Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n church_n controversy_n infallible_a 2,534 5 9.3698 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41450 A serious and compassionate inquiry into the causes of the present neglect and contempt of the Protestant religion and Church of England with several seasonable considerations offer'd to all English Protestants, tending to perswade them to a complyance with and conformity to the religion and government of this church as it is established by the laws of the Kingdom. Goodman, John, 1625 or 6-1690. 1674 (1674) Wing G1120; ESTC R28650 105,843 292

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v most_o practicable_a in_o the_o case_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o many_o and_o great_a schism_n as_o they_o have_v labour_v under_o former_o yet_o now_o glory_v in_o their_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o upbraid_v all_o other_o with_o their_o respective_a distraction_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o some_o remarkable_a skill_n and_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v advise_v withal_o and_o they_o attribute_v a_o admirable_a efficacy_n to_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o by_o way_n of_o prevention_n they_o prescribe_v that_o the_o people_n be_v keep_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o then_o they_o suppose_v they_o will_v never_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o dispute_n nor_o themselves_o with_o scruple_n let_v they_o but_o be_v blind_a enough_o and_o they_o will_v swallow_v many_o a_o fly_n that_o other_o strain_n and_o boggle_v at_o keep_v they_o up_o in_o the_o dark_a like_o bird_n or_o wild_a beast_n and_o you_o will_v render_v they_o tame_v and_o manageable_a they_o affirm_v picture_n to_o be_v book_n good_a enough_o for_o the_o laity_n and_o say_v those_o be_v the_o best_a sheep_n that_o know_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o fold_n the_o priest_n lip_n they_o confess_v shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n but_o so_o they_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o people_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o they_o have_v it_o themselves_o or_o no._n this_o opiate_n or_o stupefactive_a ignorance_n these_o empiric_n mighty_o cry_v up_o and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o go_v but_o over_o into_o spain_n or_o italy_n and_o you_o shall_v observe_v what_o strange_a cure_v it_o have_v do_v it_o have_v make_v as_o sagacious_a people_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n natural_o so_o far_o from_o dispute_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o scarce_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v administer_v but_o a_o large_a do_v of_o this_o and_o it_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n the_o plague_n of_o darkness_n have_v in_o egypt_n that_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o stir_v out_o of_o his_o place_n but_o this_o advice_n how_o successful_a soever_o it_o have_v be_v in_o other_o place_n will_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o england_n for_o two_o reason_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v commendable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o come_v too_o late_o for_o the_o people_n of_o england_n know_v so_o much_o already_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o cure_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o that_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v more_o and_o as_o a_o excellent_a person_n have_v well_o observe_v concern_v atheism_n that_o a_o little_a smattering_n in_o philosophy_n dispose_v man_n to_o it_o by_o entangle_v they_o in_o second_o cause_n which_o they_o can_v explicate_v but_o a_o through_o insight_n into_o it_o lead_v they_o through_o that_o perplex_a maze_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v only_o superficial_a knowledge_n in_o christianity_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o our_o trouble_n when_o man_n think_v they_o know_v but_o do_v not_o or_o because_o they_o know_v a_o little_a conceit_n they_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a and_o hereupon_o refuse_v instruction_n and_o oppose_v their_o private_a opinion_n to_o the_o public_a wisdom_n whereas_o do_v these_o man_n see_v further_o into_o thing_n they_o will_v then_o discover_v a_o reason_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v now_o dissatisfy_v with_o or_o at_o least_o distrust_v their_o own_o understanding_n and_o grow_v modest_a and_o peaceable_a 2._o beside_o if_o this_o advice_n come_v timely_a yet_o we_o take_v the_o remedy_n to_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o we_o esteem_v it_o better_o if_o one_o be_v necessary_a to_o err_v like_o man_n than_o to_o be_v drive_v like_o beast_n or_o act_v like_o puppet_n the_o gospel_n church_n be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n but_o by_o this_o course_n of_o blind_a devotion_n and_o stupid_a ignorance_n it_o will_v become_v more_o like_a hell_n which_o they_o say_v have_v heat_n without_o light_n god_n in_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v consistent_a that_o those_o that_o pretend_v christ_n jesus_n be_v rise_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v think_v to_o worship_v this_o sun_n by_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o or_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o his_o light_n if_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o than_o this_o proposition_n will_v be_v true_a that_o the_o way_n to_o become_v good_a christian_n be_v to_o cease_v to_o be_v men._n 2._o second_o they_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n and_o this_o they_o so_o much_o magnify_v and_o represent_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o peace_n that_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o shall_v labour_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o expedient_n and_o only_o roll_v up_o a_o weight_n with_o infinite_a pain_n that_o will_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n return_v upon_o we_o again_o till_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o remedy_n but_o it_o be_v so_o mountebank-like_a to_o pretend_v to_o infallible_a cure_n that_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o these_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n before_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o the_o advice_n 1._o we_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o important_a a_o point_n as_o this_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n which_o it_o be_v pretend_v will_v secure_v the_o peace_n of_o all_o state_n preserve_v the_o concord_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o all_o church_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o atheist_n prevent_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o many_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o plain_o assert_v in_o scripture_n nor_o prove_v by_o reason_n nor_o better_o agree_v of_o among_o themselves_o that_o thus_o recommend_v it_o a_o man_n will_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v therefore_o of_o more_o value_n than_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o it_o hereupon_o depend_v what_o shall_v be_v so_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o those_o thing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o find_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v persuade_v by_o reason_n that_o one_o certain_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n less_o and_o then_o for_o scripture_n that_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n i_o e._n such_o as_o may_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v and_o most_o undoubted_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o christian_n as_o strong_a man_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n nor_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o weakness_n and_o practice_v mutual_a forbearance_n if_o it_o have_v intend_v any_o where_o to_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o umpire_n as_o shall_v have_v end_v all_o dispute_n and_o make_v all_o man_n equal_o certain_a but_o then_o for_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o where_o to_o lodge_v this_o infallibility_n whether_o in_o the_o pope_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o pope_n and_o consistory_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o all_o these_o together_o or_o in_o something_o else_o be_v for_o aught_o i_o see_v a_o question_n that_o need_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o determine_v 2._o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o all_o controversy_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o dispute_v end_v long_o ago_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o be_v pretend_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a judge_n to_o resort_v to_o now_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o give_v miraculous_a proof_n that_o they_o have_v so_o and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o cure_v all_o the_o schism_n nor_o resolve_v all_o scruple_n nor_o silence_v all_o dispute_n then_o and_o how_o infallibility_n in_o a_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o person_n if_o it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v shall_v have_v better_a success_n now_o than_o it_o have_v in_o those_o more_o sincere_a and_o simple_a time_n of_o christianity_n i_o think_v be_v not_o very_o reasonable_o expect_v beside_o we_o find_v manifest_o that_o those_o that_o glory_n so_o much_o of_o this_o remedy_n have_v not_o find_v such_o benefit_n by_o it_o as_o that_o they_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o for_o for_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o the_o romanist_n have_v their_o dispute_n as_o well_o as_o we_o the_o franciscan_n against_o the_o dominican_n and_o the_o jansenist_n against_o the_o molinist_n and_o their_o several_a persuasion_n manage_v with_o as_o much_o heat_n as_o any_o of_o our_o
