swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o and_o four_o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n first_o say_v they_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n for_o christ_n they_o say_v institute_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n than_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o he_o give_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v themselves_o distinct_o and_o independent_a of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o where_o have_v they_o authority_n for_o this_o opinion_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v 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church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v plain_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o large_a of_o these_o city_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o hereafter_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v congregational_a as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o what_o then_o that_o may_v have_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v always_o continue_v so_o why_o do_v they_o not_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o christ_n do_v and_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v the_o same_o 12._o same_o and_o if_o they_o must_v keep_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n why_o do_v any_o of_o their_o minister_n marry_v a_o second_o wife_n for_o st._n paul_n say_v plain_o let_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 2._o &_o 12._o so_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o god_n own_o institution_n over_o family_n they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o god_n first_o institution_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o fancy_n of_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o must_v stick_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o any_o little_a indifferent_a circumstance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o public_a order_n or_o conveniency_n but_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o congregational_a church_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n which_o comprehend_v many_o congregation_n or_o parish_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalcedon_n 17._o 20._o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2._o 5._o codex_fw-la eccles_n africa_n c._n 53._o 55._o council_n gangrae_fw-la c._n 6._o council_n carthag_n c._n 10_o 11._o and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n be_v unlawful_a for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n and_o church-government_n without_o god_n appointment_n for_o say_v mr._n baxter_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n no_o church_n must_v be_v big_a than_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n may_v perform_v the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o they_o in_o present_a communion_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v three_o sort_n of_o bishop_n by_o divine_a right_n first_o general_z bishop_n that_o in_o every_o nation_n be_v over_o many_o church_n second_o episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la or_o rule_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v all_o true_a presbyter_n three_o episcopi_fw-la praesides_fw-la which_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n notion_n of_o bishop_n but_o other_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o but_o one_o kind_n of_o bishop_n and_o such_o they_o make_v the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n but_o that_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v false_a will_v appear_v for_o that_o first_o it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o large_a for_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v no_o rule_n about_o limit_n the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o form_n of_o the_o empire_n plant_v in_o every_o city_n a_o complete_a and_o entire_a church_n who_o bishop_n as_o to_o his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n resemble_v that_o of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n the_o presbyter_n that_o of_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o several_a church_n the_o several_a corporation_n so_o say_v dr._n still_o in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 237._o and_o quote_v origen_n c._n cell_n l._n 3._o and_o dr._n maurice_n in_o his_o def._n of_o diocese_n episcopacy_n p._n 377_o etc._n etc._n affirm_v the_o same_o and_o prove_v it_o at_o large_a and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o city_n extend_v itself_o so_o far_o do_v the_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n extend_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o city_n have_v but_o one_o territory_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n agree_v upon_o by_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o because_o some_o may_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o african_a church_n for_o which_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dissenter_n express_v a_o esteem_n above_o all_o other_o church_n it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n among_o the_o african_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n
his_o own_o memory_n to_o retain_v all_o his_o want_n and_o the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n so_o in_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o something_o or_o other_o will_v very_o oft_o be_v forget_v which_o may_v be_v avoid_v by_o use_v of_o a_o well_o compose_v form_n but_o again_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o god_n almighty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o vain_a repetition_n and_o with_o bald_a and_o unproper_a and_o too_o often_o nonsensical_a expression_n such_o as_o usual_o attend_v their_o extempore_o prayer_n doubtless_o he_o can_v for_o where_o he_o have_v give_v judgement_n and_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n he_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v use_v in_o his_o service_n as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o worldly_a business_n our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v not_o to_o use_v vain_a repetition_n nor_o think_v to_o be_v hear_v for_o our_o much_o speak_n matth._n 6._o 7._o and_o solomon_n eccles_n 5._o 1_o 2._o say_v keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v not_o nash_v with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o how_o agreeable_a now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o their_o rash_a approach_v to_o god_n with_o a_o long_a inconsiderate_a prayer_n let_v any_o man_n judge_n when_o they_o make_v their_o address_n to_o the_o late_a king_n james_n they_o draw_v it_o up_o with_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o premeditation_n imaginable_a and_o every_o sentence_n be_v careful_o consider_v on_o by_o several_a of_o the_o best_a head_n among_o they_o but_o they_o address_v the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a expression_n of_o one_o person_n and_o he_o perhaps_o a_o weak_a onetoo_o but_o some_o of_o they_o say_v why_o shall_v not_o minister_n be_v tie_v to_o a_o form_n of_o 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the_o same_o individual_a form_n themselves_o word_n for_o word_n throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n as_o any_o one_o that_o frequent_a their_o public_a or_o private_a meeting_n may_v observe_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n be_v such_o as_o relate_v to_o their_o conscience_n for_o say_v they_o what_o though_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v lawful_a since_o we_o can_v satisfy_v our_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v so_o we_o must_v not_o act_v against_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o for_o st._n paul_n say_v let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14._o but_o i_o answer_v first_o this_o scripture_n be_v mean_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o no_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o whole_a chapter_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o meat_n time_n day_n etc._n etc._n and_o blame_v the_o roman_n for_o condemn_v and_o quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o they_o but_o second_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o not_o that_o note_v when_o we_o refuse_v any_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n we_o must_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n will_v not_o excuse_v our_o disobedience_n a_o doubt_a conscience_n be_v when_o the_o conscience_n be_v in_o such_o a_o perfect_a aequilibrium_fw-la or_o suspense_n as_o that_o there_o appear_v no_o more_o reason_n on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o on_o the_o other_o in_o such_o case_n the_o command_n of_o authority_n turn_v the_o scale_n and_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o obey_v since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o well_o lawful_a as_o not_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n will_v not_o excuse_v from_o sin_n in_o some_o case_n for_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o that_o conscience_n will_v not_o excuse_v from_o sin_n unless_o all_o proper_a help_n and_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o inform_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n scruple_v this_o mr._n baxter_n own_v in_o his_o dispute_n of_o