish_a ceremony_n but_o we_o find_v instead_o of_o such_o perverse_a dispute_n that_o such_o be_v their_o primitive_a peace_n unity_n and_o charity_n that_o they_o do_v rejoice_v at_o this_o decree_n and_o cheerful_o observe_v it_o sect._n 11._o and_o if_o god_n will_v give_v to_o we_o but_o the_o same_o humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o charitable_a mind_n these_o discord_n and_o difference_n about_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n will_v huge_o be_v heal_v by_o obedience_n to_o this_o act_n for_o uniformity_n and_o thus_o now_o have_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n aforesaid_a viz._n from_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o wholesome_a counsel_n of_o mr._n john_n randall_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v this_o great_a stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o conformity_n viz._n the_o suppose_a scandal_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o weak_a christian_n thereby_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o what_o follow_v in_o mr._n randall_n counsel_n as_o a_o remedy_n further_o in_o this_o case_n say_v he_o pag._n 148._o but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n sect._n 12._o it_o be_v too_o too_o evident_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o say_a controversy_n to_o this_o day_n it_o have_v not_o have_v that_o desire_a effect_n but_o many_o have_v and_o may_v be_v still_o unsatisfy_v not_o because_o their_o argument_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n be_v weak_a but_o because_o they_o be_v probable_o weak_a in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o they_o the_o light_n may_v shine_v but_o the_o darkness_n not_o comprehend_v it_o but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v must_v he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n no_o say_v he_o this_o will_v be_v great_a uncharitableness_n but_o in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v three_o rule_n of_o direction_n first_o he_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v he_o must_v not_o be_v tenacious_a of_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o yet_o rest_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o nonconformist_n though_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n but_o he_o must_v labour_v and_o take_v pain_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v second_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o make_v a_o rent_n for_o schism_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n three_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v overbear_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n till_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o then_o in_o disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n if_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n will_v but_o practise_v this_o rule_n the_o one_o not_o lay_v down_o their_o ministry_n the_o other_o not_o censure_n and_o judge_v they_o for_o conform_v till_o they_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n aforesaid_a some_o lecture_n in_o the_o city_n have_v not_o so_o sudden_o be_v lay_v down_o neither_o will_v many_o good_a christian_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o fear_n as_o yet_o they_o be_v leave_v for_o these_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o their_o conformity_n thereunto_o they_o shall_v proceed_v further_o consider_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o what_o this_o reverend_a person_n say_v further_a i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o disobey_v the_o christian_n magistrate_n except_o that_o i_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a now_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a but_o my_o conscience_n be_v doubtful_a of_o it_o and_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o run_v into_o a_o know_a sin_n because_o that_o i_o will_v avoid_v a_o sin_n only_o fear_v sect._n 13._o i_o beseech_v you_o all_o therefore_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o shall_v read_v these_o passage_n serious_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o for_o be_v these_o counsel_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n but_o believe_v and_o practise_v we_o who_o now_o be_v in_o very_o great_a strait_n some_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o minister_n other_o perhaps_o doubtful_a lest_o that_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n they_o shall_v either_o betray_v the_o truth_n as_o they_o suppose_v or_o their_o ministry_n and_o liberty_n may_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o all_o their_o fear_n and_o danger_n and_o be_v preserve_v from_o sin_v and_o suffer_v also_o sect._n 14._o now_o because_o that_o there_o lie_v a_o strong_a objection_n against_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o some_o minister_n can_v declare_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n the_o 39_o article_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unfeigned_o and_o universal_o yet_o they_o can_v according_a to_o the_o act_n receive_v ordination_n by_o the_o