mankind_n by_o make_v the_o sinister_a intention_n of_o man_n cooperate_v towards_o they_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o unnatural_a cruelty_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n towards_o he_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o jacob_n send_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n as_o a_o harbinger_n and_o nurse_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o in_o a_o famine_n and_o in_o respect_n hereof_o joseph_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o god_n send_v he_o thither_o the_o cruelty_n of_o pharaoh_n who_o seek_v by_o severity_n to_o break_v and_o wear_v out_o the_o israelite_n harden_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o all_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v afterward_o to_o encounter_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n 4._o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v way_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n into_o all_o other_o country_n instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v innumerable_a or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o very_o unsafe_a for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n lest_o they_o provoke_v we_o to_o say_v what_o can_v be_v either_o deny_v or_o justify_v that_o the_o barbarous_a tyrant_n and_o usurper_n phocas_n bring_v in_o the_o universal_a pastorship_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o most_o bloody_a and_o rapacious_a prince_n have_v ordinary_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n and_o indower_n of_o their_o church_n think_v it_o seem_v to_o hallow_v their_o own_o villainy_n and_o legitimate_a their_o unjust_a acquisition_n by_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o the_o english_a reformation_n be_v the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n as_o retain_v the_o most_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o sound_a confession_n of_o faith_n found_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o first_o general_n council_n the_o most_o primitive_a church-government_n and_o a_o liturgy_n the_o best_a accommodate_v to_o reconcile_v and_o unite_v man_n devotion_n such_o a_o liturgy_n as_o mr._n fox_n the_o author_n of_o the_o martyrologie_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v be_v indict_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o certain_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n in_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o contentment_n holy_a man_n take_v in_o it_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixths_n day_n their_o zeal_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o long_v for_o the_o restitution_n of_o it_o and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n in_o queen_n mary_n day_n and_o the_o universal_a triumph_n and_o acclamation_n at_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o in_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n and_o admirable_a it_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o happy_a this_o church_n and_o nation_n then_o be_v in_o what_o glory_n and_o majesty_n the_o prince_n reign_v in_o what_o peace_n and_o concord_n the_o subject_n live_v but_o especial_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o devout_a and_o pious_a a_o age_n that_o be_v as_o be_v scarce_o perhaps_o to_o be_v parallel_v since_o the_o time_n that_o christianity_n flourish_v under_o constantine_n the_o great_a what_o reverence_n be_v then_o yield_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n what_o devotion_n to_o the_o public_a worship_n how_o general_a a_o acquiescence_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o it_o which_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o more_o just_a be_v our_o wonder_n and_o the_o more_o reasonable_a our_o inquiry_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o among_o devout_a and_o honest-minded_n englishman_n such_o a_o zeal_n shall_v terminate_v in_o so_o cold_a a_o indifferency_n as_o may_v now_o be_v observe_v or_o rather_o that_o such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n shall_v degenerate_v into_o so_o much_o discord_n as_o be_v now_o too_o discernible_a among_o we_o we_o read_v ezra_n 3._o that_o when_o the_o second_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v build_v the_o young_a man_n rejoice_v at_o the_o revive_a glory_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o religion_n but_o the_o old_a man_n that_o have_v behold_v the_o far_o great_a splendour_n and_o more_o stately_a majesty_n of_o the_o former_a temple_n build_v by_o solomon_n they_o weep_v as_o contemplate_v how_o far_o this_o come_v short_a of_o that_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o the_o shout_n of_o the_o young_a man_n or_o the_o lamentation_n of_o the_o elder_a be_v the_o more_o loud_a and_o true_o when_o we_o consider_v in_o how_o low_o a_o condition_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v some_o few_o year_n since_o till_o it_o have_v a_o happy_a resurrection_n with_o the_o return_n of_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o be_v in_o no_o worse_a condition_n than_o we_o be_v but_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o our_o reformation_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o our_o affair_n will_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o lament_v the_o difference_n for_o in_o those_o day_n so_o venerable_a be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n that_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o it_o by_o excommunication_n be_v as_o dreadful_a as_o to_o be_v thunder-smitten_a that_o sentence_n be_v like_o proscription_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o they_o count_v a_o civil_a death_n and_o dread_v as_o much_o as_o a_o natural_a but_o now_o it_o be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o ambition_n with_o some_o and_o a_o piece_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o good_a as_o letter_n testimonial_a or_o recommendatory_a to_o other_o assembly_n there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o then_o that_o do_v not_o constant_o frequent_v the_o church_n now_o the_o church_n be_v become_v the_o conventicle_n in_o many_o place_n and_o the_o conventicle_n the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o fullness_n and_o frequency_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o unfrequentedness_n and_o destitution_n of_o the_o other_o aristonicus_n come_v to_o a_o certain_a city_n in_o greece_n where_o he_o observe_v many_o temple_n but_o few_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v he_o he_o therefore_o instead_o of_o the_o usual_a phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hear_v o_o you_o stonewall_n less_o hard_a than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o application_n be_v too_o easy_a in_o our_o case_n in_o that_o time_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n be_v count_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n now_o they_o be_v not_o only_o nothing_o without_o a_o sermon_n but_o in_o danger_n to_o desecrate_v the_o sermon_n too_o by_o their_o conjunction_n the_o bible_n be_v scarce_o canonical_a if_o it_o have_v the_o prayer_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o cover_n and_o so_o extreme_o offensive_a be_v they_o grow_v to_o some_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o total_o neglect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o never_o receive_v the_o communion_n while_o they_o live_v than_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o common_a prayer_n heretofore_o there_o be_v but_o few_o thing_n scruple_v in_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o those_o be_v very_o few_o that_o make_v use_v of_o any_o such_o pretence_n or_o scruple_n but_o now_o it_o be_v become_v the_o great_a point_n of_o sanctity_n to_o scruple_n every_o thing_n calv._n there_o be_v one_o indeed_o and_o he_o a_o great_a man_n that_o say_v there_o be_v tolerabiles_fw-la ineptiae_fw-la in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o most_o favourable_a return_n he_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o he_o have_v his_o tolerabiles_fw-la morositate_v now_o the_o title_n of_o ineptiae_fw-la be_v count_v too_o mild_a a_o expression_n whatever_o suit_v not_o the_o present_a humour_n be_v either_o jewish_a popish_a or_o superstitious_a this_o change_n be_v sad_o lamentable_a that_o good_a law_n shall_v be_v thus_o trample_v upon_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o despise_v and_o the_o best_a mind_a people_n thus_o abuse_v now_o my_o business_n be_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inquire_v from_o what_o cause_n this_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v part_n i._n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o origin_n of_o the_o separation_n from_o and_o contempt_n of_o the_o english_a reform_a church_n chap._n i._n wherein_o be_v represent_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v but_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n and_o dissatisfaction_n viz._n 1._o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n 2._o the_o too_o near_a approach_n of_o this_o church_n to_o the_o roman_a 3._o the_o scandalousness_n of_o the_o clergy_n all_o which_o be_v disprove_v we_o have_v a_o proverbial_a say_n among_o we_o that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a be_v either_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o physician_n but_o without_o a_o proverb_n to_o justify_v the_o undertake_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o at_o
what_o age_n soever_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o at_o year_n of_o discretion_n enough_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o and_o prescribe_v to_o the_o body_n politic_a whether_o church_n or_o state_n though_o it_o usual_o happen_v that_o such_o empiric_n either_o to_o show_v their_o wit_n suspect_v distemper_n where_o there_o be_v none_o make_v they_o or_o while_o they_o rash_o adventure_v quiet_a a_o movere_fw-la and_o like_o englishman_n will_v be_v always_o mend_v they_o make_v work_v for_o better_a skill_n than_o their_o own_o or_o last_o if_o they_o discover_v some_o small_a matter_n amiss_o mistake_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o not_o only_o lose_v their_o time_n and_o labour_n which_o will_v be_v easy_o pardonable_a but_o exhaust_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o patient_n with_o improper_a medicine_n and_o purge_v out_o the_o good_a and_o useful_a juice_n as_o noxious_a humour_n and_o so_o the_o physician_n become_v far_o the_o great_a disease_n of_o the_o two_o that_o our_o church_n be_v of_o a_o sound_n and_o healthful_a constitution_n and_o may_v have_v continue_v so_o have_v it_o not_o meet_v with_o this_o fortune_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o though_o brief_o manifest_v in_o the_o forego_n introduction_n but_o some_o man_n either_o love_v to_o be_v always_o reform_v or_o have_v first_o separate_v from_o it_o that_o they_o may_v either_o commend_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o justify_v their_o own_o fact_n must_v accuse_v the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o