church_n government_n p._n 483._o where_o he_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n through_o ignorance_n or_o prejudice_n take_v unlawful_a thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o lawful_a thing_n to_o be_v unlawful_a this_o will_v not_o excuse_v he_o in_o his_o disobedience_n suppose_v then_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o magistrate_n impose_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o lawful_o may_v impose_v as_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v begin_v the_o public_a worship_n at_o a_o hour_n and_o end_n at_o a_o hour_n the_o quaker_n they_o say_v this_o be_v stint_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o sinful_a and_o that_o they_o can_v in_o conscience_n communicate_v with_o we_o till_o it_o be_v remove_v i_o will_v ask_v a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a separation_n or_o not_o they_o will_v own_v it_o be_v notwithstanding_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n for_o the_o sin_n must_v needs_o lie_v some_o where_o either_o on_o those_o who_o impose_v the_o thing_n or_o on_o those_o who_o separate_v not_o on_o those_o who_o impose_v it_o because_o they_o allow_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v to_o be_v lawful_a therefore_o it_o must_v be_v on_o those_o who_o separate_v because_o they_o do_v not_o inform_v themselves_o true_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n scruple_v and_o indeed_o if_o a_o bare_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n will_v justify_v separation_n the_o anabaptist_n and_o all_o other_o sect_n may_v as_o well_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o as_o they_o can_v do_v they_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n we_o may_v subdivide_v till_o there_o be_v as_o many_o religion_n as_o men._n i_o grant_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o great_a that_o can_v be_v and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n but_o this_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o a_o conscience_n when_o all_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n have_v be_v use_v to_o rectify_v and_o inform_v it_o and_o than_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o pure_a conscience_n yes_o say_v they_o doubtless_o we_o do_v but_o have_v they_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n to_o inform_v their_o judgement_n and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n sure_o they_o will_v not_o say_v they_o have_v be_v not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dissenter_n a_o poor_a illiterate_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o nor_o ever_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o it_o but_o will_v go_v to_o the_o meeting_n because_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n do_v so_o before_o they_o and_o will_v rail_v at_o the_o church_n though_o ask_v they_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o it_o serious_o and_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o and_o as_o for_o those_o few_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n among_o they_o who_o perhaps_o have_v have_v great_a advantage_n of_o education_n be_v it_o not_o remarkable_a that_o they_o read_v and_o converse_v altogether_o on_o one_o side_n and_o associate_v themselves_o into_o club_n and_o cabal_n of_o such_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o themselves_o but_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o create_v the_o least_o intimacy_n with_o any_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v but_o offer_v to_o inform_v they_o though_o in_o never_o so_o peaceable_a and_o friendly_a a_o manner_n do_v it_o not_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o eternal_a quarrel_n or_o at_o least_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o any_o far_a intimacy_n
between_o they_o be_v not_o this_o true_o the_o case_n among_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o this_o be_v truth_n which_o i_o say_v how_o can_v these_o man_n pretend_v then_o that_o they_o have_v use_v all_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n they_o who_o real_o scruple_n thing_n out_o of_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v sincere_o willing_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o best_a friend_n who_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o violent_a passion_n against_o those_o who_o offer_v to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n and_o for_o their_o kindness_n return_v most_o reproachful_a bitter_a language_n both_o on_o the_o person_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a and_o the_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o sacred_a which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o their_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o even_o in_o common_a discourse_n how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o obtain_v from_o the_o zeal_n of_o many_o of_o our_o dissenter_n so_o much_o truce_n as_o to_o hear_v what_o one_o can_v say_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o civility_n they_o tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n we_o may_v spare_v our_o breath_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o they_o understand_v their_o duty_n better_o than_o we_o do_v they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o will_v not_o be_v wheedle_v out_o of_o their_o opinion_n by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v this_o be_v truth_n mr._n baxter_n himself_o have_v own_a as_o much_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 81._o where_o he_o affirm_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o who_o think_v that_o his_o own_o or_o other_o reason_v will_v ever_o change_v all_o the_o true_o honest_a christian_n in_o the_o land_n know_v so_o little_a of_o matter_n or_o of_o man_n or_o of_o conscience_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o a_o priest_n what_o will_v they_o say_v now_o to_o this_o will_v their_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n excuse_v their_o separation_n and_o disobedience_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o will_v not_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n nay_o far_o when_o they_o declare_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o go_v about_o to_o remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o for_o shame_n it_o be_v against_o common_a reason_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o even_o of_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v for_o once_o that_o every_o particular_a dissenter_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o satisfy_v his_o conscience_n and_o that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v conquer_v their_o scruple_n what_o then_o must_v they_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o separation_n no_o this_o be_v never_o allow_v by_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o by_o any_o christian_a church_n since_o their_o time_n not_o even_o by_o our_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o it_o nor_o advise_v other_o to_o do_v so_o say_v vine_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n pag._n 39_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n we_o find_v there_o be_v some_o who_o scruple_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v but_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o their_o pretend_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n and_o allow_v none_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o their_o own_o set_n up_o because_o they_o can_v not_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1648._o use_n against_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o plead_v for_o separation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o dissenter_n do_v now_o see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 111._o and_o when_o the_o independent_o tell_v they_o they_o can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n so_o as_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o beg_v that_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v separate_a congregation_n the_o assembly_n positive_o refuse_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n and_o charge_v they_o with_o schism_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o say_v they_o to_o desire_v separate_a congregation_n as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o worship_n where_o they_o own_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n may_v justify_v non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v but_o it_o can_v justify_v a_o separation_n see_v the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 51_o etc._n etc._n for_o if_o it_o shall_v say_v they_o it_o than_o will_v make_v way_n for_o infinite_a division_n and_o sub-division_n and_o give_v countenance_n to_o perpetual_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n ib._n p._n 68_o 73_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o assembly_n justify_v themselves_o in_o so_o do_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o they_o tell_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o they_o hereby_o than_o what_o they_o be_v confident_a be_v practise_v by_o the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n namely_o to_o hold_v practical_a communion_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o doctrinal_o agree_v ib._n p._n 115._o so_o