bishop_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n lest_o they_o shall_v sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o my_o propose_a method_n proceed_v to_o discourse_v of_o this_o four_o proposition_n which_o follow_v chap._n xv._o that_o to_o receive_v ordination_n from_o the_o bishop_n though_o ordain_v before_o by_o presbyter_n be_v lawful_a section_n 1._o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o which_o make_v the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v more_o complete_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o lawful_a and_o warrantable_a but_o to_o receive_v ordination_n from_o bishop_n though_o ordain_v before_o by_o presbyter_n make_v the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n sect._n 2._o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o find_v that_o the_o right_a way_n of_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o minister_n that_o answer_v bishop_n hall_n 1641._o be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n joint_a act_n they_o say_v pag._n 25._o that_o by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1_o tim_n 4_o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o that_o ordination_n of_o minister_n must_v be_v a_o joint_a act_n neither_o of_o the_o bishop_n alone_o or_o of_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o but_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n together_o sect._n 3_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o find_v affirm_v by_o the_o say_a minister_n pag._n 37._o to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n but_o of_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n which_o bound_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n also_o consil_n 4._o carthag_n can._n 22._o first_o in_o all_o his_o ordination_n to_o consul_n with_o his_o clergy_n second_o in_o his_o ordination_n to_o take_v the_o concurrent_a assistance_n of_o his_o presbyter_n cum_fw-la ordinatur_fw-la presbyter_n episcopo_fw-la eum_fw-la benedicente_fw-la &_o manum_fw-la super_fw-la ejus_fw-la tenente_fw-la etiam_fw-la omnes_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la qui_fw-la present_n sunt_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la juxta_fw-la manum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la caput_fw-la illius_fw-la teneant_fw-la in_o which_o canon_n we_o have_v the_o unanimous_a vote_n
for_o uniformity_n may_v be_v lawful_o observe_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v this_o have_v be_v my_o work_n and_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o by_o the_o concession_n of_o several_a pious_a nonconformist_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o by_o what_o i_o have_v allege_v from_o mr._n baxter_n five_o disput._n first_n that_o a_o uniformity_n in_o god_n pulick_a worship_n by_o obedience_n to_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n second_o that_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o three_o that_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o 39_o article_n of_o religion_n four_o that_o to_o receive_v ordination_n from_o bishop_n though_o ordain_v before_o by_o presbyter_n five_o to_o declare_v against_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o all_o these_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a sect._n 11._o consider_v therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v your_o conscience_n safe_a and_o sound_a be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n of_o our_o superior_n rom._n 13._o it_o be_v give_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v obey_v our_o superior_n even_o for_o conscience_n sake_n for_o if_o conscience_n be_v true_o tender_a it_o will_v check_v and_o chide_v we_o for_o our_o disobedience_n and_o our_o heart_n will_v smite_v we_o for_o the_o same_o for_o take_v heed_n therefore_o as_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n of_o this_o delusion_n in_o plead_v conscience_n for_o disobedience_n for_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o deceitful_a we_o be_v very_o apt_a so_o to_o do_v i_o have_v in_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o hope_v make_v public_a that_o christian_a compassion_n and_o charity_n within_o i_o to_o the_o end_n that_o what_o i_o fear_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o nonconformity_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o sure_o except_o the_o decree_n be_v go_v forth_o against_o we_o for_o that_o general_a impenitency_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o party_n for_o our_o new_a sin_n since_o new_a rare_a and_o unexpected_a mercy_n receive_v and_o the_o continuance_n in_o our_o old_a one_o sect._n 12._o i_o shall_v hope_v through_o the_o great_a piety_n wisdom_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o press_v more_o for_o the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o the_o form_n and_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o command_n in_o both_o these_o black_a cloud_n of_o god_n anger_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o fear_n do_v still_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n may_v be_v blow_v over_o our_o discord_n and_o division_n about_o