brutus_n that_o have_v kill_v caesar_n he_o be_v always_o after_o inveigh_v against_o he_o as_o a_o tyrant_n ità_fw-la enim_fw-la facto_fw-la ejus_fw-la expediebat_fw-la say_v the_o historian_n it_o be_v expedient_a he_o shall_v call_v caesar_n tyrant_n for_o otherwise_o himself_o must_v be_v a_o notorious_a traitor_n so_o these_o man_n though_o the_o great_a disorder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o what_o themselves_o have_v make_v must_v find_v fault_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v raise_v all_o the_o dust_n and_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o it_o without_o cause_n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n be_v blame_v though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v of_o so_o little_a discretion_n as_o to_o bring_v in_o this_o charge_n and_o those_o that_o be_v will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o the_o main_a if_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n except_v against_o in_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n be_v not_o so_o punctual_a in_o define_v the_o five_o point_n debate_v at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n as_o they_o can_v wish_v but_o this_o though_o it_o neither_o need_v nor_o deserve_v a_o answer_n yet_o i_o shall_v reply_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o it_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o with_o common_a art_n and_o science_n which_o depend_v upon_o humane_a wit_n and_o invention_n and_o consequent_o be_v capable_a of_o daily_a improvement_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v not_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n but_o proceed_v by_o way_n of_o discourse_n discover_v one_o thing_n by_o another_o and_o infer_v thing_n from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o nè_fw-la plus_fw-la ultrà_fw-la in_o those_o thing_n but_o daily_o new_a discovery_n &_o dies_fw-la diem_fw-la docet_fw-la whereto_o accord_v the_o say_n of_o wise_a man_n antiquitas_fw-la saeculi_fw-la est_fw-la juventus_fw-la mundi_fw-la that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o old_a world_n be_v but_o indeed_o the_o infancy_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a time_n must_v needs_o have_v as_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n as_o they_o have_v of_o deliberation_n and_o experiment_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o christianity_n for_o that_o depend_v sole_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o new_a discovery_n time_n may_v obscure_v it_o and_o the_o busy_a wit_n of_o man_n may_v perplex_v and_o confound_v it_o with_o its_o invention_n but_o can_v never_o discover_v any_o thing_n new_a or_o bring_v to_o light_v any_o truth_n that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o new_a revelation_n we_o lose_v the_o old_a and_o our_o religion_n together_o we_o accuse_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o we_o incur_v st._n paul_n anathema_n which_o he_o denounce_v against_o he_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v be_v nay_o if_o a_o anger_n from_o heaven_n that_o shall_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o st._n judas_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o faith_n be_v once_o that_o be_v either_o at_o once_o or_o once_o for_o all_o deliver_v to_o or_o by_o the_o saint_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v pretend_v a_o private_a spirit_n or_o revelation_n to_o discover_v and_o interpret_v what_o be_v before_o deliver_v we_o do_v as_o bad_a we_o suppose_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o we_o open_v a_o gap_n for_o all_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n perpetual_o to_o infest_v and_o corrupt_a christian_a doctrine_n the_o consequence_n of_o these_o premise_n be_v that_o contrary_a to_o what_o i_o affirm_v before_o of_o other_o science_n the_o elder_a any_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a and_o according_o deserve_v the_o great_a veneration_n from_o we_o as_o come_v near_o the_o fountain_n of_o evangelical_n truth_n divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o he_o that_o talk_v of_o more_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o clear_a discovery_n in_o religion_n talk_v as_o foolish_o as_o he_o that_o shall_v affirm_v he_o can_v discern_v thing_n better_o at_o a_o mile_n distance_n than_o the_o man_n that_o have_v as_o good_a eye_n as_o himself_o and_o yet_o stand_v close_o by_o the_o object_n this_o be_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o excellency_n and_o great_a commendation_n of_o this_o church_n that_o her_o article_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v better_o with_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n than_o the_o last_o age_n and_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n that_o she_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o any_o lake_n or_o low_a stream_n trouble_v and_o mud_v with_o man_n passion_n and_o dispute_n but_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o those_o who_o certain_o have_v best_o advantage_n of_o understand_v it_o in_o its_o own_o simplicity_n the_o primitive_a church_n that_o no_o one_o father_n or_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin_a before_o st._n augustine_n time_n agree_v in_o doctrine_n with_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n be_v so_o notorious_o plain_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n nor_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o he_o i_o mean_v st._n austin_n agree_v therewith_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o disagree_v as_o much_o with_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v with_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o what_o if_o st._n austin_n a_o devout_a good_a man_n but_o who_o piety_n be_v far_o more_o commendable_a than_o his_o reason_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o by_o the_o manichee_n on_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o pelagian_n on_o the_o other_o be_v not_o able_a to_o extricate_v himself_o who_o can_v help_v it_o shall_v his_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o he_o be_v rather_o force_v into_o by_o disputation_n than_o make_v choice_n of_o but_o especial_o shall_v the_o determination_n of_o a_o few_o divine_n at_o dort_n vie_v with_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o make_v that_o a_o imputation_n upon_o our_o church_n which_o be_v real_o among_o its_o glory_n must_v a_o novel_a dutch_a synod_n prescribe_v doctrine_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o outweigh_v all_o antiquity_n shall_v those_o that_o know_v not_o how_o god_n can_v be_v just_a unless_o he_o be_v cruel_a nor_o great_a unless_o he_o decree_v to_o damn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o man_n shall_v be_v keep_v humble_a unless_o they_o make_v he_o not_o a_o man_n but_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n shall_v i_o say_v such_o man_n and_o such_o opinion_n confront_v the_o ancient_n catholic_n apostolic_a faith_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n second_o the_o article_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n do_v with_o such_o admirable_a prudence_n and_o wariness_n handle_v these_o point_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o particular_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o these_o man_n and_o care_v take_v that_o they_o may_v abundare_fw-la svo_fw-la sensu_fw-la enjoy_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o yet_o without_o check_n subscribe_v to_o these_o article_n and_o according_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o not_o many_o year_n since_o
and_o confound_v they_o those_o seem_v mighty-powerful-soul-saving-preacher_n who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o mighty_a disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o devotion_n shall_v be_v esteem_v by_o their_o noise_n and_o not_o by_o their_o weight_n and_o sermon_n try_v not_o by_o their_o light_n but_o heat_n but_o if_o to_o all_o this_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o sublime_a point_n and_o which_o be_v more_o expediency_n itself_o must_v be_v decide_v at_o vulgar_a tribunal_n so_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v that_o doctrine_n so_o profound_a or_o nice_a which_o every_o man_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o determine_v nor_o that_o reason_n so_o subtle_a which_o the_o crass_a mind_n shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o understand_v nor_o that_o rule_n or_o art_n of_o government_n which_o shall_v not_o fall_v under_o vulgar_a cognizance_n if_o every_o man_n mind_n become_v the_o standard_n and_o touchstone_n of_o every_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o the_o supposition_n before_o lay_v but_o there_o must_v be_v dissension_n dispute_n and_o distraction_n in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n discipline_n liturgy_n nor_o minister_n thereof_o be_v to_o blame_v for_o unless_o the_o reformer_n of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v no_o wise_a than_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o clergy_n and_o governor_n and_o all_o learned_a man_n have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o the_o people_n unless_o i_o say_v all_o can_v be_v alike_o wise_a or_o alike_o weak_a where_o all_o will_v be_v alike_o judge_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o those_o therefore_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o cure_n for_o this_o they_o appropriate_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o deal_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o sot_n and_o idiot_n not_o permit_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v govern_v nay_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v master_n of_o common_a sense_n but_o requre_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o most_o contradictory_n proposition_n and_o make_v that_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o a_o man_n may_v confute_v by_o his_o finger_n end_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a way_n to_o wean_v they_o from_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o unlearn_v they_o dispute_n and_o to_o exercise_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v their_o ruler_n this_o way_n make_v the_o people_n sheep_n indeed_o but_o silly_a one_o god-wot_a but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o such_o antidote_n of_o dispute_n and_o division_n as_o this_o be_v she_o make_v not_o herself_o the_o mistress_n of_o man_n faith_n nor_o impose_v