that_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o brethren_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n may_v be_v take_v upon_o the_o most_o weighty_a debate_n and_o serious_a deliberation_n their_o set_n up_o separate_a meeting_n and_o forsake_v the_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o scruple_n which_o they_o pretend_v they_o can_v conquer_v be_v sinful_a and_o schismatical_a and_o when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v press_v far_o by_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n they_o desire_v they_o to_o answer_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n whether_o some_o must_v be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n or_o none_o if_o none_o than_o say_v they_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o covenant_n and_o let_v in_o prelacy_n again_o and_o all_o other_o way_n if_o a_o denial_n of_o liberty_n to_o some_o may_v be_v just_a than_o uniformity_n may_v be_v settle_v notwithstanding_o man_n different_a judgement_n or_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n paper_n for_o accommodation_n pag._n 116._o agreeable_a hereto_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o where_o they_o have_v the_o power_n as_o in_o new-england_n no_o separation_n be_v there_o allow_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v and_o by_o their_o tell_n mr._n williams_n a_o famous_a minister_n among_o they_o that_o if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v he_o but_o separation_n because_o he_o can_v not_o conquer_v his_o scruple_n the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o and_o so_o away_o they_o banish_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o our_o dissenter_n can_v not_o satisfy_v their_o conscience_n about_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v after_o due_a pain_n take_v to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o concern_v they_o justify_v their_o non-communion_n in_o the_o thing_n scruple_v now_o i_o will_v show_v that_o there_o be_v real_o no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o all_o those_o who_o do_v forsake_v the_o church_n and_o frequent_v separate_a meeting_n be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a divine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o by_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n mr._n gifford_n corbet_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n themselves_o heretofore_o for_o first_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o separate_v from_o any_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v the_o scripture_n allow_v separation_n only_o in_o these_o three_o case_n first_o in_o case_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n second_o in_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n impose_v instead_o of_o true_a and_o three_o in_o case_n thing_n indifferent_a be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o where_o these_o three_o be_v want_v nothing_o will_v justify_v separation_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalced._n 17_o 20_o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2_o 5._o cod._n
the_o will_n of_o their_o lawful_a prince_n though_o a_o heathen_a and_o will_v not_o our_o dissenter_n show_v the_o same_o respect_n to_o a_o christian_a prince_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o whether_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_v some_o minister_n such_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n questionless_a that_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o they_o in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a which_o be_v near_o 1400_o year_n constantine_n by_o his_o edict_n suppress_v all_o separate_a meeting_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o novatian_o and_o silence_v their_o preacher_n though_o their_o ordination_n be_v as_o good_a as_o any_o among_o our_o nonconformist_n see_v eusebius_n vita_fw-la const_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o and_o st._n augustine_n do_v very_o much_o commend_v the_o emperor_n for_o so_o do_v see_v aug._n ep._n 48._o and_o see_v also_o his_o 4_o the_o book_n against_o cresconius_n a_o donatist_n ch_n 51._o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n do_v at_o this_o day_n silence_n such_o minister_n as_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o believe_v they_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v at_o geneva_n their_o council_n of_o state_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o elect_v and_o depose_v minister_n nay_o far_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o geneva_n they_o have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o silence_n but_o to_o excommunicate_v such_o minister_n as_o shall_v contemn_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n disturb_v the_o order_n of_o it_o in_o the_o french_a church_n if_o any_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n he_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v a_o schismatic_a and_o calvin_n himself_o ep._n olevian_n pag._n 311_o and_o 122._o say_v let_v he_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o society_n be_v cast_v out_o but_o what_o need_v we_o go_v so_o far_o from_o home_n for_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o dissenter_n heretofore_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n first_o then_o in_o the_o great_a dispute_n between_o the_o brownist_n and_o the_o nonconformist_n about_o the_o minister_n preach_v etc._n etc._n against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n the_o nonconformist_n all_o agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v power_n immediate_o from_o god_n to_o set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n but_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o under_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o our_o minister_n have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o our_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v respect_v see_v gifford_n a_o nonconformist_a minister_n his_o answer_n to_o barrow_n and_o see_v the_o confutation_n of_o the_o brownist_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n who_o join_v together_o for_o that_o purpose_n publish_v by_o one_o rathband_n by_o their_o command_n p._n 51._o and_o see_v mr._n bradshaw_n his_o answer_n to_o johnson_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o silence_v the_o apostle_n for_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o silence_v of_o they_o be_v intend_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v among_o we_o for_o the_o intent_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o silence_v all_o christian_a minister_n but_o some_o particular_a man_n only_o so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o minister_n or_o no_o but_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o doubtless_o every_o christian_a prince_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v what_o man_n he_o think_v fit_a for_o public_a office_n in_o church_n or_o state_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v equal_o qualify_v according_a to_o god_n law_n but_o to_o go_v on_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o dissenter_n in_o the_o late_a unhappy_a time_n be_v not_o yet_o forget_v they_o be_v all_o then_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o christ_n minister_n may_v be_v silence_v and_o according_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n every_o party_n as_o it_o serve_v their_o turn_n see_v their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n all_o who_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o solemn_o swear_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o abolish_v episcopacy_n and_o set_v up_o presbytery_n be_v immediate_o not_o only_a silence_v but_o sequester_v though_o their_o ministry_n be_v as_o much_o of_o divine_a right_n as_o any_o of_o they_o now_o conscience_n then_o be_v no_o plea_n for_o not_o take_v this_o solemn_a oath_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v one_o of_o the_o old_a clergy_n to_o teach_v a_o school_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v their_o own_o independent_a brethren_n to_o preach_v though_o they_o have_v all_o take_v presbyterian_a order_n as_o they_o themselves_o see_v the_o letter_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o london_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n ann._n 1645._o jan._n 1._o and_o the_o grand_a debate_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o new-england_n where_o the_o independent_o have_v the_o power_n they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n none_o be_v to_o preach_v public_o by_o their_o law_n where_o any_o two_o organic_n church_n council_n of_o state_n or_o general_a court_n shall_v declare_v their_o dissatisfaction_n thereat_o see_v their_o body_n of_o statute_n which_o they_o have_v late_o print_v nay_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o silence_v such_o minister_n as_o will_v not_o conform_v but_o they_o banish_v they_o too_o as_o they_o do_v mr._n willams_n and_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a then_o that_o the_o silence_v of_o such_o minister_n by_o the_o king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o positive_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o give_v their_o governor_n such_o a_o test_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o in_o their_o