these_o matter_n of_o mode_n in_o worship_n and_o government_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v both_o our_o sin_n and_o punishment_n may_v be_v heal_v and_o that_o spirit_n which_o i_o fear_v in_o many_o that_o at_o this_o day_n lu_v not_o after_o envy_n but_o blood_n again_o may_v be_v subdue_v by_o a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n anb_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n sect._n 13._o in_o order_n to_o all_o this_o i_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n lay_v before_o you_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n be_v the_o way_n to_o unity_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o once_o more_o be_v persuade_v to_o improve_v it_o by_o your_o practice_n i_o have_v as_o i_o say_v before_o show_v what_o be_v require_v may_v lawful_o be_v do_v without_o sin_n i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v you_o that_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o grant_v i_o these_o two_o request_n that_o i_o find_v make_v in_o five_o disput_fw-la pag._n 271._o first_o that_o before_o you_o let_v out_o your_o displeasure_n against_o i_o for_o contradict_v any_o of_o your_o conceit_n receive_v opinion_n and_o tradition_n you_o will_v humble_o impartial_o and_o with_o modest_a self-suspition_n both_o study_n and_o pray_v over_o what_o you_o shall_v read_v write_v by_o so_o weak_a and_o worthless_a a_o one_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o what_o i_o now_o offer_v come_v to_o your_o view_n as_o a_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n for_o information_n in_o these_o doubtful_a matter_n second_o the_o next_o request_n of_o mr._n baxter_n which_o i_o make_v be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v always_o keep_v the_o faith_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christian_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o the_o great_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o christianity_n before_o you_o and_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o venture_v upon_o any_o controvert_v point_n or_o practice_n that_o contradict_v the_o church_n unity_n peace_n and_o holiness_n sect._n 14._o oh_o sir_n if_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o keep_v that_o faith_n charity_n self-denial_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christian_n upon_o your_o heart_n it_o will_v keep_v you_o from_o set_v your_o wit_n on_o work_n as_o you_o be_v scholar_n in_o this_o juncture_n of_o time_n to_o give_v a_o seem_a answer_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v not_o as_o a_o disputant_n have_v never_o be_v so_o high_a as_o a_o sophomore_n in_o the_o school_n but_o as_o a_o compassionate_a advocate_n for_o the_o church_n unity_n peace_n and_o holiness_n which_o last_n can_v better_o be_v promote_v then_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o ministry_n i_o say_v this_o faith_n charity_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o christian_n tenderness_n keep_v close_o to_o your_o heart_n at_o this_o time_n will_v keep_v you_o not_o only_o from_o controvert_v point_n which_o contradict_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o also_o from_o such_o practice_n which_o may_v contradict_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n also_o and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o church_n in_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n sect._n 15._o how_o much_o disobedience_n to_o the_o act_n for_o uniformity_n together_o with_o the_o deprivation_n of_o some_o minister_n thereby_o for_o the_o same_o may_v obstruct_v the_o church_n unity_n and_o peace_n may_v contradict_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n may_v hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n may_v gratify_v the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o romish_a jesuit_n i_o wish_v you_o may_v not_o see_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o repent_v thereof_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o with_o that_o pathetic_a cry_n for_o audience_n that_o come_v from_o jotham_n when_o he_o utter_v his_o parable_n judg._n 9.7_o harken_v unto_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v unto_o you._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n these_o book_n follow_v with_o other_o be_v print_v for_o nath._n brook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o cornhill_n excellent_a tract_n in_o divinity_n controversy_n sermon_n devotious_a 1._o catholic_a history_n collect_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n council_n and_o ancient_a father_n in_o answer_n to_o dr._n vane_n lose_v sheep_n return_v home_o by_o edward_n chesenhale_n esq_n octava_fw-la 2._o bishop_n morton_n on_o the_o sacrament_n folio_n 3._o grand_fw-fr sacrilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o take_v away_o the_o sacred_a cup_n from_o the_o laity_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o daniel_n feat_o quarto_fw-la 4._o quaker_n cause_n at_o second_o hear_v be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o their_o tenet_n 5._o re-assertion_n of_o grace_n vindiciae_fw-la evingelii_n or_o