upon_o their_o understanding_n she_o teach_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o point_n of_o necessary_a belief_n or_o essential_a to_o salvation_n full_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o consider_a man_n that_o will_v use_v the_o mean_n and_o in_o other_o lesser_a matter_n debatable_a among_o christian_n she_o allow_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n only_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n often_o depend_v upon_o such_o point_n as_o salvation_n do_v not_o and_o since_o in_o many_o of_o those_o every_o man_n be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n but_o must_v either_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o of_o trouble_v other_o or_o of_o necessity_n must_v trust_v some_o body_n else_o wise_a than_o himself_o she_o recommend_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o the_o safe_a way_n for_o such_o private_a person_n to_o comply_v with_o public_a determination_n and_o in_o so_o advise_v she_o joint_o consult_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o quiet_a of_o man_n conscience_n so_o all_o that_o she_o challenge_v be_v a_o reverence_n not_o a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o some_o people_n will_v be_v foolish_a and_o proud_a and_o contentious_a she_o have_v no_o further_a remedy_n than_o to_o declare_v they_o guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o contumacy_n and_o that_o not_o suffice_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o her_o communion_n but_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v man_n may_v be_v peevish_a and_o wilful_a and_o render_v the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n unhappy_a who_o constitution_n be_v neither_o guilty_a of_o tyranny_n nor_o remissness_n now_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v to_o this_o discourse_n that_o this_o cause_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o injudiciousness_n of_o man_n be_v too_o general_a and_o will_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o other_o reform_a church_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o and_o especial_o that_o this_o may_v have_v bring_v forth_o all_o the_o evil_a we_o complain_v of_o and_o impute_v to_o it_o in_o the_o former_a age_n as_o well_o as_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v not_o much_o wise_a then_o than_o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o two_o point_n 1._o if_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v not_o find_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n join_v together_o as_o well_o as_o we_o which_o doubtless_o they_o have_v do_v more_o or_o less_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o constitution_n but_o to_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n their_o poverty_n oppression_n persecution_n or_o be_v surround_v with_o common_a enemy_n have_v probable_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o lay_v aside_o or_o smother_v their_o private_a opinion_n and_o to_o check_v their_o animosity_n more_o than_o our_o gratitude_n to_o the_o almighty_a for_o our_o ease_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o liberty_n have_v do_v upon_o we_o who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n first_o need_v the_o severe_a check_n of_o a_o apostle_n for_o their_o wantonness_n and_o division_n that_o one_o be_v of_o paul_n another_o of_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o can_v give_v a_o more_o probable_a account_n of_o this_o their_o luxuriancy_n than_o from_o the_o riches_n ease_n plenty_n and_o liberty_n of_o that_o city_n or_o who_o have_v not_o observe_v that_o while_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v in_o adversity_n surround_v with_o enemy_n and_o under_o pagan_a persecute_v emperor_n so_o long_o they_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o mind_n they_o submit_v their_o private_a fancy_n and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n to_o public_a safety_n but_o the_o same_o constitute_v church_n quick_o break_v out_o into_o quarrel_n and_o faction_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o warm_a sun_n of_o prosperity_n shine_v upon_o they_o we_o have_v reason_n according_o not_o to_o charge_v our_o unhappiness_n upon_o our_o religion_n nor_o our_o trouble_n upon_o our_o prosperity_n but_o to_o lay_v they_o at_o the_o right_a door_n of_o our_o folly_n and_o weakness_n 2._o that_o these_o evil_n break_v not_o out_o in_o our_o church_n soon_o since_o the_o seed_n of_o they_o be_v sow_v long_o ago_o be_v due_a to_o the_o joy_n and_o contentment_n that_o man_n general_o take_v at_o their_o first_o emerge_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o deliverance_n and_o so_o great_a that_o for_o a_o time_n it_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o little_a dispute_n or_o scrupulosity_n like_o the_o people_n of_o greece_n when_o the_o roman_n at_o the_o isthmian_a game_n by_o a_o public_a herald_n pronounce_v they_o and_o their_o country_n free_a they_o forget_v the_o contention_n they_o come_v together_o about_o and_o use_v to_o be_v infinite_o take_v with_o but_o when_o the_o novelty_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n be_v over_o protestant_n forget_v the_o great_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n they_o have_v escape_v and_o then_o begin_v scrupulous_o to_o weigh_v every_o petty_a inconvenience_n and_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n not_o have_v a_o public_a enemy_n to_o unite_v they_o quarrel_n among_o themselves_o this_o therefore_o may_v be_v admit_v as_o one_o cause_n of_o our_o unhappiness_n 2._o that_o which_o i_o will_v assign_v as_o a_o second_o cause_n i_o know_v not_o well_o what_o name_n to_o give_v to_o it_o but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o better_a expression_n i_o will_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v be_v leaven_v with_o jewish_a superstition_n or_o jewish_a tradition_n have_v thereby_o be_v indispose_v to_o a_o uniform_a reception_n of_o and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n hold_v forth_o by_o this_o church_n how_o this_o sour_a leaven_n shall_v get_v in_o among_o we_o be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o determine_v some_o story_n will_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o think_v that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o vein_n of_o this_o country_n ever_o since_o it_o first_o receive_v the_o
christian_a faith_n for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n austin_n the_o monk_n find_v here_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o inhabitant_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n and_o some_o other_o rite_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o eastern_a church_n to_o that_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o western_a and_o the_o do_v it_o as_o the_o story_n tell_v we_o cost_v the_o life_n of_o twelve_o hundred_o monk_n who_o it_o seem_v stubborn_o oppose_v his_o innovation_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o this_o church_n owe_v not_o its_o first_o christianity_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o this_o monastic_a apostle_n as_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o this_o passage_n that_o he_o make_v our_o ancestor_n only_a romanist_n but_o find_v they_o christian_n before_o and_o perhaps_o of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o generous_a race_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o he_o ingraff_v upon_o the_o old_a stock_n but_o i_o will_v make_v no_o use_n of_o this_o for_o perhaps_o we_o may_v find_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o judaisme_n near_a hand_n if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a patriarch_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n such_o as_o cartwright_n ainsworth_n h._n broughton_n and_o other_o be_v great_a student_n of_o the_o rabbinical_a write_n and_o the_o main_a of_o their_o learning_n lie_v that_o way_n and_o as_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o study_n which_o be_v rare_a in_o those_o day_n they_o get_v the_o reputation_n of_o great_a rabbi_n so_o perhaps_o they_o may_v not_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v bewitch_v with_o the_o jewish_a fancy_n themselves_o but_o propagate_v their_o unhappy_a sentiment_n through_o their_o follower_n to_o this_o generation_n but_o howsoever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v appear_v undeniable_o true_a that_o a_o vein_n of_o judaisme_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n of_o which_o i_o will_v give_v some_o instance_n and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v their_o grand_a hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o characteristical_a doctrine_n of_o that_o party_n and_o in_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o cry_v out_o of_o we_o for_o uncommand_v rite_n and_o humane_a invention_n and_o little_a less_o than_o idolatry_n now_o whosoever_o well_o consider_v this_o tenet_n will_v find_v it_o so_o irrational_a in_o itself_o so_o servile_a and_o destructive_a of_o all_o christian_a liberty_n and_o make_v so_o ill_a reflection_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o show_v hereafter_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n much_o less_o find_v such_o entertainment_n and_o so_o zealous_a patronage_n among_o so_o many_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o study_v the_o old_a testament_n better_o than_o the_o new_a and_o graff_v their_o christianity_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o judaisme_n and_o the_o case_n must_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n they_o consider_v and_o observe_v how_o punctual_o god_n prescribe_v some_o very_a little_a matter_n touch_v the_o temple_n and_o national_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n carry_v this_o notion_n along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o thence_o infer_v that_o christ_n jesus_n must_v needs_o have_v also_o as_o punctual_o determine_v all_o the_o ritual_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n otherwise_o he_o be_v not_o faithful_a in_o his_o house_n as_o moses_n be_v in_o his_o for_o that_o scripture_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o that_o all_o absolute_o necessary_n be_v so_o determine_v by_o our_o saviour_n we_o ready_o grant_v they_o and_o that_o all_o those_o rite_n that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o he_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v we_o will_v yield_v they_o but_o that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v so_o