discretion_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o require_v of_o they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o unlawful_a and_o wicked_a now_o that_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v in_o power_n and_o by_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o test_n which_o the_o law_n require_v of_o their_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n be_v too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a they_o may_v blame_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o governor_n can_v be_v too_o cautious_a in_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o a_o faction_n that_o have_v once_o already_o overthrow_v this_o monarchy_n and_o church_n and_o give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v the_o same_o again_o especial_o the_o latter_a as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n the_o bitter_a spirit_n they_o show_v in_o scotland_n already_o and_o their_o unchristian_a like_a behaviour_n to_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n show_v we_o plain_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v here_o when_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n which_o the_o dissenter_n use_v for_o separation_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v against_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o they_o say_v our_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v unlawful_a for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n injoin_v some_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o ceremony_n and_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n first_o as_o to_o our_o ceremony_n the_o church_n of_o england_n use_v no_o ceremony_n but_o such_o as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n have_v prove_v in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v now_o use_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n the_o lutheran_n church_n have_v the_o same_o and_o more_o ceremony_n than_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o these_o church_n have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a protestant_n as_o appear_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o chareton_n in_o france_n anno_fw-la 1631._o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o do_v make_v law_n and_o canon_n in_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n and_o compel_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o obey_v the_o same_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o every_o variation_n in_o circumstance_n in_o god_n worship_n
be_v set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o our_o dissenter_n seem_v to_o do_v when_o they_o charge_v we_o with_o set_v up_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n and_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a adoration_n we_o all_o agree_v be_v a_o substantial_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o whether_o this_o adoration_n be_v perform_v by_o prostration_n or_o by_o bow_v or_o by_o kneel_v be_v a_o circumstance_n in_o itself_o indifferent_a and_o therefore_o they_o who_o differ_v in_o these_o circumstance_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n see_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n where_o you_o will_v find_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o ceremony_n the_o latter_a helvetian_a confession_n say_v that_o there_o be_v different_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n find_v in_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n judge_v hereby_o that_o the_o church_n dissent_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o bohemia_n have_v wherefore_o those_o rite_n and_o those_o good_a ceremony_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v keep_v which_o among_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n do_v edify_v therefore_o whether_o they_o be_v extent_n or_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o the_o council_n ecclesiastical_a or_o by_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v not_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o that_o but_o must_v use_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o little_a after_o although_o our_o man_n do_v not_o equal_o observe_v all_o ceremony_n with_o other_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o mind_v as_o to_o move_v any_o dissension_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o ceremony_n although_o they_o be_v not_o judge_v to_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n and_o the_o augustine_n confession_n have_v some_o man_n than_o may_v ask_v whether_o we_o will_v have_v this_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v without_o order_n without_o ceremony_n in_o no_o wise_a but_o we_o teach_v that_o the_o true_a pastor_n in_o their_o church_n may_v ordain_v public_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o beza_n in_o his_o 24_o epist_n agree_v herein_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o reformation_n ch._n 16._o say_v he_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o ceremony_n not_o only_o those_o which_o be_v for_o decency_n but_o those_o which_o be_v symbolical_a let_v all_o thing_n s_o be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n say_v the_o scripture_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o to_o come_v home_o to_o our_o dissenter_n mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 337._o speak_v of_o our_o public_a worship_n in_o our_o parish_n church_n say_v in_o all_o the_o lawful_a order_n gesture_n and_o manner_n of_o behaviour_n in_o god_n worship_n affect_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n but_o conform_v yourself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o the_o church_n singularity_n be_v a_o discord_n etc._n etc._n see_v vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n p._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v give_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o such_o ceremony_n as_o serve_v for_o order_n or_o edification_n and_o be_v not_o direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n be_v to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o most_o eminent_a man_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o ceremony_n be_v lawful_a and_o what_o not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o ceremony_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o not_o lawful_a as_o that_o be_v if_o a_o ceremony_n be_v make_v a_o substantial_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o unalterable_a or_o be_v suppose_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n meritorious_a or_o please_a to_o god_n and_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o sinful_a though_o there_o be_v no_o human_a law_n which_o require_v the_o do_v of_o it_o then_o it_o become_v sinful_a because_o it_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o make_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n of_o wash_v before_o meat_n sinful_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o many_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o ceremony_n be_v enjoin_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o order_n and_o uniformity_n in_o god_n worship_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o great_a mischief_n which_o we_o shall_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o if_o every_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v their_o several_a different_a judgement_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a but_o say_v they_o if_o these_o ceremony_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n why_o do_v the_o discipline_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n force_n man_n to_o use_v they_o i_o answer_v the_o church_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o ceremony_n as_o thing_n that_o bound_v the_o conscience_n or_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v in_o themselves_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n be_v force_v to_o observe_v they_o and_o punish_v if_o they_o refuse_v be_v because_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o church_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o church_n or_o state_n make_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v sinful_a rom._n 13._o 5._o and_o 2._o and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v punish_v and_o also_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o thus_o we_o justify_v our_o bow_n at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n at_o seasonable_a time_n and_o all_o our_o ceremony_n since_o the_o church_n have_v appoint_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v unless_o we_o can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v so_o long_o as_o the_o worship_n be_v direct_v to_o a_o true_a object_n to_o wit_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o ceremony_n of_o bow_v towards_o the_o altar_n note_v the_o canon_n that_o appoint_v it_o do_v not_o oblige_v any_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o posture_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o wit_n kneel_v it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v always_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n which_o posture_n vary_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n now_o kneel_v be_v the_o posture_n of_o adoration_n in_o these_o kingdom_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v therefore_o appoint_v that_o it_o be_v take_v