vindication_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o reply_n to_o mr._n anthony_n burges's_fw-fr vindiciae_fw-la legis_fw-la and_o to_o mr._n rutherford_n by_o rob._n town_n 6._o anabaptist_n anatomize_v and_o silence_v or_o a_o dispute_n with_o mr._n tomb_n by_o mr._n i._n cragg_n where_o all_o may_v receive_v clear_a satisfaction_n 7._o a_o cabinet-jewel_n wherein_o be_v man_n misery_n and_o god_n mercy_n set_v forth_o in_o eight_o sermon_n with_o a_o appendix_n concern_v tithe_n and_o expediency_n of_o marriage_n in_o public_o assembly_n by_o the_o same_o author_n mr._n j._n cragg_n 8._o a_o glimpse_n of_o divine_a light_n be_v a_o explication_n of_o some_o passage_n exhibit_v to_o the_o commissioner_n at_o whitehall_n for_o approbation_n of_o public_a preacher_n against_o j._n harrison_n of_o land-chappel_n lancashire_n 9_o the_o zealous_a magistrate_n a_o sermon_n by_o t._n threscot_n quarto_n 10._o new_a jerusalem_n in_o a_o sermon_n for_o the_o society_n of_o astrologer_n quarto_n in_o the_o year_n 1651._o 11._o divinity_z no_o enemy_n to_o astrology_n a_o sermon_n for_o the_o society_n of_o astrologer_n in_o the_o year_n 1653._o by_o dr._n thomas_n swaddle_a 12._o britannia_fw-la rediviva_fw-la a_o sermon_n before_o the_o judges_n august_n 1648._o by_o j._n shaw_n minister_n of_o hull_n 13._o the_o princess_n royal_a
conscience_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n therefore_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o take_v arm_n against_o the_o king_n be_v warrant_v and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n sect._n 5._o and_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v abhor_v that_o traitorous_a position_n of_o take_v arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n or_o against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n also_o the_o scripture_n which_o command_v we_o to_o honour_v the_o king_n 1_o pet._n 3._o mean_v his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o authority_n it_o be_v so_o doubtless_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o natural_a parent_n who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n command_v 5._o that_o we_o honour_v their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o their_o authority_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o our_o political_a parent_n further_o if_o i_o be_o to_o obey_v those_o which_o be_v commission_v by_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o if_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n 1_o pet._n 3._o then_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o those_o that_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a sect._n 6._o to_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v separable_a from_o his_o person_n and_o that_o i_o may_v take_v up_o arm_n by_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o person_n it_o be_v high_a treason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o traitorous_a position_n sir_n edward_n coke_n in_o the_o 7._o part_n of_o his_o report_n in_o calvin_n case_n say_v thus_o fol._n 11._o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o the_o spencer_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o cover_v the_o treason_n hatch_v in_o their_o heart_n invent_v this_o damnable_a opinion_n that_o homage_n or_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v more_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o king_n crown_n or_o authority_n then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n upon_o which_o opinion_n they_o infer_v these_o execrable_a and_o detestable_a consequence_n first_o if_o the_o king_n do_v not_o deem_v in_o he_o by_o reason_n in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n his_o liege_n be_v bind_v by_o oath_n to_o remove_v he_o second_o see_v the_o king_n can_v not_o be_v remove_v by_o suit_n of_o law_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v per_fw-la aspertee_n that_o be_v by_o force_n three_o that_o his_o liege_n be_v bind_v to_o govern_v in_o aid_n of_o he_o and_o default_n of_o he_o all_o which_o be_v condemn_v by_o two_o parliament_n one_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o call_v exilium_fw-la hugonis_fw-la le_fw-fr opencer_n the_o other_o by_o the_o first_o of_o edward_n the_o three_o chap._n 2._o all_o which_o article_n against_o the_o spencer_n be_v confirm_v by_o this_o last_o statute_n the_o article_n as_o i_o have_v read_v be_v extant_a in_o the_o book_n call_v veter_fw-la a_o statuta_fw-la sect._n 7._o now_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v as_o to_o our_o humiliation_n for_o what_o be_v past_a as_o to_o our_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o as_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o not_o bind_v power_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v against_o the_o take_n up_o of_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o thus_o now_o have_v turn_v my_o heart_n inside_n outward_a and_o show_v you_o what_o do_v satisfy_v my_o conscience_n and_o may_v any_o other_o i_o suppose_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o declare_v that_o i_o do_v hold_v there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o i_o