prescribe_v we_o utter_o deny_v and_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v nor_o indeed_o will_v they_o ever_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o or_o expect_v such_o a_o thing_n have_v it_o not_o be_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a prejudice_n but_o have_v get_v that_o notion_n into_o their_o head_n they_o will_v fancy_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o or_o writhe_v it_o to_o their_o sense_n though_o with_o never_o so_o much_o violence_n of_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a be_v another_o notion_n of_o they_o that_o all_o prince_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v bind_v to_o conform_v the_o municipal_a law_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o moses_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o do_v sc_n where_o prince_n make_v other_o decision_n of_o case_n or_o appoint_v other_o punishment_n than_o that_o law_n allow_v they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v their_o constitution_n declare_v null_n and_o themselves_o irreligious_a this_o be_v a_o mistake_n as_o wide_o as_o the_o former_a high_o injurious_a to_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o dangerous_a to_o kingdom_n and_o state_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n disannul_v the_o public_a law_n and_o strip_v the_o governor_n of_o all_o proper_a legislative_a power_n but_o that_o which_o i_o consider_v now_o in_o this_o mistake_n be_v not_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n but_o the_o rise_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o fondness_n the_o jew_n have_v to_o their_o law_n and_o which_o they_o express_v in_o their_o write_n as_o if_o those_o law_n god_n give_v they_o by_o moses_n be_v not_o only_o best_o for_o they_o but_o best_a in_o themselves_o also_o the_o foundation_n of_o which_o error_n be_v both_o detect_v and_o confute_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o god_n but_o the_o temporal_a prince_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n so_o as_o he_o be_v not_o of_o any_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n he_o call_v himself_o their_o king_n appoint_v his_o lieutenant_n and_o vicegerent_n divide_v his_o subject_n their_o inheritance_n give_v they_o law_n take_v up_o a_o residence_n among_o they_o appoint_v their_o way_n of_o address_n to_o he_o for_o judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o weighty_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o reserve_v many_o case_n to_o himself_o and_o sometime_o inflict_v punishment_n by_o his_o own_o hand_n any_o man_n that_o consider_v these_o thing_n well_o will_v never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v those_o law_n oblige_v other_o nation_n or_o require_v necessary_o all_o prince_n to_o conform_v their_o policy_n to_o that_o of_o judaea_n till_o he_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o every_o nation_n have_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o its_o government_n to_o be_v a_o theocracy_n a_o three_o instance_n shall_v be_v their_o notion_n of_o excommunication_n which_o they_o hold_v must_v be_v denounce_v by_o a_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n and_o the_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sentence_n and_o this_o against_o all_o rule_n of_o government_n the_o prerogative_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n but_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o among_o the_o jew_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o nation_n say_v so_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v not_o well_o consider_v therefore_o this_o be_v the_o only_a gospel_n way_n i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n omit_v their_o superstition_n about_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o must_v be_v call_v a_o sabbath_n too_o though_o such_o name_n be_v no_o where_o give_v it_o either_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o in_o any_o ancient_a writer_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o contrariwise_o always_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o least_o matter_n the_o lord_n day_n with_o these_o man_n must_v have_v all_o the_o nicety_n of_o observation_n that_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n have_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o such_o observation_n thereof_o make_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o god_n appoint_v the_o sabbath_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n must_v be_v the_o principal_a character_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n he_o that_o consider_v well_o this_o matter_n can_v find_v no_o original_n of_o it_o but_o perfect_a judaisme_n introduce_v into_o christianity_n and_o methinks_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n shall_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o by_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o this_o kind_n of_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n distinguish_v this_o sort_n of_o english_a protestant_n from_o all_o other_o protestant_n
separation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o sin_n as_o schism_n at_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o probable_o ever_o will_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o require_v nothing_o of_o those_o in_o her_o communion_n but_o thing_n strict_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v show_v partly_o in_o the_o introduction_n and_o can_v easy_o make_v appear_v at_o large_a through_o all_o age_n and_o then_o may_v the_o author_n of_o the_o tract_n about_o schism_n secure_o as_o he_o do_v somewhat_o too_o light_o call_v it_o only_o a_o theological_a scarecrow_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v manifest_a to_o any_o consider_a person_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o administration_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o necessary_a absolute_o consider_v and_o of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v two_o instance_n the_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n be_v by_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n adjudge_v and_o declare_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o gentile_n in_o order_n to_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o jew_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o hereafter_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v scarce_o any_o body_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o abstinence_n so_o enjoin_v necessary_a in_o itself_o the_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v church-government_n whatever_o dispute_v there_o be_v about_o the_o several_a form_n of_o it_o as_o whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v monarchical_a or_o aristocratical_a episcopal_n or_o consistorial_n and_o whatever_o zeal_n for_o opinion_n may_v transport_v man_n to_o say_v in_o favour_n of_o either_o of_o they_o yet_o i_o suppose_v few_o or_o none_o will_v affirm_v that_o either_o of_o these_o form_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o if_o one_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n the_o other_o must_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o then_o also_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o absolute_o necessary_a form_n can_v be_v no_o church_n for_o that_o society_n which_o be_v defective_a in_o absolute_o necessary_n can_v be_v no_o christian_a church_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o determine_v and_o define_v this_o unnecessary_a point_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n that_o it_o be_v define_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o mean_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a in_o this_o particular_a church_n as_o perhaps_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o the_o general_a it_o be_v manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o superior_a nor_o inferior_a no_o governor_n nor_o govern_v no_o order_n and_o consequent_o a_o mere_a rout_n and_o no_o church_n therefore_o some_o thing_n not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o not_o only_o may_v but_o must_v be_v define_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o a_o church_n nor_o excuse_v from_o schism_n if_o we_o separate_v from_o that_o communion_n because_o such_o definition_n be_v make_v in_o it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v scruple_v or_o object_v against_o in_o this_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v without_o sin_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o peace_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v we_o from_o sin_n in_o separate_n from_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o account_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quarrel_n to_o aggravate_v and_o heighten_v the_o cause_n of_o discontent_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o ensue_a mischief_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o frowardness_n of_o their_o temper_n but_o to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o provocation_n and_o passion_n be_v such_o a_o magnifying-glass_n as_o be_v able_a to_o extend_v a_o molehill_n to_o a_o mountain_n the_o way_n of_o peace_n therefore_o be_v to_o take_v just_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o dispute_n less_o than_o they_o be_v so_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o both_o truth_n and_o peace_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o great_a wherefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o set_v aside_o passion_n and_o calm_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o just_a value_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o in_o this_o church_n be_v divide_v upon_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o far_o from_o see_v reason_n to_o perpetuate_v our_o distance_n and_o animosity_n that_o we_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_a be_v seize_v with_o wonder_n and_o indignation_n that_o we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v impose_v upon_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v those_o thing_n for_o great_a deformity_n which_o upon_o mature_a consideration_n be_v real_o nothing_o worse_o than_o mole_n which_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o most_o beautiful_a face_n to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n represent_v the_o nature_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o guilt_n and_o mischief_n attend_v it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o temptation_n