kneel_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a that_o so_o sacred_a a_o ordinance_n and_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n shall_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o thankful_a and_o humble_a posture_n that_o may_v be_v and_o that_o sure_o be_v on_o our_o knee_n which_o be_v also_o the_o fit_a posture_n for_o those_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n with_o which_o so_o sacred_a a_o work_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v at_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o take_v it_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o i_o know_v be_v make_v against_o this_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v because_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a and_o contrary_a to_o christ_n own_o practice_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o will_v make_v we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n all_o idolater_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o do_v not_o our_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n tell_v they_o as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v express_v it_o that_o we_o pay_v no_o adoration_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o sacrament_n but_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o will_v they_o make_v we_o idolater_n for_o all_o this_o have_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o write_v so_o strong_a against_o idolize_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o our_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o will_v they_o persuade_v we_o we_o be_v idolater_n they_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o we_o worship_v the_o stone_n in_o the_o church-wall_n when_o we_o kneel_v down_o to_o pray_v in_o they_o and_o true_o i_o
fear_v many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o which_o make_v they_o use_v that_o posture_n so_o seldom_o in_o their_o public_a meeting_n for_o you_o shall_v seldom_o see_v in_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n scarce_o one_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n on_o their_o knee_n not_o even_o at_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n if_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v say_v which_o be_v not_o often_o their_o usual_a posture_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o public_a congregation_n be_v either_o stand_a or_o loll_v on_o their_o elbow_n and_o at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o even_o of_o the_o psalm_n themselves_o though_o they_o be_v the_o very_o high_a strain_n of_o devotion_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o all_o sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n and_o many_o of_o they_o with_o their_o hat_n on_o but_o pray_v how_o come_v the_o posture_n of_o sit_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fit_a posture_n for_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v that_o the_o posture_n christ_n use_v no_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v most_o learned_a man_n they_o will_v tell_v we_o christ_n give_v it_o lean_v which_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v any_o one_o set_a posture_n for_o lean_v be_v a_o mean_a as_o it_o be_v between_z kneeling_z and_o stand_v and_o seem_v to_o incline_v equal_o to_o both_o why_o do_v they_o not_o take_v it_o lean_v as_o christ_n do_v and_o after_o supper_n and_o in_o a_o upper_a room_n why_o do_v they_o not_o observe_v all_o these_o circumstance_n if_o one_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o without_o sin_n why_o not_o another_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n why_o will_v they_o not_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n take_v it_o either_o stand_n or_o kneel_v as_o be_v posture_n of_o adoration_n but_o because_o they_o do_v our_o english_a dissenter_n will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o posture_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o irreverent_a and_o far_a from_o adoration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n sit_v on_o their_o breeches_n it_o be_v a_o feast_n say_v they_o and_o therefore_o sit_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o ease_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o it_o we_o own_v it_o be_v a_o feast_n but_o not_o a_o common_a but_o spiritual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o not_o in_o the_o posture_n we_o use_v at_o our_o common_a table_n but_o in_o a_o more_o decent_a and_o reverend_a posture_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o nonconformist_a preacher_n in_o this_o matter_n vine_n in_o his_o book_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o say_v it_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o vary_v in_o occasional_a circumstance_n in_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n such_o as_o time_n and_o place_n and_o posture_n etc._n etc._n mr._n baxter_n have_v several_a time_n declare_v the_o same_o and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o the_o nonconformist_a minister_n and_o herewith_o agree_v hooker_n in_o his_o eccles_n polity_n lib._n 5._o p._n 366._o as_o to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o admission_n into_o society_n to_o use_v some_o particular_a ceremony_n therefore_o as_o baptism_n beside_o its_o sacramental_a efficacy_n be_v a_o rite_n of_o admission_n into_o christ_n catholic_n church_n so_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v into_o our_o church_n of_o england_n we_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o use_v it_o as_o a_o dedicative_a sign_n to_o god_n we_o only_o as_o a_o token_n or_o declarative_a sign_n to_o man_n they_o use_v it_o before_o baptism_n and_o make_v it_o part_n of_o it_o we_o after_o and_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o baptism_n but_o allow_v the_o baptism_n to_o be_v good_a without_o it_o and_o it_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o private_a baptism_n if_o it_o be_v scruple_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o since_o these_o ceremony_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o be_v scruple_v by_o the_o dissenter_n why_o will_v the_o church_n of_o england_n impose_v they_o i_o answer_v first_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o convenient_a that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v think_v necessary_a by_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o order_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v cast_v aside_o to_o humour_v some_o over_o scrupulous_a and_o restless_a mind_n and_o who_o it_o be_v like_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v be_v that_o grant_v second_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o do_v allow_v and_o practice_v they_o than_o such_o a_o handful_n of_o people_n as_o the_o dissenter_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o there_o be_v as_o insignificant_a ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v now_o notwithstanding_o some_o man_n scruple_n concern_v they_o as_o the_o love_n feast_n and_o holy_a kiss_n etc._n etc._n till_o abolish_v by_o general_a consent_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o their_o own_o divine_n at_o westminster_n tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o notwithstanding_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n judgement_n do_v prescribe_v rule_n of_o uniformity_n see_v paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 111._o the_o next_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o dissenter_n make_v to_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n be_v for_o that_o we_o tie_v up_o our_o minister_n to_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o exercise_v their_o gift_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o argument_n which_o they_o common_o use_v against_o write_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v first_o they_o say_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o they_o call_v preach_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o be_v humane_a because_o subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o error_n but_o if_o so_o then_o must_v we_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o write_a prayer_n but_o the_o whole_a bible_n too_o unless_o in_o the_o original_a tongue_n for_o all_o translation_n of_o it_o be_v humane_a and_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o also_o the_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o pastor_n must_v be_v exclude_v for_o the_o error_n in_o the_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o pastor_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lively_a voice_n of_o god_n own_o grace_n and_o the_o psalm_n in_o metre_n must_v be_v also_o exclude_v another_o argument_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o outward_a help_n in_o the_o action_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n they_o say_v help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o write_v form_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a help_n be_v sinful_a but_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o voice_n of_o another_o that_o pray_v or_o fast_v or_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o eye_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 8._o or_o kneel_v be_v prayer_n itself_o or_o only_o outward_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o more_o fervent_a sure_o they_o be_v outward_a help_n only_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n again_o they_o say_v read_v a_o prayer_n can_v be_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v the_o pour_v forth_o supplication_n to_o god_n the_o other_o a_o receive_n in_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v but_o when_o one_o hear_v a_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o another_o his_o hear_n do_v receive_v it_o into_o his_o soul_n but_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n he_o do_v power_n it_o forth_o as_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n why_o then_o may_v not_o this_o be_v do_v as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v read_v as_o when_o it_o be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o but_o then_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o so_o why_o will_v they_o hear_v the_o extempore_o prayer_n of_o another_o man_n be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o the_o hearer_n as_o any_o write_a form_n can_v be_v doubtless_o it_o be_v how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o as_o much_o stint_v when_o they_o join_v in_o this_o form_n as_o if_o they_o have_v join_v in_o a_o write_a form_n but_o since_o our_o