or_o any_o other_o person_n from_o the_o oath_n or_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o alteration_n or_o change_n of_o government_n and_o how_o the_o same_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o unlawful_a oath_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o realm_n against_o the_o know_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n sect._n 8._o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o counsel_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v follow_v which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v find_v into_o which_o any_o minister_n or_o other_o have_v enter_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o land_n in_o this_o case_n they_o must_v teach_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o such_o oath_n call_v for_o repentance_n not_o pertinacy_n in_o they_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o there_o be_v in_o you_o any_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n either_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n body_n estate_n with_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n or_o likewise_o to_o all_o these_o great_a concern_v of_o other_o which_o now_o lie_v at_o hazard_n by_o your_o mean_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o sect._n 9_o you_o especial_o who_o do_v more_o peradventure_o scruple_n the_o declare_v against_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o many_o call_v independent_o do_v long_o ago_o call_v it_o a_o almanac_n out_o of_o date_n or_o the_o scotch_a hook_n be_v please_v to_o take_v these_o thing_n into_o your_o calm_a and_o christian_a consideration_n you_o more_o especial_o who_o have_v not_o corrupt_v your_o conscience_n by_o the_o purchase_n and_o possess_v yourselves_o of_o any_o of_o the_o king_n land_n in_o law_n call_v patrimonium_fw-la sacrum_fw-la lex_fw-la terrae_fw-la pag._n 5._o or_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v sacrilege_n so_o to_o do_v oh_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o drive_v not_o on_o the_o design_n of_o those_o that_o we_o may_v suspect_v will_v fain_o involve_v we_o again_o in_o blood_n that_o they_o may_v lick_v up_o again_o those_o morsel_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o disgorge_v sect._n 10._o and_o let_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o your_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o ministry_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o great_a doubtfulness_n at_o least_o of_o what_o you_o scruple_n as_o to_o the_o bince_a power_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o alter_v or_o endeavour_v a_o change_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n or_o state_n the_o assurance_n that_o you_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o the_o body_n politic_a in_o this_o present_a act_n of_o parliament_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o incline_v to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o you_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o have_v prefaced_a so_o much_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o my_o intention_n iâ—_n this_o discourse_n that_o i_o shall_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n sect._n 11._o and_o because_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o do_v scruple_n obedience_n to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o impose_v form_n of_o prayer_n shall_v this_o scruple_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v remove_v this_o be_v great_o argue_v against_o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o temperate_a discourse_n about_o liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v yield_v to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n yet_o not_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v assume_v by_o the_o author_n of_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la to_o be_v tantum_n non_fw-la the_o mass-book_n by_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n not_o to_o be_v use_v have_v be_v offer_v up_o to_o a_o idol_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n requite_v every_o minister_n pag._n 77._o to_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o clurch_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o by_o law_n establish_v sect._n 12._o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n proceed_v by_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o these_o two_o aforesaid_a author_n make_v evident_a the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o law_n begin_v first_o more_o general_o with_o what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o liturgy_n a_o book_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v too_o much_o commend_v by_o some_o i_o much_o honour_n and_o then_o particular_o by_o remove_v what_o be_v say_v by_o plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la against_o the_o public_a liturgy_n as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o that_o uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n by_o obedience_n to_o a_o impose_v form_n be_v lawful_a section_n 1._o concern_v uniformity_n in_o public_a worship_n i_o have_v