to_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o littleness_n and_o small_a importance_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o this_o church_n and_o that_o neither_o any_o of_o they_o single_a nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v countervail_v the_o blessing_n of_o peace_n or_o the_o evil_n of_o division_n in_o order_n hereto_o i_o will_v first_o show_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o dissension_n among_o we_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n 2._o that_o something_o must_v be_v give_v for_o peace_n by_o they_o that_o will_v have_v it_o 3._o that_o all_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o this_o church_n be_v not_o too_o great_a a_o price_n to_o pay_v for_o it_o 1._o touch_v the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n for_o secession_n from_o this_o church_n now_o as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o roman_a in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o ancestor_n but_o with_o no_o more_o reason_n than_o if_o the_o argument_n and_o discourse_n write_v against_o a_o notorious_a tyrant_n and_o usurper_n shall_v be_v turn_v against_o a_o good_a and_o lawful_a prince_n as_o will_v easy_o be_v manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o just_a state_n of_o the_o case_n on_o either_o hand_n we_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n upon_o any_o better_a condition_n than_o nahash_n propound_v to_o the_o man_n of_o jabesh_n gilead_n 1_o sam._n 11._o to_o put_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o her_o blind_a devotion_n we_o must_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n renounce_v our_o reason_n and_o contradict_v our_o very_a sense_n that_o church_n instead_o of_o instruct_v man_n in_o knowledge_n profess_v to_o nurse_v they_o up_o in_o ignorance_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o give_v they_o tradition_n and_o instead_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o prescribe_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v their_o beginning_n from_o private_a interest_n and_o secular_a advantage_n they_o make_v seven_o secrament_n five_o more_o than_o christ_n ever_o intend_v for_o such_o and_o take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n the_o half_a of_o one_o of_o those_o he_o express_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o pray_v to_o saint_n instead_o of_o god_n and_o to_o use_v a_o language_n in_o their_o devotion_n which_o he_o that_o pronounce_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o saint_n he_o pray_v to_o do_v his_o needs_o and_o request_n nay_o they_o give_v divine_a honour_n to_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n and_o must_v swallow_v idolatry_n in_o spite_n of_o their_o tooth_n herein_o little_o better_a than_o the_o egyptian_n who_o worship_v that_o for_o a_o god_n which_o they_o put_v into_o their_o belly_n they_o have_v take_v away_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o have_v art_n of_o evacuate_a allthe_n rest_n for_o they_o elude_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o true_a and_o serious_a repentance_n and_o subvert_v the_o principle_n of_o holy_a life_n in_o short_a they_o have_v bring_v in_o pageantry_n instead_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n efface_v the_o true_a lineament_n of_o christianity_n and_o instead_o thereof_o recommend_v and_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o dictate_v of_o ambition_n the_o artifices_fw-la of_o gain_n and_o a_o colluvy_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o superstition_n error_n and_o corruption_n of_o former_a age_n and_o this_o must_v be_v receive_v and_o swallow_v by_o all_o those_o that_o will_v continue_v in_o that_o communion_n these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v submit_v to_o without_o grievous_a sin_n and_o manifest_a danger_n of_o damnation_n therefore_o
there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o our_o recession_n for_o as_o i_o say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v sin_n to_o depart_v when_o it_o be_v so_o to_o continue_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a choice_n rather_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o of_o singularity_n than_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o company_n but_o now_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n no_o man_n here_o part_n with_o his_o faith_n upon_o his_o conformity_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v away_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n for_o quietness_n sake_n no_o man_n needs_o to_o hazard_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o instruct_v conscience_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n no_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o renounce_v his_o integrity_n but_o may_v be_v as_o good_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v and_o the_o more_o of_o that_o the_o better_a churchman_n this_o church_n keep_v none_o of_o her_o child_n in_o a_o uncomfortable_a estate_n of_o darkness_n but_o teach_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n sincere_o and_o very_o advantageous_o she_o have_v no_o half_a communion_n nor_o debar_v any_o of_o her_o member_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n institution_n she_o recommend_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o all_o protestant_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o god_n and_o only_o he_o be_v worship_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o holy_a life_n be_v propound_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o hope_n and_o happiness_n expect_v by_o this_o brief_a representation_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o protestant_n appear_v so_o wide_a and_o vast_a that_o they_o agree_v neither_o in_o their_o creed_n nor_o object_n of_o worship_n nor_o sacrament_n nor_o rule_n of_o life_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o agreement_n of_o protestant_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o full_a and_o perfect_a that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o the_o same_o object_n of_o worship_n the_o same_o way_n of_o devotion_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o same_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o certain_o be_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o a_o man_n may_v therefore_o just_o wonder_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o what_o shall_v make_v a_o breach_n and_o what_o place_n there_o be_v for_o contention_n or_o what_o can_v remain_v considerable_a enough_o to_o occasion_v the_o dissatisfaction_n to_o provoke_v the_o animosity_n to_o countenance_v that_o distance_n that_o be_v between_o we_o and_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o a_o stranger_n to_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n thus_o far_o to_o guess_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o bone_n of_o contention_n among_o we_o i_o will_v now_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v both_o faithful_o and_o brief_o recite_v the_o matter_n of_o difference_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v if_o we_o number_v they_o only_o they_o be_v many_o but_o if_o we_o weigh_v they_o not_o only_o against_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v agree_v in_o but_o against_o peace_n and_o agreement_n itself_o i_o persuade_v myself_o they_o will_v be_v very_a light_n but_o that_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o whether_o such_o prayer_n shall_v make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o the_o public_a liturgy_n as_o have_v be_v conceive_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o use_v ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n or_o such_o as_o shall_v pro_fw-la re_fw-mi nata_fw-la be_v occasional_o indict_v by_o every_o private_a minister_n or_o which_o perhaps_o be_v much_o the_o same_o whether_o such_o word_n expression_n and_o phrase_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o public_a service_n as_o be_v by_o long_o use_v grow_v familiar_a to_o and_o intelligible_a by_o vulgar_a people_n or_o such_o shall_v come_v in_o their_o room_n as_o be_v more_o modern_a and_o grateful_a to_o nice_a ear_n about_o the_o several_a posture_n of_o stand_v kneel_v and_o sit_v and_o whether_o some_o one_o of_o these_o be_v more_o decorous_a and_o accommodate_v to_o some_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o another_o and_o which_o to_o which_o about_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n as_o whether_o the_o anniverssary_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o great_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o use_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o whether_o some_o special_a time_n of_o abstinence_n and_o mortification_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v now_o be_v retain_v or_o not_o about_o habit_n and_o garment_n such_o as_o gown_n surplice_n etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o habit_n use_v in_o ministration_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n be_v not_o now_o as_o lawful_a as_o any_o other_o about_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n whether_o while_o it_o be_v declare_v not_o essential_a to_o baptism_n it_o may_v not_o upon_o other_o consideration_n be_v use_v in_o that_o sacrament_n or_o last_o which_o i_o think_v be_v as_o important_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o subordinacy_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n or_o co-ordinacy_a and_o parity_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v prefer_v most_o of_o the_o dispute_v we_o have_v among_o we_o be_v either_o upon_o these_o question_n or_o reducible_a to_o these_o or_o at_o least_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o these_o now_o how_o inconsiderable_a these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o how_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o peace_n i_o forbear_v to_o say_v till_o i_o have_v in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v as_o i_o promise_v that_o something_o must_v be_v forgo_v for_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a and_o memorable_a say_n of_o erasmus_n mihi_fw-la sanè_fw-la adeò_fw-la invisa_fw-la est_fw-la discordia_fw-la ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la displiceat_fw-la seditiosa_fw-la he_o do_v not_o only_o suspect_v that_o proposition_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v not_o also_o peaceable_a but_o he_o think_v peace_n not_o too_o dear_a at_o the_o price_n of_o some_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o