dissenter_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o affirm_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v sinful_a and_o be_v never_o use_v among_o christian_n till_o late_o in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o lazyness_n of_o our_o clergy_n i_o will_v show_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n have_v be_v use_v by_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o have_v be_v practise_v and_o recommend_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o both_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o father_n and_o appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o christ_n day_n and_o that_o even_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o our_o own_o nonconformist_n have_v heretofore_o declare_v their_o like_n thereto_o and_o that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v use_v and_o approve_v of_o prescribe_a form_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n at_o this_o day_n and_o last_o i_o will_v show_v that_o our_o english_a common-prayer_n book_n have_v be_v particular_o commend_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o sinful_a as_o to_o cause_v a_o necessity_n of_o separation_n he_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n first_o then_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v use_v by_o god_n people_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n to_o aaron_n say_v on_o this_o wise_a you_o shall_v bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v etc._n etc._n numb_a vi_fw-la 23._o and_o again_o deut._n xxvi_o he_o prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o he_o command_v the_o people_n to_o use_v and_o the_o xxij_o psalm_n be_v a_o prayer_n which_o the_o people_n be_v command_v to_o sing_v or_o say_v every_o morning_n so_o be_v several_a of_o the_o other_o psalm_n form_n of_o prayer_n as_o lxxxvi_o xc_o cij_o etc._n etc._n see_v origen_n cint_n cell_n l._n 4._o p._n 178._o and_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o dissenter_n will_v allow_v these_o psalm_n to_o be_v prayer_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sing_v to_o god_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v pray_v sing_v for_o say_v they_o when_o they_o be_v sing_v they_o be_v not_o prayer_n see_v now_o what_o a_o absurdity_n they_o will_v run_v into_o rather_o than_o forsake_v their_o own_o opinion_n for_o here_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v the_o word_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n devout_o and_o yet_o not_o pray_v second_o christ_n himself_o use_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o doubtless_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o pray_v extempore_o much_o beyond_o what_o our_o dissenter_n or_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v on_o earth_n can_v pretend_v to_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o garden_n a_o little_a before_o his_o suffer_v he_o pray_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n xxvi_o 44._o mark_v fourteen_o 39_o and_o that_o too_o at_o a_o time_n when_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a extremity_n and_o sorrow_n that_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n one_o usual_o pray_v after_o the_o most_o prevail_a and_o fervent_a manner_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n think_v form_n of_o prayer_n very_o necessary_a to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n we_o have_v not_o only_o his_o example_n but_o his_o precept_n for_o it_o too_o for_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o form_n of_o prayer_n matth._n vi_fw-la 9_o and_o bid_v they_o use_v it_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o inconvenience_n which_o he_o see_v do_v usual_o attend_v extempore_o prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o use_v vain_a repetition_n etc._n etc._n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v not_o please_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o first_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o and_o then_o immediate_o after_o he_o give_v they_o a_o short_a and_o perfect_a form_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v that_o evil_n whether_o our_o dissenter_n have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n as_o christ_n disciple_n have_v let_v the_o world_n judge_v that_o hear_v their_o tedious_a ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prayer_n fill_v with_o as_o many_o vain_a repetition_n and_o bald_a and_o sometime_o senseless_a expression_n as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o say_v the_o dissenter_n when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o do_v not_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v use_v any_o certain_a form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o bid_v they_o luke_n 11._o 2._o when_o you_o pray_v say_v thus_o and_o thus_o be_v a_o adverb_n of_o similitude_n do_v show_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o some_o other_o such_o like_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o 3d._n chap._n of_o exod._n v._o 14_o 15._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o again_o the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o here_n moses_n by_o this_o rule_n must_v not_o say_v these_o word_n not_o eheie_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o not_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o but_o the_o like_a and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o all_o along_o when_o the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n they_o do_v not_o tell_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o like_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v scripture_n on_o our_o side_n both_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n we_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v what_o authority_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n i_o gather_v from_o ignatius_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n anno_fw-la dom._n 99_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o those_o at_o magnesia_n he_o bid_v they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n nor_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o private_a fancy_n p._n 34._o and_o socrates_n in_o his_o history_n l._n 6._o c._n 8._o say_v that_o ignatius_n first_o bring_v the_o usage_n of_o sing_v alternate_o as_o we_o use_v in_o our_o choir_n into_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n photius_n affirm_v the_o same_o of_o he_o and_o theodoret_n say_v hist_o lib._n 2._o c._n 24._o that_o this_o custom_n of_o sing_v alternate_o begin_v at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o receive_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o the_o second_o century_n tertull._n de_fw-fr orat._n c._n 1._o and_o c._n 9_o tell_v we_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n then_o in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o call_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n daily_o repeat_v that_o very_a form_n and_o he_o show_v they_o sing_v hymn_n etc._n etc._n then_o in_o the_o church_n alternate_o as_o we_o do_v now_o tertull._n ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la l._n 2._o p._n 172._o and_o calvin_n in_o his_o instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 1._o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v use_v to_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n daily_o and_o that_o they_o do_v it_o by_o christ_n command_n how_o will_v our_o dissenter_n reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o seldom_o or_o never_o use_v of_o it_o even_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o young_a preacher_n yea_o and_o every_o perhaps_o drunken_a cobbler_n prefer_v their_o own_o rash_a and_o indeliberate_a prayer_n before_o it_o in_o the_o three_o century_n st._n cyprian_n who_o live_v then_o affirm_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v use_v daily_o for_o say_v he_o the_o father_n will_v know_v the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o son_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n p._n 309._o and_o the_o same_o cyprian_a in_o his_o ep._n 8._o ad_fw-la cler._n &_o pleb_n p._n 24._o say_v christ_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o all_o man_n in_o a_o common_a prayer_n wherein_o all_o agree_v it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n as_o when_o the_o priest_n say_v lift_v up_o your_o heart_n
the_o people_n answer_v we_o lift_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o lord_n see_v cypr._n de_fw-fr orat._n dom._n §_o 22._o see_v more_o for_o this_o interchangable_a way_n of_o pray_v between_o priest_n and_o people_n b._n bill_n of_o christian_a subjection_n part_v 4._o p._n 435._o in_o the_o same_o century_n origen_n say_v they_o who_o serve_v god_n through_o jesus_n in_o the_o christian_a way_n use_v frequent_o night_n and_o day_n the_o enjoined_a prayer_n see_v orig._n in_o cell_n l._n 6._o p._n 302._o and_o st._n basil_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr spirit_n sanct._n c._n 29._o p._n 221._o tell_v we_o that_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n who_o be_v his_o predecessor_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o neocaesarea_n and_o cotemporary_a with_o st._n cyprian_n compose_v a_o liturgy_n and_o appoint_v ceremony_n for_o that_o church_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o age_n when_o miraculous_a gift_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o century_n ann._n dom._n 312._o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n constantine_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o life_n of_o constantine_n lib._n 4._o c._n 17._o p._n 395._o order_v his_o palace_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o church_n and_o will_v take_v the_o book_n himself_o into_o his_o hand_n either_o for_o explain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o repeat_v the_o prescribe_v prayer_n in_o his_o royal_a family_n in_o the_o same_o century_n athanasius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n show_v we_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n in_o that_o church_n for_o in_o his_o epist_n to_o solitar_n p._n 239._o he_o say_v the_o people_n mourn_v and_o groan_v to_o god_n in_o the_o church_n all_o of_o they_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n good_a lord_n spare_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o seem_v the_o church_n do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o then_o for_o the_o people_n to_o say_v amen_o but_o appoint_v they_o distinct_a and_o intelligent_a answer_n in_o the_o same_o century_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can._n 15._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 459._o appoint_v canonical_a singer_n who_o sing_v out_o of_o book_n and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o begin_v the_o hymn_n and_o the_o same_o council_n can._n 18._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 461._o ordain_v that_o the_o very_a same_o liturgy_n of_o prayer_n shall_v be_v use_v always_o both_o at_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n and_o now_o because_o this_o council_n be_v so_o plain_a evidence_n against_o the_o dissenter_n that_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o they_o fly_v again_o to_o their_o last_o refuge_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o council_n for_o they_o say_v this_o council_n of_o laodicea_n be_v but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n or_o council_n but_o though_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o provincial_a synod_n yet_o i_o hope_v a_o provincial_a council_n of_o orthodox_n bishop_n be_v good_a authority_n but_o beside_o this_o very_a canon_n concern_v liturgy_n be_v take_v into_o the_o code_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v a_o general_a council_n and_o that_o they_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o response_n and_o alternate_a way_n of_o sing_v in_o the_o african_a church_n appear_v by_o st._n cyprian_n before_o and_o by_o optatus_n melevianus_n l._n 2._o p._n 47._o for_o there_o he_o blame_v the_o donatist_n for_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a see_v also_o st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr eccles_n dog_n c._n 30._o tom._n 3._o p._n 46._o many_o more_o instance_n and_o authority_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o st._n basil_n ep._n 63._o p._n 843._o and_o ep._n 68_o p._n 856._o where_o he_o say_v that_o a_o prayer_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o conjoin_v voice_n be_v not_o half_a so_o strong_a as_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v conc._n carthag_a can._n 106._o bev._n tom._n 1._o p._n 640._o but_o i_o will_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o dr._n comber_n of_o liturgy_n and_o dr._n falkner_n his_o defence_n of_o liturgles_n our_o dissenter_n object_n against_o our_o alternate_a way_n of_o pray_v as_o in_o our_o litany_n where_o the_o priest_n say_v half_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o people_n the_o rest_n for_o that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n speak_v a_o complete_a sentence_n and_o therefore_o our_o prayer_n be_v imperfect_a and_o we_o do_v but_o mock_v god_n but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o pray_v by_o way_n of_o response_n be_v use_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a men._n but_o pray_v why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n make_v as_o perfect_v a_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o two_o mouth_n as_o when_o only_o by_o one_o prayer_n be_v not_o the_o pronounce_v of_o word_n but_o the_o join_v the_o desire_n and_o consent_v thereto_o and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v as_o well_o when_o they_o be_v pronounce_v by_o several_a mouth_n as_o by_o one_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o when_o a_o tune_n be_v play_v by_o a_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o the_o treble_n rest_n and_o let_v the_o tenor_n and_o base_n go_v on_o as_o sometime_o they_o do_v that_o the_o tune_n be_v not_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a tune_n for_o if_o you_o take_v either_o part_n single_o it_o be_v not_o but_o altogether_o it_o be_v too_o great_a advantage_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o response_n be_v that_o we_o can_v give_v our_o hearty_a consent_n to_o each_o petition_n after_o a_o more_o lively_a manner_n than_o by_o bare_o say_v amen_n and_o also_o by_o our_o frequent_a answer_v of_o whole_a sentence_n our_o fancy_n be_v the_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o enliven_v by_o shake_v off_o that_o dulness_n and_o drowsiness_n that_o otherwise_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o seize_v upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o bare_o listen_v to_o one_o long_o continue_a prayer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v certain_a prayer_n for_o certain_a time_n and_o occasion_n as_o easter-eve_n etc._n etc._n see_v leo_n in_o vit._n chrysost_n tom._n 8._o p._n 288._o etc._n etc._n thus_o much_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n now_o let_v we_o come_v a_o little_a near_o our_o own_o time_n and_o see_v what_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n be_v concern_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o liturgy_n and_o this_o we_o do_v the_o rather_o because_o the_o dissenter_n be_v perpetual_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o reform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o example_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n though_o i_o think_v under_o favour_n we_o of_o england_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o other_o nation_n as_o to_o the_o reform_v and_o govern_v of_o our_o church_n than_o we_o have_v to_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o state_n since_o we_o have_v as_o absolute_a and_o independent_a power_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o any_o of_o they_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v as_o able_a and_o godly_a minister_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o direct_v we_o therein_o they_o may_v as_o well_o quarrel_n with_o we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o depose_v our_o king_n and_o reduce_v our_o government_n from_o that_o of_o a_o limit_a and_o mix_v monarchy_n to_o a_o commonwealth_n like_o that_o of_o geneva_n but_o since_o they_o insist_v so_o must_v upon_o this_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n come_v near_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o use_v prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n than_o the_o dissenter_n do_v in_o reject_v they_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lutheran_n church_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o which_o far_o exceed_v in_o number_n the_o church_n that_o follow_v calvin_n method_n luther_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o the_o church_n of_o wittemburg_n take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n see_v luther_n epist_n tom._n 2._o p._n 384._o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o his_o communion_n at_o this_o day_n do_v use_v a_o liturgy_n contain_v collect_v epistle_n gospel_n for_o every_o sunday_n prayer_n and_o litany_n together_o with_o all_o other_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ministration_n as_o our_o common-prayer_n book_n do_v and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o almost_o verbatim_o especial_o in_o the_o litany_n and_o these_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n as_o particular_o the_o church_n of_o denmark_n and_o the_o church_n in_o upper_a hungary_n which_o be_v all_o lutheran_n and_o the_o lutheran_n church_n do_v chant_v their_o public_a prayer_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o cathedral_n and_o they_o observe_v holy_a day_n see_v all_o this_o prove_v at_o large_a