pretend_v so_o high_a a_o value_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o to_o have_v no_o esteem_n for_o the_o former_a neither_o understand_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o greg._n nazianz._n put_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o peace_n be_v not_o only_o the_o most_o beautiful_a flower_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o christianity_n but_o also_o the_o most_o sovereign_a and_o useful_a though_o it_o be_v common_o deal_v with_o as_o some_o fame_a beauty_n admire_a and_o court_v but_o not_o espouse_v the_o apostle_n when_o rom._n 12._o 18._o he_o so_o passionate_o exhort_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n sure_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o we_o shall_v only_o accept_v of_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o nothing_o or_o be_v quiet_a till_o we_o can_v pick_v a_o quarrel_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o some_o cost_n to_o purchase_v it_o and_o part_n with_o something_o for_o it_o and_o deny_v ourselves_o something_o which_o but_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o may_v lawful_o have_v enjoy_v it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v buy_v gold_n too_o dear_a and_o so_o we_o must_v have_v do_v our_o peace_n if_o we_o seek_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o huckster_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o i_o show_v before_o but_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v it_o for_o nothing_o in_o any_o society_n in_o the_o world_n i_o think_v be_v demonstrative_o evident_a by_o this_o one_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o intellectual_a menaechmi_n i_o mean_v hardly_o any_o two_o person_n perfect_o of_o the_o same_o apprehension_n or_o stature_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o much_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o man_n constitution_n such_o diversity_n of_o education_n such_o variety_n of_o interest_n and_o custom_n and_o from_o hence_o so_o many_o kind_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o various_a conception_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o that_o resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o no_o body_n can_v agree_v with_o no_o body_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v happy_a in_o any_o church_n or_o society_n on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n there_o indeed_o some_o think_v man_n mind_n shall_v be_v all_o of_o one_o capacity_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o that_o particular_a i_o much_o doubt_v whether_o those_o person_n will_v ever_o make_v up_o that_o society_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a that_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o disturb_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a unless_o all_o thing_n
observable_a that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o limit_n set_v they_o nor_o no_o such_o punctual_a direction_n give_v they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o neither_o the_o very_a build_n of_o synagogue_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n there_o perform_v have_v any_o divine_a law_n concern_v it_o in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o needful_a there_o shall_v here_o be_v nothing_o symbolical_a as_o in_o the_o former_a but_o natural_a religion_n which_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o in_o or_o at_o least_o if_o those_o common_a rule_n shall_v fall_v short_a in_o any_o respect_n yet_o by_o any_o error_n of_o that_o kind_n they_o can_v not_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o any_o far_a advantage_n or_o discovery_n god_n intend_v they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n worship_n they_o may_v now_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o plain_a easy_a intelligible_a and_o rational_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n shall_v curious_o order_v or_o minutely_o describe_v what_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o it_o but_o may_v safe_o enough_o leave_v those_o to_o prudence_n and_o expediency_n the_o general_a reason_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o natural_a a_o religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o any_o capital_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o read_v the_o gospel_n without_o colour_a spectacle_n will_v find_v that_o our_o saviour_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o expound_v the_o law_n to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o corrupt_a gloss_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o prescribe_v man_n the_o rule_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a pitch_n and_o set_v they_o a_o excellent_a copy_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o to_o encourage_v their_o endeavour_n after_o it_o by_o reveal_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n and_o never_o go_v about_o the_o composure_n of_o law_n either_o of_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o for_o his_o apostle_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o give_v certain_a direction_n suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o people_n respective_o but_o never_o compose_v a_o stand_v ritual_a for_o all_o aftertime_n which_o will_v be_v put_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n by_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o several_a thing_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o give_v in_o command_n in_o their_o sacred_a write_n their_o epistle_n be_v intendded_a and_o so_o construe_v to_o be_v oblige_v only_o so_o long_o as_o circumstance_n shall_v stand_v as_o then_o they_o do_v and_o no_o long_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o feast_n of_o love_n the_o holy_a kiss_n the_o order_n of_o deaconess_n which_o thing_n with_o several_a other_o be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v of_o now_o observe_v nor_o be_v any_o man_n scruple_v about_o the_o abrogation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n where_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n do_v not_o misguide_a they_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v strict_o oblige_v man_n to_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o ritual_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o religion_n god_n institute_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v only_o fit_v to_o that_o people_n and_o appropriate_a to_o that_o place_n and_o country_n and_o intend_v to_o oblige_v no_o body_n else_o it_o be_v contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n eph._n 2._o 14._o and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o such_o separation_n and_o distance_n may_v last_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o ritual_n must_v be_v immovable_a but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o throw_v down_o all_o enclosure_n to_o unite_v all_o the_o world_n under_o one_o head_n and_o make_v of_o all_o nation_n one_o people_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v leave_v with_o that_o freedom_n as_o to_o circumstantial_o as_o that_o all_o nation_n notwithstanding_o their_o several_a limit_n divers_a custom_n and_o form_n of_o government_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o he_o never_o intend_v that_o his_o religion_n shall_v alter_v the_o bound_n or_o change_v the_o custom_n or_o disturb_v the_o government_n of_o people_n but_o only_a principle_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o true_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o distinct_a policy_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o singular_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o catholic_n religion_n that_o be_v of_o all_o time_n country_n and_o people_n that_o the_o external_a policy_n of_o it_o be_v undetermined_a it_o reconcile_a itself_o to_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n where_o it_o come_v as_o well_o as_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o its_o reasonableness_n and_o goodness_n hereto_o agree_v the_o know_v say_v of_o optatus_n millevitanus_n respublica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la in_o republica_n that_o the_o church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o civil_a society_n conform_v itself_o as_o to_o external_o to_o that_o which_o contain_v it_o upon_o all_o which_o it_o be_v exceed_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o every_o ceremony_n make_v use_v of_o by_o christian_n shall_v be_v find_v prescribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o prove_v thence_o and_o therefore_o those_o that_o expect_v to_o find_v such_o definition_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v as_o they_o do_v too_o often_o in_o other_o case_n as_o i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o bring_v a_o old_a testament_n spirit_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a and_o jewish_a prejudices_fw-la to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o those_o that_o can_v be_v so_o fond_a as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o can_v find_v such_o prescription_n there_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o humour_n or_o weakness_n do_v more_o betray_v itself_o in_o such_o pretence_n for_o they_o catch_v hold_v of_o such_o weak_a twig_n as_o no_o body_n will_v do_v but_o in_o desperation_n of_o other_o help_n and_o they_o plead_v such_o obscure_a passage_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o prejudice_n itself_o can_v be_v content_v with_o they_o and_o in_o short_a they_o can_v as_o little_a agree_v among_o themselves_o either_o in_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v as_o they_o do_v with_o we_o 4._o if_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o determination_n of_o circumstance_n or_o no_o society_n and_o god_n have_v make_v no_o such_o determination_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o man_n must_v and_o than_o who_o fit_a than_o our_o governor_n who_o best_a understand_v the_o civil_a policy_n and_o what_o will_v suit_v therewith_o and_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n under_o their_o charge_n and_o when_o such_o determination_n be_v make_v what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n thereto_o especial_o when_o the_o particular_n so_o determine_v as_o they_o be_v not_o enjoin_v by_o scripture_n so_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o it_o or_o forbid_v by_o it_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o whosoever_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o disturb_v a_o settle_a order_n conclude_v on_o by_o good_a 〈◊〉_d man_n reverence_v and_o admire_v by_o other_o incorporate_v into_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n rivet_v by_o custom_n and_o that_o have_v now_o give_v proof_n of_o itself_o by_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n experience_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o new_a and_o unpracticable_a notion_n shall_v little_o consult_v the_o real_a advantage_n of_o the_o present_a generation_n and_o less_o their_o own_o reputation_n for_o discretion_n with_o posterity_n this_o occasion_n bring_v to_o my_o mind_n the_o famous_a story_n of_o pacuvius_n calavius_n of_o capua_n the_o people_n be_v all_o in_o a_o rage_n against_o their_o senate_n and_o will_v needs_o in_o a_o hurry_n have_v they_o all_o depose_v and_o have_v use_v other_o outrage_n to_o their_o person_n this_o wise_a plebeian_n shut_v up_o the_o senator_n all_o together_o and_o put_v a_o guard_n upon_o they_o and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o people_n tell_v they_o all_o be_v in_o their_o power_n now_o advise_v they_o to_o determine_v their_o several_a face_n according_a to_o their_o demerit_n one_o by_o one_o this_o they_o
of_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v when_o this_o interim_n or_o temporary_a provision_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o the_o primitive_a patriarchal_a religion_n and_o that_o bring_v in_o by_o our_o saviour_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o one_o piece_n the_o latter_a beginning_n where_o the_o former_a end_v the_o content_n then_o of_o the_o great_a charter_n purchase_v for_o we_o and_o bring_v in_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v these_o that_o beside_o the_o free_n of_o we_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n which_o the_o gentile_a world_n lie_v under_o till_o christ_n come_v i_o say_v beside_o these_o which_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a dispute_n our_o christian_a enfranchisement_n discharge_v we_o not_o only_o from_o a_o necessity_n of_o observe_v the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o rite_n of_o judaisme_n but_o further_o and_o especial_o set_v our_o conscience_n at_o liberty_n to_o pursue_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o obey_v any_o law_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v not_o contradict_v the_o express_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v as_o perfect_o free_a as_o those_o be_v that_o live_v before_o any_o scripture_n be_v write_v as_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o those_o scripture_n and_o that_o within_o all_o that_o sphere_n we_o may_v without_o guilt_n or_o burden_n upon_o our_o conscience_n serve_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o neither_o the_o magistrate_n need_v to_o fetch_v a_o particular_a warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o authorise_v his_o prescription_n nor_o we_o a_o express_a licence_n thence_o to_o legitimate_a our_o respective_a obedience_n but_o the_o former_a may_v free_o consult_v his_o own_o reason_n common_a prudence_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o own_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v true_a and_o real_a freedom_n when_o with_o a_o good_a and_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n we_o may_v conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o society_n when_o i_o have_v a_o power_n in_o utramque_fw-la and_o may_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v all_o those_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o define_v in_o scripture_n according_a as_o public_a law_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o society_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v appear_v further_o by_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n but_o especial_o that_o to_o the_o roman_n enjoin_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o scruple_n about_o eat_v or_o not_o eat_v of_o certain_a meat_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n to_o consult_v charity_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n that_o be_v such_o principle_n of_o resolve_v scruple_n as_o before_o i_o describe_v and_o bid_v they_o not_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o scripture_n or_o to_o expect_v a_o determination_n of_o such_o question_n thence_o see_v rom._n 14._o 3_o 5_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 19_o and_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2_o etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o these_o two_o thing_n follow_v 1._o that_o christian_a liberty_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o freedom_n in_o utramque_fw-la that_o be_v that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o prudence_n peace_n and_o charity_n it_o be_v equal_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v any_o or_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o forbid_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a the_o conscience_n be_v free_a in_o the_o general_n and_o only_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o those_o consideration_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o infringement_n but_o a_o exercise_n of_o this_o liberty_n actual_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o side_n towards_o which_o prudence_n or_o charity_n shall_v incline_v though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o other_o side_n be_v in_o the_o general_a as_o lawful_a as_o that_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v liberty_n and_o condescension_n or_o self-denial_n join_v together_o by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5._o 13._o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o and_o by_o st._n peter_n 1_o ep._n 2._o 16._o as_o free_v yet_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n which_o two_o place_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o themselves_o as_o no_o commentary_n can_v make_v they_o more_o so_o and_o so_o full_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o nothing_o further_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o so_o these_o two_o point_n thus_o gain_v will_v give_v abundant_a foundation_n for_o a_o three_o to_o be_v infer_v from_o they_o viz._n that_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o free_a to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o according_a as_o i_o shall_v be_v incline_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o brotherly_a charity_n and_o compassion_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v also_o as_o free_v to_o i_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o serve_v public_a peace_n and_o order_n in_o without_o either_o prostitution_n of_o my_o liberty_n or_o violation_n of_o god_n right_a and_o prerogative_n for_o whatsoever_o i_o may_v do_v in_o compassion_n to_o my_o brother_n infirmity_n sure_o that_o i_o may_v much_o more_o do_v in_o reverence_n to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o lawful_a magistrate_n which_o be_v the_o point_n we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n drive_v at_o chap._n viii_o of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n what_o it_o be_v and_o its_o privilege_n if_o plead_v our_o charter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v not_o give_v we_o a_o discharge_n from_o obedience_n to_o our_o superior_n whether_o in_o thing_n sacred_a or_o civil_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o can_v yet_o possible_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n may_v this_o be_v think_v to_o have_v not_o only_o a_o privilege_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o prerogative_n to_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o humane_a law_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o ecclesiastical_a it_o pretend_v to_o be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o exempt_a from_o any_o inferior_a cognizance_n like_o the_o monastic_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v immediate_o and_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n so_o this_o to_o god_n tribunal_n and_o none_o else_o nay_o it_o look_v like_o a_o dictatorian_a authority_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v legibus_fw-la soluta_fw-la this_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v can_v limit_v the_o magistrate_n null_a law_n forbid_v execution_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o change_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v wicked_a and_o rebellious_a before_o this_o can_v canonize_v any_o opinion_n legitimate_a any_o action_n warrant_v any_o extravagancy_n in_o the_o person_n that_o own_v it_o the_o man_n of_o a_o tender_a conscience_n may_v pass_v all_o guard_n all_o mound_n and_o bar_n that_o be_v set_v to_o confine_v other_o must_v be_v open_a to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n and_o for_o he_o there_o be_v no_o law_n no_o controllment_n no_o punishment_n the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o conscience_n be_v a_o inviolable_a sanctuary_n and_o he_o that_o meddle_v with_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o fighter_n against_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o convince_v he_o discourse_n to_o he_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o hear_v you_o his_o conscience_n be_v his_o priest_n prophet_n and_o king_n too_o he_o hang_v and_o draw_v and_o all_o within_o himself_o as_o we_o say_v whatsoever_o he_o think_v can_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v can_v be_v no_o sin_n unless_o therefore_o we_o can_v pull_v down_o this_o usurper_n we_o must_v look_v for_o no_o magistracy_n and_o except_o we_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o this_o pretention_n all_o endeavour_n of_o restore_a uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v vain_a and_o useless_a let_v we_o 1._o therefore_o consider_v what_o conscience_n be_v in_o general_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v better_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o strength_n of_o this_o mighty_a pretender_n 2._o what_o a_o tender_a conscience_n be_v 3._o what_o privilege_n or_o exemption_n it_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o 1._o what_o conscience_n be_v and_o indeed_o the_o original_n of_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n seem_v to_o lie_v here_o some_o have_v give_v such_o pompous_a and_o romantic_a description_n of_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v beguile_v man_n into_o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v far_o a_o mighty_a potentate_n than_o indeed_o