eccles_n afr._n c._n 53_o 55._o conc._n gangrae_n c._n 6._o conc._n carth._n c._n 10_o 11._o cod._n can._n eccles_n vniv_n can._n 65._o all_o these_o canon_n and_o many_o more_o do_v condemn_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o be_v sound_a in_o doctrine_n and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n right_o and_o due_o administer_v so_o do_v calvin_n in_o his_o inst_z lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o numb_a 9_o where_o he_o say_v that_o great_a allowance_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o church_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 10._o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n esteem_v he_o a_o renegade_n and_o forsaker_v of_o religion_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o separate_v froward_o from_o any_o christian_a society_n which_o embrace_v but_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o ibid._n sect._n 12._o he_o say_v that_o though_o something_o that_o be_v faulty_a may_v creep_v in_o either_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v principle_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o there_o be_v other_o point_n in_o which_o man_n may_v differ_v and_o yet_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v keep_v and_o ibid._n sect._n 13._o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o private_a man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n though_o faulty_a in_o some_o thing_n etc._n etc._n beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 24._o p._n 148._o agree_v herein_o so_o do_v mounseur_fw-fr daille_n and_o several_a other_o of_o the_o foreign_a divine_n see_v dr._n still_o misch_n of_o separ_fw-la 23._o and_o 97._o so_o do_v the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v and_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n p._n 52._o they_o declare_v far_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n though_o something_n may_v be_v amiss_o in_o it_o not_o as_o a_o sin_n of_o mere_a humane_a infirmity_n but_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n and_o mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o tell_v we_o many_o church_n be_v blame_v in_o scripture_n but_o none_o be_v require_v to_o separate_a from_o they_o see_v the_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n be_v sermon_n by_o several_a nonconformist_n where_o they_o all_o acknowlédge_v our_o worship_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o be_v intrinsical_o good_a and_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o it_o sinful_a ibid._n p._n 31._o so_o than_o it_o seem_v so_o long_o as_o a_o church_n retain_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n amiss_o in_o such_o a_o church_n separation_n from_o it_o be_v sinful_a but_o what_o if_o open_a sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o they_o have_v make_v public_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o be_v too_o frequent_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o such_o may_v i_o not_o separate_a in_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 11_o 12_o 13._o bid_v we_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n a_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a etc._n etc._n with_o such_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o very_a reason_n do_v the_o donatist_n in_o st._n augustine_n be_v day_n give_v among_o other_o for_o their_o separation_n and_o quote_v the_o same_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o schismatic_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o st._n augustine_n and_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n do_v then_o agree_v that_o these_o text_n be_v mean_v only_o of_o separation_n in_o heart_n not_o in_o body_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v when_o such_o a_o multitude_n offend_v as_o that_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o cause_v a_o schism_n there_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v tolerate_v lest_o while_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pull_v up_o the_o tax_n you_o pull_v up_o the_o wheat_n also_o therefore_o let_v they_o both_o grow_v together_o say_v they_o till_o the_o harvest_n but_o when_o only_o a_o few_o be_v guilty_a of_o scandalous_a sin_n there_o they_o say_v let_v not_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n cease_v but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o root_v up_o but_o to_o amend_v see_v aug._n lib._n 3._o against_o permenian_n a_o donatist_n bishop_n ch_z 3._o lib._n 2._o c._n 18._o and_o herewith_o agree_v calv._n lib._n 4._o instit_fw-la c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o where_o he_o say_v that_o though_o sinner_n be_v admit_v to_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o their_o fellowship_n but_o not_o to_o separate_a from_o the_o church_n mr._n baxter_n say_v the_o same_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 347._o and_o vine_n on_o the_o sacrament_n p._n 39_o but_o suppose_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v weak_a or_o a_o man_n of_o a_o loose_a conversation_n and_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o better_a preacher_n elsewhere_o and_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o exemplary_a holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n may_v not_o i_o go_v to_o that_o church_n or_o meet_v where_o i_o find_v most_o edification_n no_o for_o this_o still_o make_v way_n for_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o allow_v in_o any_o regular_a church_n provide_v the_o parson_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v tolerable_a the_o follower_n of_o estathius_fw-la sebastenus_n who_o separate_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o paphlagonia_n be_v condemn_v of_o schism_n by_o the_o council_n at_o gangrae_n and_o see_v calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 1._o sect_n 13._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o so_o ignorant_a and_o proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o in_o his_o sacraleg_n disert_fw-la p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n confess_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o zealous_a professor_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o rend_v and_o tear_v a_o church_n to_o piece_n out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o a_o pure_a way_n of_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v what_o be_v better_a for_o their_o edification_n than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v the_o pretence_n of_o great_a edification_n be_v never_o allow_v by_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o heretofore_o as_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o paper_n for_o accommodation_n and_o the_o grand_a debate_n both_o print_v when_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n sit_v at_o westminster_n nor_o do_v mr._n baxter_n ever_o allow_v of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o separation_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o cure_n of_o division_n p._n 393._o where_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o ungovernable_a and_o factious_a humour_n of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v ever_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n and_o follow_v the_o more_o conceit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o most_o fierce_a and_o bitter_a spirit_n and_o in_o his_o poor_a man_n family_n book_n p._n 280._o he_o say_v for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o right_a term_n of_o church_n communion_n how_o woeful_a be_v our_o division_n you_o must_v have_v union_n and_o communion_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o usual_a meeting_n be_v with_o the_o pure_a church_n if_o you_o lawful_o may_v and_o still_o respect_v the_o public_a good_a but_o sometime_o occasional_o communicate_v with_o defective_a faulty_a church_n so_o be_v it_o they_o be_v true_a church_n and_o put_v you_o not_o upon_o sin_n think_v not_o that_o your_o presence_n make_v all_o the_o fault_n of_o ministry_n worship_n or_o people_n to_o be_v you_o for_o then_o i_o will_v join_v with_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n division_n be_v wound_v and_o tend_v to_o death_n abhor_v it_o as_o you_o love_v the_o church_n welfare_n or_o your_o own_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o ib._n p._n 330._o if_o your_o minister_n say_v he_o be_v intolerable_a through_o ignorance_n heresy_n or_o malignity_n forsake_v he_o utter_o but_o if_o he_o be_v tolerable_a though_o weak_a and_o cold_a and_o if_o you_o can_v remove_v your_o dwell_n then_o public_a order_n and_o your_o soul_n s_o edification_n must_v be_v join_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v in_o london_n or_o other_o city_n you_o may_v go_v ordinary_o to_o another_o parish_n church_n but_o in_o the_o country_n and_o where_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n you_o may_v one_o part_n of_o the_o day_n hear_v in_o one_o parish_n and_o another_o in_o the_o next_o if_o there_o be_v a_o man_n much_o fit_a